LACTOBACILLUS
LACTOBACILLUS is the name that may appear on a label for one or more bacterial species in the genus Lactobacillus. It does not name a plant, an oil, or a single chemical molecule: it refers to a group of microorganisms in the Lactobacillaceae family, recognised in biological classification.
LACTOBACILLUS: what it is
LACTOBACILLUS is the name that may appear on a label for one or more bacterial species in the genus Lactobacillus. It does not name a plant, an oil, or a single chemical molecule: it refers to a group of microorganisms in the Lactobacillaceae family, recognised in biological classification.
The capitalised name does not reveal which species is present or identify a particular strain. That breadth sets it apart from an ingredient that corresponds to one clearly defined substance: Lactobacillus species and strains are more precise identifiers than the general name shown in an ingredient list.
LACTOBACILLUS: what it does in cosmetics
In cosmetics, LACTOBACILLUS is classified for skin conditioning. In everyday terms, that category concerns helping to keep skin in good condition while using the product; it does not make the ingredient, by itself, a treatment for a skin concern.
Research on Lactobacillus has to be read with the full strain name and route of use in mind. A review of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in preterm infants assessed oral administration of a named strain, not cosmetic application to skin. That kind of finding cannot predict the effect of every product that lists only LACTOBACILLUS on its label.
Products containing this ingredient
See which products include it and the name used in each composition.
