Skin is not an inert surface. It naturally hosts a community of microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts and others) that make up what is known as the skin microbiome.
This ecosystem contributes to the skin's balance and naturally varies by area of the face, age, environment and care habits.
It is in this context that prebiotics are increasingly talked about in cosmetic products.
Prebiotics: what are we talking about?
A prebiotic is, broadly speaking, a substance that can serve as a support for certain microorganisms and contribute to their environment.
In skincare, the idea is therefore different from a probiotic: it is not simply a matter of adding live microorganisms to a formula.
Research on the skin microbiome and prebiotics is still developing. It looks in particular at how certain ingredients can help maintain a balanced skin environment.
One caveat is worth making, however: the presence of a prebiotic in a formula does not automatically mean the same benefit for every skin. Effectiveness depends on the ingredient used, its concentration and the formulation as a whole.
The microbiome and the skin barrier
The microbiome is not independent from the rest of the skin.
The outer layer of the epidermis plays an essential role in the barrier function. It limits water loss and helps protect the skin from its environment.
When this barrier is weakened, skin can become drier, uncomfortable or reactive.
Cleansing, the pH of products, certain surfactants and environmental aggressors can all influence this balance. That is why a skincare routine is not just about multiplying actives: how products are formulated matters too.
So should you avoid cleansing your skin?
Not at all.
Cleansing removes makeup, excess sebum, sunscreen, sweat and the impurities that build up during the day.
The challenge is rather to find a cleanse that is effective enough without adding unnecessary stress.
A very stripping cleanser can leave skin feeling "perfectly clean", but that tight feeling is not necessarily a sign of a better cleanse.
How gentle a product is depends on many factors: the surfactants used, their concentration, the pH and the formula as a whole.
Why do prebiotics matter in cosmetics?
Because they reflect a change in how we think about skin.
For a long time, cosmetics focused mainly on what could be added to the skin: hydrate, exfoliate, nourish, smooth.
Microbiome research offers another perspective: preserving the skin's natural environment may matter too.
This does not make prebiotics a miracle ingredient. But it opens an interesting path for designing care that takes the overall balance of the skin more into account.
And in a routine?
Prebiotics can be found in different categories of care: mists, serums, creams and other face products.
At Kinselo, they are part of the formula of Brume du Matin, a face mist designed to bring freshness and comfort to the skin.
A simple step to add after cleansing, or to use throughout the day when your skin needs a feeling of freshness.