Why Probiotic Skincare Belongs in Your Pre-Wedding Beauty Routine

Meet the best products for a balanced microbiome

Updated 02/11/19

Any GI doctor will tell you that taking a probiotic—whether in the form of food, beverages (hello, kombucha), or supplements—is essential to maintaining optimal health. You know what else is smart? Slathering good bugs on your skin. Sounds gross, but it’s true. Just ask your dermatologist. Similar to how probiotics can help relieve intestinal issues, probiotic skincare products can calm complexion ailments by giving your face a shot of good bacteria that promotes healthy skin and improves cell function.

Probiotic-infused formulas are your not-so-secret weapon in the battle against inflammation, breakouts and dryness as they replenish the healthy bacteria that naturally lives on your skin's physical barrier and which protect against skin aggressors, boost cell immunity, and calm your complexion. Probiotic skincare products are especially useful before your wedding, when stress can cause inflammation, and heavy makeup and over-cleansing can deplete your skin's protective layer of healthy bacteria.

Ready to jump on the friendly bacteria bandwagon? Scroll on for the biome-bolstering cleansers, masks, serums, and creams worth adding to your arsenal.

See more: The Five All-Time Best Serums for Brides

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Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Revitalise & Glow Serum

This do-it-all serum definitely deserves a spot in your daily routine. Probiotics are the backbone, but a potent blend of botanicals puts in the work too. And the uplifting floral aroma is just icing on the cake. Sure, it’s pricey—but a few drops goes a long way.

SHOP NOW: Space NK, $98

02 of 08

Glowbiotics MD Probiotic Revitalizing Cleanser

Your search for the perfect, sensitive skin–friendly face wash is over at long last. Say hello to this gentle cleanser that harnesses the power of pre and probiotics. Far from that being the only selling point, it also includes a proprietary biomimetic peptide, beta glucan, aloe vera, and vitamin E.

SHOP NOW: Dermstore, $32

03 of 08

The Beauty Chef Probiotic Skin Refiner

Fans of prettifying powders will recognize the logo. This multitasking toner—packed with 14 species of probiotics and bio-fermented lactic acid—is part of the Beauty Chef’s expanded assortment of topicals. Warning: Don’t try it unless you’re prepared to commit. Because there’s no going back from the best.

SHOP NOW: Credo, $75

04 of 08

Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer

If you’re looking for a dryness-erasing everyday moisturizer, this ultra-hydrating hero is just the ticket. It has an A-list lineup of lactococcus ferment lysate, squalene, red seaweed, and ginger extract. Plus, the gel consistency is super lightweight, so it feels like you’re not wearing anything.

SHOP NOW: Sephora, $52

05 of 08

H2O+ Rapids Soothing Probiotic Bubble Mask

Bubble masks are an Instagram sensation. Want to get in on the fizzy action? Now’s the time. Of course, this formula has more to offer than just a fun, foamy texture. It employs a trio of probiotics, champagne, and yuzu extracts to rebalance moisture and purge pesky blackheads.

SHOP NOW: H20+, $6

06 of 08

Yes To Super Blueberries Recharging Greek Yogurt Probiotics Mud Mask

With an ingredient list that reads like a yummy smoothie (except for the mud), this single-use mask revives stressed-out complexions in just 10 minutes. For reference, that’s less time than it requires to fold a load of laundry. And at $2.99 a pop, it’s a steal.

SHOP NOW: Target, $2.99

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Tula Hydrating Day & Night Cream

Tula is a pioneer in the probiotic skincare game. While you can’t go wrong with any of the brand’s buzzy products, we’re especially keen on this bestseller that contains bifida ferment lysate, rice peptides, vitamin A, and watermelon extract. It’s the MVP your pre-wedding regimen is missing.

SHOP NOW: Tula, $52

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Mother Dirt AO+ Mist

We love a face mist. And Mother Dirt makes one of the all-time greatest. But don’t take our word for it. This spray with soil-derived ammonia-oxidizing bacteria has the clinicals to back it up. Keep a bottle at your desk for an afternoon pick-me-up or stash it in the fridge.

SHOP NOW: Thrive Market, $49