‘I’m a Dermatologist, and Here’s Why Your Skin Is Begging for Probiotic Body Washes This Winter—These Are the 4 Best’

From gut-boosting properties to inhibiting the overgrowth of yeast, probiotics have a flurry of benefits for your digestive system, vaginal health, and mood. But there are more benefits to probiotics than meets the eye. According to Anna Chacon, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, Florida, topical probiotics offer a slew of benefits for the skin.

“Your skin’s natural barrier may be strengthened and inflammation reduced by probiotics—which can also help ward off infection,” says Dr. Chacon. “They can also aid in rehydrating your skin.” Research even shows that topical probiotics can advance acne and atopic dermatitis—which occur when there’s a disruption to the skin’s barrier. To bring balance back to your skin, you can look to the best probiotic body washes for assistance.

How do probiotic body washes work?

Probiotic body washes work by balancing your skin’s microbiome—which is controlled by “the balance of bacteria and yeast on your skin surface,” Angela Lamb, MD, an associate professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, previously told Well+Good. This balance is what keeps your skin happy and healthy.

Whether you’re looking to balance your skin’s microbiome or taking a more holistic approach to your skin-care regimen, probiotic body washes are a great source of hydration while soothing and calming parched skin cells. Meander ahead to find the best probiotic body washes that money can buy, per dermatologists.

The best probiotic body washes

Iota, Supervitamin Body Wash — $23.00

Iota makes a nutrient-rich body wash that’s ideal for all skin types, be it normal, oily, or sensitive. It’s formulated with a blend of vitamins (A, B3, B9, C, E, F), pre- and post-biotics, and niacinamide to give your skin a healthy glow. Bonus: The blend of mandarin and cedar smells irresistibly good.

Nécessaire, The Body Wash — $25.00

At the top of Dr. Chacon’s list is Nécessaire’s Body Wash. This soft-foaming cleanser is formulated with niacinamide, plant oils, and a blend of citrusy fruit extracts—which are carriers of probiotics—to cleanse the skin without over-drying. Plus, it’s fragrance-, paraben, and sulfate-free.

Esker, Firming Body Wash — $28.00

Esker Firming Body Wash is another Dr. Chacon favorite and for good reason: It uses plant-based oils like rose geranium and grapefruit, aloe leaf juice, and glycerin to soothe angry and dry skin. Another perk? It gives skin a smoother and healthier-looking appearance.

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Nola Skinsentials, Baddie Cleanse — $24.00

If you struggle with body acne, Dr. Chacon says you’ll want the Baddie Cleanse by Nola Skinesentials in your skin-care arsenal. “White willow bark, lactic acid, and glycolic acid are all included in the formulation since they are all good acne treatments,” she says. It’s also formulated with salicylic acid to open up clogged pores and orange extract and radish root fermented filtrate for a dose of probiotics.