Acne is caused by bad bacteria, but good bacteria can make it go away. What’s the difference? The bacteria that causes pimples is called P. acnes. It’s a nasty beast that can infect pretty much every part of the body – even the brain (1). But probiotics like Lactobacillus reduce inflammation and boost the immune system to keep things in balance. It doesn’t matter whether you treat your skin with probiotics or take them by mouth. Both methods can improve your skin’s health.
The best probiotics for acne (both oral and topical) produce antibacterial proteins that keep P. acnes from causing trouble. They also treat rosacea and protect against premature aging and photodamage (2).
Moreover, you can take both probiotic supplements and use probiotic creams at the same time. They won’t interfere with acne medication, either. In fact, they may help your skin tolerate anti-acne treatments better.
Which probiotic is good for the skin? Check out our top picks below:
| The best probiotics for acne | Why we love them |
|---|---|
| Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics |
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| NOW Supplements Probiotic-10 25 Billion |
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| Liquid Probiotics for Women, Men & Kids by MaryRuth's |
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| Andalou Naturals Probiotic Cleansing Milk |
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| USDA Organic Topical (Skin) Probiotic Spray by MaryRuth's |
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| TULA Probiotic Skin Care Claydate Detoxing & Toning Face Mask Stick |
|
| KORRES Greek Yoghurt Probiotic Superdose Face Mask |
|
| Eminence Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer |
|
Best Probiotics for Acne in 2024
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics
Let’s be real – the best probiotics for skin and gut are the ones you’ll actually use. These capsules are shelf-stable, meaning they don’t need to be stored in the refrigerator. Take one per day with or without food. If you don’t like swallowing pills, crack open the capsule and dump the powder in your juice. (Just don’t mix it with your coffee because high heat will kill off the helpful bacteria).
Why this brand of probiotics for acne? It contains both Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria to keep the whole body healthy. Specifically, it targets the immune system as well as digestive and reproductive health. And it features a whole food prebiotic blend to help the good bacteria thrive.
Lastly, the supplement is Non-GMO Project Verified and certified gluten-free, with no soy or dairy, either. The cellulose capsules contain no unnecessary fillers, flavors, or preservatives. It’s just everything you need and nothing extra.
Pros:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacteria blend for a healthy immune system and digestive tract
- Has a prebiotic blend to support the probiotics
- Only one capsule per day
- Capsules can be opened and the powder sprinkled on food or in drinks
- Certified gluten-free with no dairy, soy, preservatives, flavors, or fillers
- Non-GMO Project Verified
Cons:
- Not necessarily for men as the formula is designed for women
NOW Supplements Probiotic-10 25 Billion
The theme of this probiotic supplement is the more, the merrier. Seriously, it contains ten different probiotic strains that are known to be beneficial for the human body. They are acid-resistant so that they can thrive in the digestive system. Plus, the clinically validated strains are inspected for purity and safety.
This family-owned company has over five decades of experience making supplements. It relies on extensive and stringent in-house testing. The facility is GMP-certified with an NPA A-rating, too. That’s good news when you’re relying on a supplement to be good for your health.
When you take probiotics, you are eating live organisms – billions of them. The potency of these pills is 25 billion CFU. That simply means that there’s plenty to do the job right. They colonize the intestinal lining and help detox the body. Say goodbye to acne and bowel difficulties.
Moreover, the cellulose capsules are free from gluten, soy, milk, fish, egg, tree nut, and shellfish ingredients. Just take one per day on an empty stomach, but please keep the bottle in the fridge.
Pros:
- Ten different strains of probiotics with a high potency
- Only one capsule per day is required
- Cellulose capsules contain no allergens like gluten or shellfish
- Produced by an experienced supplement maker with stringent testing policies and a GMP-certified facility
Cons:
- Pills must be refrigerated
Liquid Probiotics for Women, Men & Kids by MaryRuth’s
We’ve gotten used to taking pills, but sometimes we prefer alternatives. These liquid probiotics can be mixed in with smoothies and drinks and you’ll never know they’re there. There’s no flavor at all. Plus, they are shelf-stable as long as the bottle is kept in a cool, dry place.
The formula is USDA-certified organic as the probiotic strains come from organic grasses. Happily, it’s a vegan formula as it’s made only from plants. Furthermore, it’s allergy-free, with no soy, gluten, dairy, corn, or sugar. The supplement is compatible with the Paleo and Keto diets and helpful for those who’ve had bariatric surgery.
There are twelve live strains included including Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, and B. bifidum. They are suspended in a liquid enriched with enzymes to keep them healthy and ready to do your body good.
The California-based manufacturer recommends starting with half a dose and gradually increasing to a full dose over the next few days. A complete dose is two full droppers and one bottle is approximately forty servings.
Pros:
- USDA-certified vegan probiotic supplement with twelve live strains
- Allergen-free and suitable for Paleo and Keto diets
- Liquid formula is shelf-stable and unflavored, can be mixed into drinks and smoothies
Cons:
- Remember to start with half a dose
Andalou Naturals Probiotic Cleansing Milk
If your skin is dehydrated from acne meds or if you’re struggling with rosacea, try this gentle cleansing milk. It doesn’t strip the moisture from the face. Instead, it leaves the skin soft and comfortable. Plus, the probiotics help clear up acne and stimulate cellular repair. Reviewers say it’s perfect for dry and combination complexions.
The formula features certified organic ingredients like aloe juice, sunflower seed oil, and borage. Alongside the Bacillus coagulans probiotics, it has fruit stem cells, resveratrol, Coenzyme 10, and vitamin C, too. As you might imagine, it’s an excellent anti-aging face cleanser.
On the downside, the cleanser isn’t the best for removing makeup. Try an oil cleanser to take off waterproof mascara and the like.
Still, we appreciate the fact that the cruelty-free brand uses non-GMO, Fair Trade components and doesn’t include parabens and harsh ingredients.
Pros:
- Cruelty-free cleanser leaves the skin soft and comfortable
- Certified organic ingredients combat signs of aging and stimulate cellular repair
- Suitable for dry and combination complexions struggling with rosacea and acne
Cons:
- Not ideal for removing makeup
USDA Organic Topical (Skin) Probiotic Spray by MaryRuth’s
After cleansing, it’s time to tone. This probiotic spray helps clear up adult acne anywhere on the body. Spritz it on freshly washed skin and let it absorb for a minute before moisturizing or dressing.
Users say one bottle lasts about two months. Regular use doesn’t just clear up breakouts, but it also prevents them. Even cystic acne starts to disappear. It’s just that simple.
Similar to the oral probiotics from the same brand, this liquid is made from a blend of three organic grasses. It contains no artificial fragrance, colors, or fillers. Moreover, it’s shelf-stable, although reviewers recommend keeping fresh by storing it in a cool, dark place.
Pros:
- Probiotic liquid that clears up cystic and regular acne
- Spray it like a toner after cleansing
- No artificial fragrance, colors, or fillers
- Shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration
Cons:
- Store in a cool, dark place and pay attention to the expiration date
TULA Probiotic Skin Care Claydate Detoxing & Toning Face Mask Stick
It looks like a roll-on deodorant and it’s just as easy to use. You don’t even need to get your hands goopy. Take the stick and apply the mask where you need it, whether it’s your whole face or just your T-zone. Then wait ten minutes before rinsing off the mask with warm water.
The formula has Mediterranean clay to draw out impurities with willow bark, witch hazel, and apple cider vinegar to detoxify and tone. It cleanses and tightens pores to get rid of pimples and prevent breakouts.
It also has probiotics, but these aren’t live cultures like the oral supplements above. Still, reviewers say when they use the mask twice a week, it reduces acne as well as redness.
What’s more, the mask contains no parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde releasers, or petrolatum. It’s suitable for all complexions including sensitive skin.
Pros:
- No-mess application
- Tones the skin and tightens pores in ten minutes, twice a week
- Draws out impurities and detoxifies with Mediterranean clay, willow bark, witch hazel, and probiotics
- Free from parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde releasers, and petrolatum
Cons:
- Does not contain live strains
KORRES Greek Yoghurt Probiotic Superdose Face Mask
Soothe stressed and dehydrated skin with a moisturizing probiotic mask. It uses actual Greek yogurt with aloe juice and rice extract to calm the complexion and restore the skin’s natural barrier. If your makeup tends to settle into lines or emphasize dry patches, try using this mask to plump the skin first.
The dermatologist-tested formula is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals to smooth fine lines, too. Users say it’s not greasy or sticky at all, yet it leaves the skin super hydrated.
What’s the catch? Well, it smells like unsweetened, natural yogurt which isn’t everyone’s favorite scent. But it leaves the skin soft and refreshed.
Furthermore, it’s made in Greece with organic plant actives and it’s free from parabens, phthalates, and other problematic chemicals.
Pros:
- Soothing, hydrating probiotic mask that calms redness
- Rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins with anti-aging benefits
- Contains probiotics to balance the skin
- No parabens, phthalates, or harsh chemicals
Cons:
- The natural scent is unappealing
Eminence Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer
Here’s one of the best probiotics for hormonal acne. It’s a lightweight moisturizer that calms irritation and clears up blemishes. It can be used morning and night since it balances sebum production and unclogs pores.
What are the active ingredients? Besides the bio-complex of yogurt with probiotics, it has tea tree, willow bark, calendula, and cucumber. As you might already know, willow bark is related to salicylic acid, a potent anti-acne medication. Then, tea tree oil is a powerful anti-microbial agent that treats acne and dandruff and may help with rosacea. Lastly, calendula and cucumber are especially good for soothing the skin.
By the way, the conditioning base is shea butter with vitamin B5. It won’t clog pores. Instead, this moisturizer clarifies the skin and reduces inflammation to curb acne without causing dryness. Thin it with a drop or two of water or apply a thick layer depending on your needs.
Lastly, this brand plants a tree for every product it sells. The farms where it sources ingredients are solar and wind-powered, plus it uses post-consumer recycled material for packaging.
Pros:
- Probiotic moisturizer that clears up hormonal acne and blemishes
- Yogurt with tea tree, willow bark, calendula, and shea butter
- Anti-aging formula reduces inflammation and clarifies the skin
- From an eco-friendly brand that avoids toxins like parabens
Cons:
- It’s not cheap
Conclusion
Wouldn’t it be nice to get rid of acne without stressing and drying out your face? Add oral or topical probiotics to your routine and soon you’ll enjoy the benefits of healthier skin.
We hope our reviews of the best probiotics for blemishes helped you find what you need today. Feel free to tell us about your experience with them in the comments below.
Sources:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22114965/ Perry A, Lambert P. Propionibacterium acnes: infection beyond the skin. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2011 Dec;9(12):1149-56. doi: 10.1586/eri.11.137. PMID: 22114965.
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5418745/ Kober, Mary-Margaret, and Whitney P Bowe. “The effect of probiotics on immune regulation, acne, and photoaging”. International journal of women’s dermatology vol. 1,2 85-89. 6 Apr. 2015, doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2015.02.001