Microbiome Support
Description
November 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
Just over the past few years, the microbiome has become a hot topic in discussions of skincare issues.
A variety of skin issues – including eczema, rosacea, acne and other serious problems – are now seen as possibly associated with microbial dysbiosis.
The general concept here seems to be that while healthy skin contains a wide variety of good bacteria, unhealthy skin (including overly sensitive skin with a weakened barrier) tends to be populated with just a few problematic species of bacteria, fungi or other problematic microbes.
While using gentle skincare products that do not contain harsh chemicals may permit the skin to come back into balance naturally, taking a more active approach to improving the diversity of friendly microbes seems to be becoming more popular.
Personally, I have found that using ozonated oils on my face when it has moved into a persistently irritable state has been especially helpful for me.
While ozonated oils can have a number of different benefits, in my case I suspect that they are serving to reduce the numbers of problematic microbes that have taken over my skin and thus allowing a greater diversity of healthful microbes to re-establish themselves.
Hypochlorous acid (present in some “skin rescue” products) possibly may serve a similar function.
On the other hand, probiotic tonics or sprays introduce new microbes to the skin, while prebiotic products are designed to help to feed the good microbes that already may be present.
In addition to the products mentioned on this page, several of the products focusing on skin barrier support that are discussed on the Anti-Aging Serums page include ferments in their ingredients lists.
Using live fermented foods such as fresh yogurt or even fresh sauerkraut juice as masks or tonics also may be effective at introducing good bacteria to the skin and thus helping the skin to come back into balance.
I’ve just started to experiment with some of these kinds of products and so hopefully will be able to report on additional experiences with them soon.
TOP PICKS
♣ Living Clean Superstars:
+Briotech Topical Skin Spray ($15)
+Marie Veronique Pre + Probiotic Daily Mist ($45)
+PurO3 Ozonated Oils ($20+)
+Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray ($12)
♦ Additional Options:
Drunk Elephant Sweet Biome Fermented Sake Spray ($42)
♦ Not Yet Tried:
+Marie Veronique Balancing HypoTonic ($47)
Tatcha The Essence ($105)
+Typology Unifying & Rebalancing Complex ($39)
♥ Lisa’s Choice:
Briotech Topical Skin Spray ($15)
√ PurO3 Ozonated Oils ($20+)
Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray ($12)
Notes:
1) Living Clean Superstars – Products with high scores on both Performance Rating (5) as well as Ingredients Rating (4/5). + Clean Pick (Ingredients Rating = 5).
2) Lisa’s Choice – Products that I would purchase for my own personal use. √ Lisa’s Favorite
The next section contains affiliate links. Living Clean in a Dirty World may receive a commission if readers click on these links and then purchase products. Living Clean in a Dirty World also may accept product review samples but receives no other compensation from companies mentioned on this website.
Briotech Topical Skin Spray – $15
Performance Rating: Not Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(5 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product reads, “Briotech Topical Skin Spray is the perfect cosmetic solution to soothe and support your skin. Based on the science of Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl), this all-natural, highly-effective, electrically-charged signaling solution mimics the essence of your body’s natural defense system. As a versatile addition to your daily skin care regimen, our customers report great cosmetic results with skin imperfections, as a gentle exfoliate, as an anti-wrinkle remedy in support of fine line and scar reduction, and as a refreshing, hydrating mist.”
I have yet to try this product but hope to do so soon.
Size: 3.4 oz.
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars (3720 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
EWG Ingredient Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Electrolyzed Water (H2O), Sodium Chloride (NaCl), Pure Hypochlorous (BrioHOCl®, 0.014%)
Drunk Elephant Sweet Biome Fermented Sake Spray – $42
Overall Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product reads, “With amino acids and fatty acids, electrolytes, and ceramides, Sweet Biome supports and replenishes a healthy microbiome while mimicking the components that keep your acid mantle strong, soothed and balanced. Sweet Biome’s cocktail of fermented sake extract, kombucha, and hops supplies skin with nutrient-dense substances that restore, soothe, and contribute to a balanced and healthy acid mantle and microbiome. Powerful electrolytes—coconut water and sodium PCA— provide potent antioxidant protection and critical hydration while natural minerals zinc, copper, and calcium gluconate help reduce redness and promote healthy collagen production. Ceramides, vitamin F, and essential amino acids keep skin soft, flexible, and moisturized.”
I bought a regular-sized bottle of this product and have been using it periodically, especially when my face has felt irritated as a result of trying other problematic products.
I feel like the product has been very mildly irritating to my skin and suspect that the reason is because it includes a number of chemicals that EWG considers to be potentially problematic.
While it could also be that the use of the product is causing a mild die-off reaction on my skin, I am less convinced that that is actually the case.
I’m not sure whether the probiotics in the product have had a positive effect on my skin. Since ingested probiotics seem to need some regular use and time to make a difference, it is possible that that also is the case with this probiotic spray.
I think that we would need to do more of a controlled trial to know for sure whether and how it may be helpful to people.
I doubt that I will be buying this product again due to the inclusion of apparently irritating peripheral ingredients, though.
Size: 3.33 oz.
Sephora Rating: 3.9 Stars (660 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Yes
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Polysorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate)
Think Dirty Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Lactic acid (4), Zinc gluconate (3), Sodium lactate (3), Potassium lactate (4), Polysorbate-20 (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Sodium benzoate (3), Sodium hydroxide (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Sodium PCA, Propanediol, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Glycerin, Beet Root Extract, Fructooligosaccharides, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Coconut Fruit Juice, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Lactic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Zinc Gluconate, Sodium Lactate, Magnesium Aspartate, PCA, Alanine, Arginine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Valine, Aspartic Acid, Calcium Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Trehalose, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Xylitol, Hops Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Tapioca Starch, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Lactate, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Marie Veronique Balancing HypoTonic – $47
Performance Rating: Not Rated
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product reads, “This tonic hydrates via a unique process designed to balance the liquid content of skin cells with the lipids that surround them; and in so doing it provides necessary support for the stratum corneum to be self sufficient. The stratum corneum contains multiple layers of flattened cells (corneocytes), encased in a thick coating of fat or lipids. Arranged into pairs of sheets (lamellar membranes), these lamellar lipid bi-layers fill spaces between the cells, providing a formidable barrier to the outflow of water from skin (transepidermal water loss). Most water-based moisturizers/hydrators seep into the lamellar layers of the SC, leaching water from skin cells—potentially why conventional mists or toners can leave skin more dehydrated. Our biomimetic design has produced a one-of-a-kind tonic, composed of humectants with distinctive similarity to the skin’s lamellar structure. Since maintaining lamellar membrane integrity also protects the contents of the skin cells, the tonic not only promotes liquid/lipid balances, it also restores and improves overall barrier function. Unique blend of humectants truly hydrate by maintaining moisture levels within the cellular/lamellar structures. Imperative to prep top skin layers, allowing optimum permeation of nutrient-rich serums. AHAs rebalance pH, pre/probiotics rebalance skin microbiome.”
I have yet to try this product but hope to do so soon.
Size: 4 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.7 Stars (150 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
EWG Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Licorice root extract (4), Pre/Probiotic Complex (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: Elderberry extract, Apple cider vinegar, Cucumber fruit extract, Turmeric root extract
All Ingredients: Green Tea Leaf Infusion, Beta-Glucan, Panthenol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Elderberry Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Apple Cider Vinegar, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Pre/Probiotic Complex, Turmeric Root Extract, Selenomethionine
Marie Veronique Pre + Probiotic Daily Mist – $45
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Lavender Oil, Helichrysum Oil, Green Myrtle Oil
The description of this product reads, “Maintain skin’s microbiome balance by encouraging helpful microorganisms to thrive. Pre-biotics feed Probiotics to keep skin’s ecosystem cycle functioning smoothly. Coconut water profoundly hydrates while anti-inflammatories calm and soothe. Balances the skin’s microbiome. Hydrates with humectants to keep skin soft and supple. Calms and soothes with powerful anti-inflammatories. After cleansing, lightly mist onto face/neck/chest. Follow with serum and oil. Can be used throughout the day as needed to refresh and calm.”
I bought a small spray bottle of this product and have used it from time to time, especially when my skin has been irritated.
The good news is that it seems to be a quite clean product that has not irritated my skin at all.
While I don’t feel that it had an instant noticeable effect on my skin, it is possible that it has helped more over the longer term (especially in combination with other types of treatments such as ozonated oils).
I might consider buying a larger bottle and using it more regularly for a longer period of time to see if it seemed to make any difference.
Size: 4 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.7 Stars (70 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Essential Oils)
EWG Ingredients Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Licorice Root Extract (4). (Also contains Lavender Oil, Helichrysum Flower Extract, Green Myrtle Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Coconut water, Licorice root extract, Marigold hydrosol, Lavender oil, Turmeric root extract, Helichrysum flower oil, Carrot seed extract, Green myrtle oil
All Ingredients: Green Tea Leaf Infusion, Coconut Water, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Licorice Root Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, Niacinamide, Sodium Salicylate, Beta-Glucan, Marigold Hydrosol, Probiotics, Galactooligosaccharides, Lavender Oil*, Turmeric Root Extract, Helichrysum Flower Oil*, Carrot Seed Extract, Green Myrtle Oil*. *Essential Oil
PurO3 Ozonated Oils – $20+
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients : (5 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
PurO3 makes a wide variety of ozonated oils, including ones based on olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, hemp oil, castor oil and sunflower seed oil.
I have primarily used coconut oil, which has some antifungal properties of its own in addition to the general antimicrobial effects of the ozone. The Pur03 website states about this oil, “PurO3 combines coconut and ozone to form an oxygen-rich skin emollient that absorbs easily and may enhance the appearance and beauty of your skin. Available unscented, with lavender or with vanilla. Coconut is perfect for those who are looking for less ozone smell or don’t want as high an ozone strength as other options. Coconut oil is also considered hypoallergenic, without a long list of possible negative reactions. This makes it great for those with sensitive skin, and it’s an excellent moisturizer and emollient. It is easy to absorb and can help neutralize free radicals on the skin, which is believed to help minimize fine lines and wrinkles.”
Jojoba oil is also popular for use on the face. The website copy reads, “When combined with ozone, jojoba is an oxygen-rich moisturizing cream you can use to enhance the appearance, suppleness and beauty of your skin. Jojoba oil is absorbed easily and is ideal for regulating and balancing the oiliness of skin. Natural fungicidal and antibacterial properties helps impede the cycle of reproduction for many bacteria and some fungus. It may help improve your skin’s look by hydrating and protecting the outer layer and it’s naturally hypoallergenic. Jojoba is great for those with sensitive skin and stays fresh longer than many other oils. You can choose between unscented, with lavender or with vanilla.”
The scented versions of these products include either natural lavender oil or natural vanilla.
Personally, I mostly tend to think about using ozonated oil on my face when it seems to have become really reactive and the problem has not been easily addressed in other ways.
I’ve had such success on those occasions that perhaps I should consider using ozonated oils on more of a regular basis though.
In any case, I’ve been using Pur03 oils for quite a while now and have been happy with the quality of the products as well as their customer service.
Sample packs are available for a reasonable cost for those who are not sure which types of ozonated oils might work best for them.
Size: 2 oz.
Lisa Rating: 5 Stars
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
EWG Ingredient Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredienss (Coconut): Organic coconut oil, Activated oxygen (ozone).
All Ingredients (Jojoba): Organic jojoba seed oil, Activated oxygen (ozone).
Tatcha The Essence – $105
Performance Rating: Not Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product reads, “Resurface, soften, and plump with The Essence. Made of 100% Hadasei-3, a trio of fermented Japanese superfoods, the Essence is proven to make your skincare more effective. This simple yet transformative formula is 100% Hadasei-3, a proprietary fermented complex of the very superfoods core to the Japanese diet: rice, algae, and green tea. This potent formula boosts the effects of skincare, resurfaces, and hydrates for primed, plump, petal-soft skin at any age. The complex is rooted in Akita rice fermented with a specially selected yeast strain to yield much less alcohol. As the base, this ferment helps deliver nutrients directly into the skin, allowing them to permeate. Moisture-retaining Okinawa algae replenishes the skin barrier for a plumped appearance, and antioxidant-rich Uji green tea protects the skin from premature aging. With each component represented at its optimal level, this harmonious trio of superfoods is fermented once more, boosting the benefits of the transformative superfoods therein. This fermentation process produces amino acids and AHAs like lactic acid, which support natural surface cell turnover for smooth skin.”
I have yet to try this product but hope to do so soon.
Size: 5.1 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.5 Stars (2404 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Phenoxyethanol)
Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Phenoxyethanol (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Saccharomyces/camellia sinensis leaf/cladosiphon okamuranus/rice ferment filtrate, propanediol, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin
Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray – $12
Performance Rating: Not Rated
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product reads, “A soothing, purifying, and repairing daily rescue spray for angry, stressed out skin. 100% Natural. Dermatologist Tested. Clinically Proven. Our skin goes through a lot: blemishes, flaky skin, makeup, sweat – not to mention environmental aggressors like dirt, pollution, UV exposure, and temperature changes. Think of SOS as your happy solution to angry skin. And here’s the reason it works: it’s inspired by you! The hero ingredient, hypochlorous acid, is naturally found in your white blood cells, which helps to fight and defend your body from harmful bacteria and inflammation. When applied to the skin, hypochlorous acid triggers an immune boost, which then signals your body to repair and heal irritated skin. This unique solution is pH balanced (4.5) and formulated for facial skin, but is safe to use on all ages and anywhere on your skin. SOS has received the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance and is safe for all skin types.”
I have yet to try this product but hope to do so soon.
Size: 1 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.7 Stars (232 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
Think Dirty Rating: 0 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Sodium Chloride, Hypochlorous Acid.
Typology Unifying & Rebalancing Complex – $39
Performance Rating: Not Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product reads, “Rebalances the skin’s ecosystem to prevent the appearance of imperfections and reduce redness. The skin is healthy and the complexion is even. Active ingredients: α-glucan oligosaccharide – Inulin – Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate. 97% naturally-derived. The three pre and probiotics present in this serum act simultaneously on different targets involved in skin balance and skin tone uniformity. This serum is suitable for all skin types. It is particularly recommended for combination to oily skin and skin prone to irregularities (redness, imperfections).”
I have yet to try this product but hope to do so soon.
Size: 0.5 oz.
Typology Rating: 4.2 Stars (29 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
EWG Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Sodium hydroxide (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Propanediol, Glucomannan, Sodium Levulinate, Inulin, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Sodium Hydroxide.
Shopping List
This section lists products that seem that they may have potential and that I am hoping to try in the near future.
Readers are highly encouraged to bring other relevant products that they have tried to my attention so that I can add them to this list.
Aurelia The Probiotic Concentrate – $45
Graydon Berry Rich Probiotic Face + Eye Cream – $49
Juice Beauty Prebiotix Hydrating Gel Moisturizer – $62
Kinship Supermello Hydrating Gel Cream Moisturizer – $26
La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water Face Mist – $14
Marie Veronique Probiotic + Exfoliation Mask – $50
Mother Dirt AO + Restorative Mist – $69
OSEA Seabiotic Water Cream – $54
Tata Harper Bio-Barrier Serum – $146
The Beauty Chef Probiotic Skin Refiner – $41
Wabi-Sabi The Offering Probiotic Toner – $27
About This Website
The Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping website is designed to provide guidance to those seeking out products that are relatively low in toxicity and that provide generally positive user experiences.
Although the skincare and makeup sections have a particular focus on products appropriate for women who are in their 40’s or beyond, the information provided may be useful for other people as well.
The products are curated by Lisa Petrison, who has been focused on helping people to improve their health by avoiding toxicity since 2008 and who heads the Paradigm Change organization.
Her Living Clean in a Dirty World blog site discusses a variety of topics of relevance to those who are working to pursue a more natural lifestyle with less exposure to harmful toxicity.
Lisa is the author of several books, including A Beginner’s Guide to Mold Avoidance (co-written with Erik Johnson).
She also runs the Paradigm Change website (focusing on issues related to toxic mold illness) and the Mold Avoiders Facebook group (designed for the discussion of all topics of interest to those pursuing the mold avoidance approach described in the “Beginner’s Guide” book).
Lisa was born in August 1964 and has yet to try cosmetic surgery, Botox or other cosmetic treatments requiring interactions with a physician, or beauty products containing retinoids.
In her former life, Lisa worked as a business school professor, as a marketing consultant to a variety of large companies, and as a reporter covering the advertising industry.
She holds a Ph.D. in marketing and social psychology from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as well as B.S./M.S. degrees from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern.
Lisa would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Ellen Kleiman-Redden for her help in trying out products and discussing issues related to this project.
She also would like to thank the many members of the Mold Avoiders community who have shared suggestions of products to be included here.
A Note From Lisa
Products that I have tried or researched and that I have not found to be acceptable from a toxicity standpoint have been omitted entirely from the discussions on this website.
However, since a goal of this project is to introduce people to a range of options in terms of price and functionality, some products discussed on this site include ingredients that may not be appropriate for everyone.
It’s my hope that all individuals making their way to this site will find at least a few options from each product category that meet all of their own needs and wants from a variety of perspectives.
The vast majority of cosmetics marketers now offer affiliate programs in which Internet content creators may earn commissions if people who are referred to the companies’ sites by clicking on links end up making purchases.
I participate in quite a few individual affiliate programs as well as in the Sovrn/Viglinks program (which automatically converts regular links into revenue-generating links).
Links on this page that may result in affiliate income may include – but are not necessarily limited to – those from the following companies: Amazon, Aurelia, Credo, Drunk Elephant, Galinee, Graydon, Juice Beauty, Kinship, La Roche Posay, Marie Veronique, Mother Dirt, OSEA, PurO3, Sephora, Tata Harper, Tatcha, The Beauty Chef, Tower 28, Typology, Ulta, Wabi-Sabi.
Reader comments (positive or negative) about products discussed on this website are very welcome.
Thoughts may be shared either by posting them in the comments section at the bottom of this page or by sending them directly to me at the following email address:
info at paradigmchange dot me
Companies that would like to offer me complimentary products to try out may contact me at this address as well.
Individuals who are seeking out less-toxic products or who are interested in pursuing a cleaner and healthier lifestyle may want to sign up to receive occasional email newsletters from Living Clean in a Dirty World.
Thanks very much for visiting the Living Clean shopping site!
Links on this page are in orange (no underlining).
