You've probably seen both prebiotics and probiotics popping up on skincare labels — but what do they actually do, and how do they work together? Here's what you need to know.
Your Skin Has Its Own Microbiome
Just like your gut, your skin is home to trillions of microorganisms — bacteria, fungi, and other microbes — that form what's known as the skin microbiome. When this ecosystem is balanced, your skin barrier stays strong, inflammation stays low, and your complexion looks calm and even. When it's disrupted — by harsh cleansers, stress, or environmental aggressors — you may notice redness, breakouts, sensitivity, or dryness.
Both prebiotics and probiotics work to support this microbiome, but they do so in different ways.
What Are Probiotics in Skincare?
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms, but in skincare you'll most often see fermented extracts or bacterial lysates rather than live cultures, since these are more stable in formulations. They can help soothe irritation, support the skin barrier, and encourage a healthier microbial balance.
Best for: Sensitive, reactive, or redness-prone skin. Probiotics are particularly effective at soothing irritation and strengthening a compromised barrier.
Our Calming Probiotic Face Toner delivers a gentle dose of probiotic actives alongside soothing botanicals — ideal as the first step after cleansing to reset and rebalance your skin's surface. For the body, the Soothing Probiotic Body Lotion extends the same microbiome-friendly approach from face to fingertips.
What Are Prebiotics in Skincare?
Prebiotics are nutrients that feed the beneficial bacteria already living on your skin. Think of them as fertiliser for your microbiome — they don't introduce new bacteria, but they create the conditions for the good ones to thrive. Common prebiotic ingredients include inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and certain plant-derived sugars.
Best for: All skin types, especially those prone to imbalance, congestion, or dullness. Prebiotics work quietly in the background to maintain long-term microbiome health.
Our Calming Prebiotic Face Cream is formulated with prebiotic actives to nourish your skin's resident flora while delivering lasting hydration. For the delicate eye area, the Soothing Prebiotic Eye Contour Cream brings the same microbiome-supportive approach to a zone that needs extra gentleness.
Prebiotics vs. Probiotics at a Glance
| Prebiotics | Probiotics | |
|---|---|---|
| What they are | Nutrients that feed good bacteria | Beneficial bacteria (live or lysate) |
| How they work | Support existing microbiome | Help support a healthy skin microbiome |
| Best for | Maintenance, balance, all skin types | Sensitivity, redness, barrier repair |
| Stability in formulas | Very stable | Requires careful formulation |
Do You Need Both?
Not necessarily, but they can work very well together. Prebiotics and probiotics support the skin microbiome in different but complementary ways — probiotic ingredients help support a balanced microbial environment, while prebiotics nourish beneficial microorganisms already living on the skin. Using both can be a helpful way to support a balanced, resilient complexion.
A simple way to layer them: start with the Calming Probiotic Face Toner after cleansing, then seal in the benefits with the Calming Prebiotic Face Cream. Your microbiome will thank you.
The Bottom Line
Prebiotics feed your skin's good bacteria. Probiotic skincare uses beneficial microorganisms or ingredients derived from them to help support the skin's microbial balance. Both support a balanced, resilient complexion — and at Brewing Beauty, we formulate with both because we believe healthy skin starts at the microbial level.
Ready to build a microbiome-friendly routine? Explore our probiotic and prebiotic skincare — crafted with 100% natural ingredients in small batches in Berlin