Probiotics in Cosmetology: Revolutionizing Skin Treatment


Authors : Venna R Surya Anusha; Koppala RVS Chaitanya; Amreen Begum; Vaishnavi Kasha; Mohammed Muzaffar Ali

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 3 - March


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2az3v6yb

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/7543dncx

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar962

Google Scholar

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Note : Google Scholar may take 15 to 20 days to display the article.


Abstract : Probiotics, widely recognized for their health benefits in gut microbiota regulation, are now emerging as key ingredients in cosmetic formulations aimed at treating various skin conditions. The skin microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining skin homeostasis, and disruptions in its balance are linked to dermatological disorders such as acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and rosacea. Probiotics, through their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, help restore skin microbiota balance, enhance skin hydration, and reduce oxidative stress, thereby improving skin health. Both topical and oral probiotics have shown promising effects, with strains such as Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium longum, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus coagulans being investigated for their potential dermatological benefits. Despite their growing application, the incorporation of probiotics into cosmetics faces challenges related to strain viability, formulation stability, and regulatory constraints. Regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), mandate strict compliance regarding safety assessment, stability, and labeling to ensure product efficacy and consumer protection. As scientific evidence supporting probiotic-based skincare grows, advances in formulation technology are expected to overcome existing challenges, paving the way for innovative and effective probiotic cosmetic products. This review explores the role of probiotics in dermatology, their mechanisms of action, applications in skincare, and the regulatory landscape governing their use.

Keywords : Probiotics; Skin Diseases; Lactobacillus Plantarum; Bifidobacterium Longum; Staphylococcus Epidermidis; And Bacillus Coagulans;

References :

  1. Liu JK. Natural products in cosmetics. Natural products and bioprospecting. 2022 Dec;12(1):40.
  2. Grand View Research. Probiotic cosmetic products market size, share & trends analysis report by product, by distribution channel, by region, and segment forecasts, 2025 - 2030.
  3. Available from: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/probiotic-cosmetic-products-market Date of accesion: 21st Jan 2025.
  4. Desam NR, Al-Rajab AJ. The importance of natural products in cosmetics. Bioactive natural products for pharmaceutical applications. 2021:643-85.
  5. Yu Y, Dunaway S, Champer J, Kim J, Alikhan A. Changing our microbiome: probiotics in dermatology. British Journal of Dermatology. 2020 Jan 1;182(1):39-46.
  6. Bindurani S. Probiotics in dermatology. Journal of Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 2019 Dec 2;1(2):66-71.
  7. Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, Alikhan A, Baldwin HE, Berson DS, Bowe WP, Graber EM, Harper JC, Kang S, Keri JE. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American academy of dermatology. 2016 May 1;74(5):945-73.
  8. Di Landro A, Cazzaniga S, Cusano F, Bonci A, Carla C, Musumeci ML, Patrizi A, Bettoli V, Pezzarossa E, Caproni M, Fortina AB. Adult female acne and associated risk factors: Results of a multicenter case-control study in Italy. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2016 Dec 1;75(6):1134-41.
  9. Thiboutot D. Pathogenesis and treatment of acne. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venerol. 2001;15:91.
  10. Ng YT, Chew FT. A systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors associated with atopic dermatitis in Asia. World Allergy Organization Journal. 2020 Nov 1;13(11):100477.
  11. Drislane C, Irvine AD. The role of filaggrin in atopic dermatitis and allergic disease. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. 2020 Jan 1;124(1):36-43.
  12. Sidbury R, Alikhan A, Bercovitch L, Cohen DE, Darr JM, Drucker AM, Eichenfield LF, Frazer-Green L, Paller AS, Schwarzenberger K, Silverberg JI. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with topical therapies. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2023 Jul 1;89(1):e1-20.
  13. Vičić M, Kaštelan M, Brajac I, Sotošek V, Massari LP. Current concepts of psoriasis immunopathogenesis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021 Oct 26;22(21):11574.
  14. Takeshita J, Grewal S, Langan SM, Mehta NN, Ogdie A, Van Voorhees AS, Gelfand JM. Psoriasis and comorbid diseases: epidemiology. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2017 Mar 1;76(3):377-90.
  15. Erichsen CY, Jensen P, Kofoed K. Biologic therapies targeting the interleukin (IL)‐23/IL‐17 immune axis for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2020 Jan;34(1):30-8.
  16. Steinhoff M, Schauber J, Leyden JJ. New insights into rosacea pathophysiology: a review of recent findings. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2013 Dec 1;69(6):S15-26.
  17. Hu XM, Li ZX, Zhang DY, Yang YC, Zheng SY, Zhang Q, Wan XX, Li J, Yang RH, Xiong K. Current research and clinical trends in rosacea pathogenesis. Heliyon. 2022 Oct 1;8(10)..
  18. Barco D, Giménez-Arnau A. Xerosis: a dysfunction of the epidermal barrier. Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition). 2008 Jan 1;99(9):671-82.
  19. Loden M. The clinical benefit of moisturizers. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2005 Nov;19(6):672-88.
  20. Gao T, Wang X, Li Y, Ren F. The role of probiotics in skin health and related gut–skin axis: A review. Nutrients. 2023 Jul 13;15(14):3123.
  21. Knackstedt R, Knackstedt T, Gatherwright J. The Role of Topical Probiotics in Skin Conditions: A Systematic Review of Animal and Human Studies and Implications for Future Therapies. Exp Dermatol. 2020;29(1):15-21.
  22. Cha H, Kim SK, Kook M, Yi TH. Lactobacillus paraplantarum THG-G10 as a potential anti-acne agent with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. Anaerobe. 2020 Aug 1;64:102243.
  23. Maguire M, Maguire G. The role of microbiota, and probiotics and prebiotics in skin health. Archives of Dermatological Research. 2017 Aug;309(6):411-21.Sivamaruthi BS, Kesika P, Chaiyasut C. A Review of the Role of Probiotic Supplementation in Dermatological Diseases. Biomed Pharmacother. 2019;110:537-547.
  24. Carucci L, Nocerino R, Paparo L, De Filippis F, Coppola S, Giglio V, Cozzolino T, Valentino V, Sequino G, Bedogni G, Russo R. Therapeutic effects elicited by the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG in children with atopic dermatitis. The results of the ProPAD trial. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. 2022 Aug;33(8):e13836.
  25. Guéniche A, Bastien P, Ovigne JM, et al. Bifidobacterium longum Lysate, a New Ingredient for Reactive Skin. Exp Dermatol. 2010;19(8):e1-e8.
  26. Majeed M, Nagabhushanam K, Arumugam S, et al. Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 Supplementation in the Management of Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. J Probiotics Health. 2018;6(1):1-5.
  27. Majeed M, Nagabhushanam K, Paulose S, Rajalakshmi HR, Mundkur L. A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Anti-Skin-Aging Effect of LactoSporin–The Extracellular Metabolite from Bacillus coagulans (Weizmannia coagulans) MTCC 5856 in Healthy Female Volunteers. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2023 Dec 31:769-82.
  28. De Almeida CV, Antiga E, Lulli M. Oral and topical probiotics and postbiotics in skincare and dermatological therapy: A concise review. Microorganisms. 2023 May 27;11(6):1420.
  29. Knackstedt R, Knackstedt T, Gatherwright J. The role of topical probiotics in skin conditions: A systematic review of animal and human studies and implications for future therapies. Experimental dermatology. 2020 Jan;29(1):15-21.
  30. Sodré CS, Vieira MS, Estefan JL, Moraes C, Cavalcante FS, Dos Santos KR, de Carvalho Ferreira D. The effect of probiotics on the clinical status of adult patients with atopic dermatitis: a systematic review. European Journal of Medical Research. 2022 Jun 15;27(1):94.
  31. Deng K, Fan X, Yuan Z, Li D. Probiotic effects on skin health: comprehensive visual analysis and perspectives. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2024 Dec 3;15:1453755.
  32. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Microbiological Safety and Cosmetics. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/potential-contaminants-cosmetics/microbiological-safety-and-cosmetics Date of accesion: 21st Jan 2025.
  33. Jäger R, Mohr AE, Carpenter KC, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Probiotics. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2019;16(1):62.
  34. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Microbiological Safety and Cosmetics. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/potential-contaminants-cosmetics/microbiological-safety-and-cosmetics Date of accesion: 21st Jan 2025.
  35. International Probiotics Association. Regulation of Probiotics in the USA: Cosmetics. Available from: https://internationalprobiotics.org/home/regulation-probiotics-usa-cosmetics/ Date of accesion: 21st Jan 2025.

Probiotics, widely recognized for their health benefits in gut microbiota regulation, are now emerging as key ingredients in cosmetic formulations aimed at treating various skin conditions. The skin microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining skin homeostasis, and disruptions in its balance are linked to dermatological disorders such as acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and rosacea. Probiotics, through their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, help restore skin microbiota balance, enhance skin hydration, and reduce oxidative stress, thereby improving skin health. Both topical and oral probiotics have shown promising effects, with strains such as Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium longum, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus coagulans being investigated for their potential dermatological benefits. Despite their growing application, the incorporation of probiotics into cosmetics faces challenges related to strain viability, formulation stability, and regulatory constraints. Regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), mandate strict compliance regarding safety assessment, stability, and labeling to ensure product efficacy and consumer protection. As scientific evidence supporting probiotic-based skincare grows, advances in formulation technology are expected to overcome existing challenges, paving the way for innovative and effective probiotic cosmetic products. This review explores the role of probiotics in dermatology, their mechanisms of action, applications in skincare, and the regulatory landscape governing their use.

Keywords : Probiotics; Skin Diseases; Lactobacillus Plantarum; Bifidobacterium Longum; Staphylococcus Epidermidis; And Bacillus Coagulans;

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe