Prebiotics

What is it?

Prebiotics are non-living compounds (often specific sugars/fibers) that selectively feed beneficial skin or gut microorganisms, used in skincare to help support a healthy skin microbiome balance.

What does it do?

Commonly used to help support a balanced skin microbiome. A review of microbiome-modulatory treatments for acne found some evidence supporting probiotics/prebiotics/synbiotics, while honestly noting most existing studies are small, in vitro, or animal-model based rather than robust human clinical trials; a separate 12-week clinical trial found oral probiotic and prebiotic supplementation improved psoriasis disease activity measures alongside standard topical therapy.

Real products containing this

• Live Probiotic Serum — Esse
• Hydrator/Moisturiser — Esse
• Probiotic Balance Serum — Noa & Co

Sources