Prebiotics
TYPE OF INGREDIENT
Food compound (e.g., oligosaccharides)
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Serums, moisturizers, creams
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PREBIOTICS ?
Prebiotics can enhance the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the skin. It has also been proposed, through unclear mechanisms, to allow for increased moisture retention in the skin. One study showed an increase in water-holding capacity and decrease in transepidermal water loss when using a serum containing prebiotics over 8 weeks. The same study showed a decrease in pigmentation and redness over 8 weeks with use of a prebiotic-containing serum. Furthermore, wrinkle depth and Staphylococcus aureus quantity decreased in the prebiotic-containing serum group.
WHAT IS PREBIOTICS?
Because the skin microbiome plays a role in the keratinocyte environment, prebiotics are resources for the microorganisms to promote the growth of beneficial organisms and diversity of the microbiome. This can include oligosaccharides or other resources for microbiota.
IS PREBIOTICS SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?
Prebiotics are likely safe for all skin types and tones based on available evidence.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Although there are likely no major contraindications for the topical application of prebiotics, they should be used with caution in patients with an allergy to them or their derivatives.
Sources:
Hong KB, Hong YH, Jung EY, Jo K, Suh HJ. Changes in the Diversity of Human Skin Microbiota to Cosmetic Serum Containing Prebiotics: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pers Med. 2020;10(3):91.
Manosroi J, Khositsuntiwong N, Manosroi A. Biological activities of fructooligosaccharide (FOS)-containing Coix lachryma-jobi Linn. extract. J Food Sci Technol. 2014;51(2):341-346.
