Most dermatologists and gastroenterologists will agree there is a connection between gut health and skin health. But, not everyone needs a probiotic supplement—doctors will recommend them to treat many GI issues, but not typically just for general health. However, some supplements are now being developed with specific strains of bacteria that have proven skin-care benefits. And then there are probiotic skin-care products in general (most of which actually contain prebiotics or postbiotics instead; more on that here) that, when combined with other powerful actives, can balance and rejuvenate stressed skin.
To cut through the clutter and confusion, we've named 10 of our favorite products that deliver on their claims so you can end your search and spend time on more important things, like watching The Bachelor.
You May Also Like: Flora Files: The Inside Scoop on Probiotics in Skin Care and Supplements
10 Prebiotic and Probiotic Products That Live Up to the Hype
4 / 10
Mother Dirt AO+ Mist ($49)
Spritz this expert-favorite, refreshing live probiotic spray on twice a day to restore clarity to unbalanced skin—clinical research shows results in four weeks.
5 / 10
The Nue Co. Prebiotic + Probiotic ($75)
Fight bloating and symptoms of IBS with these daily time-delay capsules—there are 15 billion probiotic spores and prebiotic inulin in each dose—that go easy on the stomach and offer skin benefits, like reduced inflammation, too.
7 / 10
Youtheory Spore Probiotic Powder ($28)
Mix one scoop of this flavorless powder—it's packed with 6 billion CFU and prebiotics—with water to support and replenish the healthy microflora in your gut.
8 / 10
SKINSEI Lucid Beaming Serum No. 219
Part of SKINSEI's personalized, prebiotic-infused regimen—take an online quiz to determine the right one for you out of hundreds of thousands of options—this serum reinforces the skin barrier and takes down inflammation.
9 / 10
Aurelia Probiotic Skincare The Probiotic Concentrate ($57)
The powerful dose of probiotics mixed with scientifically proven anti-aging botanicals in this lightweight serum help activate and boost skin’s natural repair process so wrinkles soften, elasticity improves and breakouts subside over time.
10 / 10
OLLY Probiotic + Prebiotic ($14)
When you're craving sweets in the middle of the day or late at night, grab one of these peachy gummies instead—they taste like candy but have less than 1 gram of sugar. The blend of 500 million Bacillus Coagulans ("good" bacteria) with prebiotic fiber give the gut the nourishment it needs to thrive.
