Probiotics soap is used for acne, aging skin, eczema, sensitive skin, psoriasis and rosacea (facial redness). Many skin conditions are caused by harmful bacteria growing on the surface of the skin and causing damage to skin cells.
Topical probiotic soaps and creams may prevent the growth of these pathogenic bacteria and prevent infections. These soaps are also used as a part of a Candida therapy for vaginal yeast infections. Clinical studies have shown using probiotic soap is helpful as the skin is a barrier to internal infections.
The condition of the skin is also an indicator for what is going on internally with many medical conditions. For the treatment of skin conditions, it is most beneficial to treat the skin topically as well as internally.
Probiotics-enriched soaps can be purchased online or can be made from fermented kefir, milk and yogurt bases. One popular brand is Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic Kampuku Beauty Bar Soap, which is made with probiotic strains of Lactic Acid Bacteria. Probiotic moisturizers, creams, cleansers and peels are also increasingly available.



- Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
- Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
- Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism
Probiotics for Skin Care
Related Topics
- What are Probiotics?
- Probiotic Benefits
- Best Probiotic Strains
- Probiotic Side Effects
- Probiotic Supplements
- Probiotic Foods
- Best Probiotic Yogurt
- Probiotics for Children
- Probiotics for Women
- Yeast Infections
- What are Prebotics?
- Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Lactobacillus Bulgaricus
- Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
- Bifidobacterium Bifidum
- Bifidobacterium Infantis
- Bifidus Regularis
The role of probiotic supplements for internal health, digestive function and immunity has been well-established by the research community. Now, there is growing research suggesting that these beneficial bacteria can also support skin health.
Research has shown that taking an oral probiotic supplement can help to improve skin conditions, such as acne and eczema. Using a topically applied probiotic soap product can also help, though there has been less research into this method of administration.
Probiotics soaps are typically made from species of Lactic Acid Bacteria, such as Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Lactobacillus reuteri. These bacteria produce lactic acid, which helps to maintain a low pH environment on the skin and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria.
The outer layer of our skin is referred to as the acid mantle. It is a thin film made up of sebum (free fatty acids secreted by the sebaceous glands), serving as a barrier to prevent bacteria, viruses, toxins and other contaminants from penetrating through the skin.
The acid mantle is also composed of lactic acid and certain amino acids that are secreted when we sweat. It has a pH of between 4.5 to 6.2, which means that it is slightly acidic. This helps to prevent pathogenic bacteria from colonizing the skin.
Probiotics Soap
A number of skin conditions have been linked to imbalance in the microflora. This occurs when there are more harmful bacteria in the human body compared to good probiotic bacteria.
When imbalance or dysbiosis occurs, it can cause inflammation, infection and impaired immune function. In many cases, these symptoms can manifest as skin disorders. Acne, atopic dermatitis (eczema), atopic allergies and rosacea have all been linked to excess levels of pathogenic bacteria.
Using a combination of oral probiotic products along with soaps and topical formulation may help to restore balance to the microflora. Anecdotal evidence suggests that applying probiotic-enriched soaps and yogurt directly to the skin can help to clear up acne pimples and achieve better looking skin.
There may also be a role for probiotics in the prevention of aging on the skin. There is some evidence suggesting that probiotics may help to synthesize collagen, which is a structural protein that helps to maintain the youthful appearance of skin.
While the data from preliminary research trials and anecdotal evidence is promising, more clinical trials are needed to validate efficacy.
Probiotics Soap and Acne
One of the most common reasons for using probiotics creams, moisturizers and soaps is to naturally prevent or treat acne. Acne Vulgaris is a skin condition in which the sebaceous glans on the skin become inflamed or infected.
Acne has been linked to the excessive growth of Propionibacterium acnes – a Gram-positive red bacterium that inhabits the skin. P. acnes is a naturally occurring bacteria that grows in hair follicles.
When there is too much of this bacteria, excessive inflammation of the skin can occur. This bacterium may also cause pustules and lesions. Using probiotics soap alongside oral supplements may prevent P. acnes from flourishing on the skin.
Acne has a number of different causes, and not all forms of acne may respond equally well to treatment with probiotics. If acne persists, it may be necessary to consult with a dermatologist to find the right treatment option for you.
Probiotics are often combined with traditional acne medications, especially with antibiotics. Because antibiotics cannot distinguish between good and bad bacteria, they eliminate both types.
Using a probiotic supplement is often recommended to restore balance to the microflora when taking antibiotics. It is unclear whether or not probiotics soap can be effective for this purpose as well.
Is Probiotics Soap Safe?
Probiotics soaps are no more likely to cause side effects for healthy adults that non-probiotic soaps. However, certain individuals should avoid these products along with all forms of probiotics.
Probiotics are advised against for individuals with impaired immune systems, such as organ donors or those using a catheter. This also applies to individuals using immunosuppressant medications.
They should also be avoided by individuals with open wounds as there is a risk that the live bacteria found in these products could translocate to other parts of the body where they might cause side effects.
Other ingredients in probiotic soaps such as added enhancers, essential oils, herbs, or milk may cause allergic reactions. Probiotic soaps safety for use during pregnancy and for nursing mothers is unknown.
Probiotic soaps provide an addition means of treating skin conditions and ensuring the skin is a healthy barrier to infection. In most cases, they are used as together with oral probiotic supplements. More research is need to validate their efficacy for treating acne, rosacea, eczema and other skin conditions.
- Jeong, JH, Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria and Skin Health., Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 2015 Aug 19:0. [Epub ahead of print]
- Kim, HM, Oral administration of Lactobacillus plantarum HY7714 protects hairless mouse against ultraviolet B-induced photoaging., J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2014 Nov 28;24(11):1583-91.
- Vaughn, AR, Effects of Fermented Dairy Products on Skin: A Systematic Review., J Altern Complement Med, 2015 Jul;21(7):380-5. doi: 10.1089/acm.2014.0261. Epub 2015 Jun 10.
- Wang, IJ, Children with atopic dermatitis show clinical improvement after Lactobacillus exposure. Clin Exp Allergy, 2015 Apr;45(4):779-87. doi: 10.1111/cea.12489.
- Gerasimov, SV, Probiotic supplement reduces atopic dermatitis in preschool children: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial., Am J Clin Dermatol, 2010;11(5):351-61. doi: 10.2165/11531420-000000000-00000.
- Weston, S, Effects of probiotics on atopic dermatitis: a randomised controlled trial., Arch Dis Child, 2005 Sep;90(9):892-7. Epub 2005 Apr 29.
Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment
2 Comments
Thanks for the tips, very cool article. Someone tell me, can I try these recipes if I have a lot of hormonal acne?
Hi Alexei,
If you have hormonal acne then there may be a different treatment option that is better for your needs. Probiotics are normally used to address acne of a bacterial origin. Check with a dermatologist to determine the best option for you.