Pro-, Pre-, and Postbiotics: Understanding the Differences and Their Role in Skin Microbiome Health

Prebiotic complexes are widely used today in products aimed at restoring balance, supporting barrier function, and reducing reactivity. Prebiotics are not bacteria; they are substances that serve as “food” for beneficial microorganisms already present on the skin. They do not directly intervene in the ecosystem but support its natural development.

Prebiotics:

• Stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria
• Suppress pathogen proliferation indirectly
• Are well tolerated by sensitive skin
• Exhibit stability in formulations

“It makes far more sense to support the bacteria already living on the skin rather than introducing new ones. This is precisely the role of prebiotics.”

Postbiotics: A Scientific Compromise

Postbiotics are bacterial metabolites—enzymes, metabolic byproducts, and cell wall fragments. They are not alive but retain biological activity. From a cosmetic chemistry perspective, postbiotics offer several key advantages:

• High stability
• Predictable mechanism of action
• No risk of disrupting microbial balance

Postbiotics can:

• Reduce inflammatory responses
• Support barrier function
• Enhance skin tolerance to actives

“This approach is the most scientifically controlled. Postbiotics do not need to survive, yet they provide the skin with signals to which it is evolutionarily adapted.”

Contemporary cosmetics increasingly move away from focusing on a single ingredient. Instead, a systemic approach emerges: combining pre- and postbiotics with lipids, ceramides, and humectants.

This approach:

• Does not disrupt the skin ecosystem
• Works gently and sustainably
• Aligns with the philosophy of slow beauty

“In Re[Sens] formulations, microbiome care is not a trend but a scientifically grounded strategy—part of the brand’s DNA. Prebiotic and postbiotic complexes are integrated to support the skin’s natural self-regulatory capacity without overloading or disrupting balance.”

👉 Explore the Re[Sens] catalog: https://resenss.com/collections/skincare-collection

What is the skin microbiome in simple terms?
The skin microbiome is the collection of beneficial microorganisms living on the skin’s surface, helping to maintain barrier integrity, immune defense, and healthy balance.

How do probiotics differ from prebiotics in cosmetics?
Probiotics are live bacteria, whereas prebiotics are nutrients for the beneficial flora already present on the skin. Prebiotics are more stable and safer in cosmetic applications.

What are postbiotics, and why are they used in skincare?
Postbiotics are bioactive compounds produced by bacterial metabolism. They are not alive but possess anti-inflammatory and barrier-supporting properties.

Which biotics are best for sensitive skin?
Prebiotics and postbiotics are typically most suitable for sensitive skin, as they work gently and do not disturb the microbial balance.

“Pro-, pre-, and postbiotics are different languages of communication with the skin. The more delicate this language, the more stable the ecosystem becomes. Conscious skincare is not control—it is collaboration with the skin.”

🎥 Chemistry Lessons: Re[Sens] Educational Series

Re[Sens] launched an engaging educational video series, Chemistry Lessons, in which Yulia Gagarina—a cosmetic chemist, formulation developer, and brand co-founder—explains in a simple, accessible, and humorous way how cosmetics work. Free of myths, marketing noise, and clichés, the series helps viewers understand ingredient function and demonstrates that caring for sensitive skin is neither complex nor intimidating.

Watch the episode on pro-, pre-, and postbiotics on the Re[Sens] YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENAgTa-Jc54

In it, Yulia Gagarina clearly and deeply explains how the skin microbiome functions and why delicacy in skincare is essential.