Prebiotics and Probiotics in Cosmetic Products

Prebiotics and Probiotics in Cosmetics and the Microbiome Concept A rapidly growing and striking new trend exists today: prebiotics and probiotics. Recently, prebiotic and probiotic-containing products continue to be quickly added to and made available among the cosmetic products we see on shelves. But what are these prebiotics and probiotics? Did you know that millions of living organisms live within our bodies alongside us? This community of microorganisms called the microbiota consists of approximately 100 trillion bacteria and accounts for 2-3% of body weight [1]. The community where these organisms are found is called the microbiome. So much so that Nobel Prize winner Joshua Lederberg defined the term microbiome as "the ecological community of commensal, symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms that share our body space" [2]. The microbiome is a natural part of the body and everyone's microbiome is unique like a fingerprint; everyone has different microbial organisms, and even twins have different microbiomes [3]. Keeping this microbiome balanced and maintaining its health is not easy, but there are microorganisms that work for this purpose, and these microorganisms are called probiotics. Contrary to what is thought, probiotics provide countless benefits not only for intestinal flora but for our entire body and even our skin, which is why they have begun to be used quite extensively in the cosmetics sector. As a result of conducted studies, it has been demonstrated that probiotics help protect skin microbiota and the skin's natural structure. It is also known that probiotics nourish, moisturize and balance the skin [4]. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are known as the nutrients of probiotics, which are known as beneficial bacteria. These are short-chain carbohydrates resistant to stomach digestion. These prebiotics used in cosmetic products feed the probiotics on the skin, helping to maintain and sustain their activity. In addition to these concepts we have discussed, there is also the concept of postbiotics that we frequently encounter. Postbiotics is a newer term used to describe metabolites and/or cell wall components from probiotic cultures that selectively affect the microbiome for healthier results. Most of the microbial ferment lysates and extracts used in probiotic-containing cosmetic products can therefore be considered postbiotics [5]. As can be seen, prebiotics and probiotics have multiple effects on skin and body. Particularly in the cosmetics sector, the use of prebiotic and postbiotic-containing products that we see on shelves is becoming quite widespread with rapid momentum. Products containing these ingredients should be developed, manufactured and marketed carefully.   References [1]. https://synevo.com.tr/tr/Mikrobiyota-Mikrobiyom-Nedir [2]. https://www.enbiosis.com.tr/mikrobiyom-ve-mikrobiyota-nedir/ [3]. https://www.enterogermina.com.tr/probiyotik/probiyotikler-ve-mikrobiyomlar [4]. https://thebeautychef.com/blogs/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-probiotic-skincare [5]. https://thesecretlifeofskin.com/2019/04/29/formulating-skin-care-products-with-prebiotics-probiotics-and-postbiotics/ Image Source https://www.freepik.com/premium-vector/set-probiotic-bacteria-circle_8406538.htm     Esra Duygu Aracıer Balıkçı - Personal Care R&D Project Manager Evyap Sabun Yağ Gliserin A.Ş.   Dr. Aslı Özge Avcı Tuna - Personal Care R&D Category Manager Evyap Sabun Yağ Gliserin A.Ş.