Excellent Active Ingredient

Postbiotics

INCI: POSTBIOTICS

CAS Number
84012-26-0
Function
Bioactive metabolites and cell-wall components produced by probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) during fermentation of prebiotic substrates. Include: short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs โ€” barrier ceramide precursors), lactic acid, bacteriocins (antimicrobial), lipoteichoic acids (immunomodulatory), and peptide fragments. Mechanisms: positively modulate skin microbiome composition, enhance barrier integrity, reduce TEWL, and maintain skin hydration. Anti-inflammatory via TLR2/TLR4 pathway modulation.
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted without restriction. Multi-omic research cited in PMC10392128 supports microbiome modulation and barrier benefits. Fastest-growing natural ingredient category for 2026 per sourcing intelligence. MoCRA safety substantiation required.

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
negligible
Sensitization
none

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

Postbiotics are a top-ranked predicted natural ingredient category demonstrating positive microbiome modulation, enhanced hydration, and barrier integrity maintenance. As non-viable fractions they avoid the regulatory complexity of probiotic live bacteria in cosmetics, with no safety concerns and excellent tolerability including in sensitive and dysbiotic skin.

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Concern Level: None

Regulatory Flags

postbiotic microbiome barrier-function fermented-source longevity-skincare #1-predicted-2026 anti-inflammatory evidence-backed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Postbiotics safe in cosmetics?

Postbiotics are a top-ranked predicted natural ingredient category demonstrating positive microbiome modulation, enhanced hydration, and barrier integrity maintenance. As non-viable fractions they avoid the regulatory complexity of probiotic live bacteria in cosmetics, with no safety concerns and excellent tolerability including in sensitive and dysbiotic skin. The EU classifies Postbiotics as "permitted". Safety rating: EXCELLENT.

Is Postbiotics allowed in the EU?

Postbiotics EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Postbiotics do in cosmetics?

Postbiotics functions as: Bioactive metabolites and cell-wall components produced by probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) during fermentation of prebiotic substrates. Include: short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs โ€” barrier ceramide precursors), lactic acid, bacteriocins (antimicrobial), lipoteichoic acids (immunomodulatory), and peptide fragments. Mechanisms: positively modulate skin microbiome composition, enhance barrier integrity, reduce TEWL, and maintain skin hydration. Anti-inflammatory via TLR2/TLR4 pathway modulation.. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 84012-26-0.

What is the Margin of Safety for Postbiotics?

not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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