Bacteria-Infused Skin Care You Need to Get Your Hands On

Why rubbing probiotics on your face is the best thing you'll do today.

By Danielle Fontana Dooley, Associate Director, Digital Content · Apr 12, 2016

While we’ve grown accustom to ridding our skin of any and all bacteria in hopes of stopping breakouts in their tracks, turns out there’s some bacteria our skin is actually craving. Enter: pre and probiotics. While you may have already heard of these terms in your diet (they improve digestion), these good-for-your-skin strains of live bacteria also work to balance skin and reverse the clock on aging while assisting with chronic skin issues such as rosacea and acne. From cleansers to lotions, here are our top skin care picks that are anything but antibacterial.

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mybody GlowBiotics Duo ($99)

This double-duty regime includes the brand’s Probiotic Instant Resurfacing Pads and Hydraglow Cream Oil, both harnessing the power of probiotics to impart a notable glow to your complexion while shrinking blemishes in the process.

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TULA Exfoliating Treatment Mask ($52)

This dual-phase treatment mask (it provides both chemical and physical exfoliation) is chock-full with probiotic technology, lactic acid and bentonite clay to reveal a hydrated, luminous complexion to uneven or dull skintones. To get the most out of this multitasker, be sure to massage it onto your skin while applying.

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Elizabeth Arden Superstart Skin Renewal Booster ($65)

Focusing on the health of your outer layer of skin, this luxe serum uses probiotics and natural extracts to strengthen skin’s barrier and natural defenses, fortifying its ability to repair and renew itself while also bettering its ability to retain moisture.

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Rodial Super Acids X-Treme Pore Shrink Cleansing Pads ($48)

These probiotic-infused pads not only remove makeup and sweep away dirt and oil, but also work to minimize the appearance of pores over time. Use them twice daily (in the morning and at night) for a balanced, pore-shrinking effect while also protecting skin from environmental damage.

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Baszicare Caligo Hydrous Repairing Extreme ($298)

Hydrating probiotic derivatives in this moisturizer work to keep skin supple throughout the day in any climate, yet strong enough to ward off any outside damage.

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HUM Raw Beauty Green Superfood Powder ($39)

Made with 3.5B probiotics and 39 different superfoods, this delicious supplement (it tastes like mint chocolate chip) takes an inside-out approach to glowing skin—plus, a boost in energy and metabolism at only 25 calories never hurts.

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Mother Dirt AO+ Mist ($49)

Formulated to restore balance to skin’s “microbiome”, this live probiotic spray works to improve the appearance and resilience of skin. In lay terms, this spray can reduce dependence on conventional products like soap, deodorants and moisturizers, while delivering a more hydrated and balanced (and less-oily) complexion.

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Tata Harper Purifying Mask ($65)

This probiotic-powered, deep-cleansing mask fights visible signs of aging brought on by environmental exposure and pollution while also flushing away impurities from the surface of skin without stripping away skin’s natural balance.

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Avalon Organics Brilliant Balance Purifying Towelettes ($7)

Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, these lavender- and prebiotic-infused wipes make balancing skin’s levels and achieving a natural glow easier than ever.

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Yon-Ka Paris NUTRI DEFENSE Cream ($73)

Containing two strands of probiotic bacteria and vitamins E, C and A, this ultra-nourishing moisturizer hydrates even the driest skin while protecting it from further aggression and visible signs of aging.

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Aurelia Miracle Cleanser ($62)

This creamy and nourishing cleanser removes every bit of makeup while supporting natural hydration and cell turnover to smooth any unevenness and brighten dull tones.

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Éminence Organic Skin Care Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer ($58)

Ideal for enlarged pores and oily, blemish-prone skin, this moisturizer uses probiotics and salicylic acid to banish harmful bacteria that causes unwanted bumps, revealing a smooth, shine-free complexion.