There’s a new skincare trend coming to town and it’s microbiome skincare! Many skincare experts and enthusiasts have called it the next big thing. Well, we think so too. But before we get there, do you know what the microbiome is?

The skin’s microbiome refers to the billions of fungi, viruses, and bacteria which your skin’s microbiota comprises of. We know what you’re thinking; isn’t that a bad thing to have it on your face, yet alone apply it on your face? Actually, it’s quite the opposite. Think of it as the good bacteria that actually protects your skin and enhances its immune system. So really, the more you have on your skin, the healthier it is!

Skincare for Your Skin’s Unique Microbiome

Recently, there has been a lot of buzz about microbiome and skincare that can help improve and enhance it on our skin. Many have focused on the internal microbiome, where prebiotics and probiotics are used to maintain enhance our gut health. Yes, not a pretty thing to think about, bacteria in our guts, huh? Well don’t worry, Beauty Insider is talking about the ones crawling on your skin today. Okay, that probably doesn’t sound any better but hold on you’re not going to regret learning about it!

As we’ve mentioned before, these are good bacteria we’re talking about. It is in our best interest to amplify them as they help protect and keep our skin healthy. Through probiotic and prebiotic skincare, this is possible! Lucky for us there is a growing movement in the skincare market as prebiotic and probiotic skincare rises. From toners, lotions, creams to sheet masks, there are a few amazing products in Malaysia that are a definite must-try! Read on to find out all about them.

GALLINÉE Youthful Serum

Let us tell you something about Gallinee; they’re incredible! Beauty Insider had the opportunity to sit down with their Founder, Dr. Marie Drago and found out the story behind the brand and the importance of taking care of our skin microbiome. Read the interview here.

We could say they’re experts at the skin’s microbiome with years and years of research to deliver you the best for your skin. Their Youthful Serum is said by many to work like the fountain of youth! Made to suit all skin types (yes, even sensitive skin!) this serum absorbs quick into the skin to work its magic. Dehydrated, dullness, signs of ageing, uneven skin texture and tone, this serum targets them all!

Reviews:

  • Been using this serum for awhile now, and it does work well with my combination skin. I guess my skin became a little better with the use of this serum. Hope to see good results in the long run! – Cheryll Loo, Sephora Malaysia

Purchase your very own Youthful Serum now at Sephora Malaysia for RM275.00.

GALLINÉE Face Vinegar Toner

We love clean beauty! Gallinee prides themselves with their clean formulation in all of their products. This Face Binegar works as a toner after every wash. It removes dead skin cells and purifies the skin from any remaining pollutants that would inhibit the good bacteria’s absorption of your serums and creams.

Review:

  • This is my second bottle. I love that it has prebiotic AND probiotic. I cant use most AHAs, my skin would turn red. With this I can enjoy benefits of an AHA since it’s mild but still exfoliates a bit. Perfect for daily use but preferably use at night only. – Jannah Md Isa, Sephora Malaysia
  • I haven’t been using a toner for a long time because it tends to dry up my skin but I attempted to give this a try as I needed an exfoliating toner for my skin. No regrets! I truly love how it helps my skin and gives it a nice glow and it evens out my acne and skin tone too! – Farah Khan

Start your skincare routine right with the Face Vinegar. Available for purchase at Sephora Malaysia for RM120.00.

GALLINÉE Face Mask & Scrub

A good physical facial exfoliant is hard to come by. Thanks to Gallinee hopping into Sephora, it isn’t that hard anymore! Their Face Mask & Scrub is known to work great on all skin types to gently exfoliate your skin once or twice a week, providing incredible results. We all know how much good exfoliating does to our skin, why not try a probiotic and prebiotic scrub!

Review:

  • I love the creamy texture, requires just a small amount each time. Leaves my skin feeling plump and soft. A plus point is it doesn’t have a strong odour! Worth the price. – Sha, Sephora Malaysia
  • I truly feel refreshed after using this mask/scrub. It doesn’t feel too rough on the skin and doesn’t dry out my skin. Before this I was a bit sceptical about using scrubs on my skin, but now I think I’ve found the right one for my skin. – Farah Khan

Get your hands on the Face Mask & Scrub for RM120.00 at Sephora Malaysia today!

B&B LABS CustoMasks

Satisfy the good bacteria on your skin with the world’s first customised microbiome sheet masks, B&B Labs CustoMask! B&B Labs is a homegrown skincare brand that is loved by many for their revolutionary skincare. The CustoMasks were created to address different skincare concerns. The star ingredient in these masks is their E-cology Plus+; a revolutionary microbiome complex that contains amazing ingredients including some from our favourite Malaysian fruits. This complex is made up of Aloe Vera, Biolin, Mangosteen extract, Durian extract, and hyaluronic acid!

“Even identical twins have different skin needs,so why are sheet masks still a one-size-fits-all?” – B&B Labs. The CustoMasks target five main skincare concerns such as Hydration, Sensitive Skin, Acne Prone, and Wrinkles with 12 variations. These sheet masks are high potency treatment grade masks that contain active concentrates that are formulated to boost micro circulation on your skin. So, if you experience a tingly feeling when putting them on; it’s totally normal!

M2 CustoMask for Uneven Skin Tone

Designed to target uneven skintone, this M2 CustoMask strengthens, controls pigmentation, as well as provide brightening effects on the skin!

Review:

  • It feels tingly at first, but it settles down after a few minutes. After consistent use, I noticed my skin getting more even and the dark spots from acne scars start to fade. This is definitely starting to become one of my favourite sheet masks! – Farah Khan

J4 CustoMask for Dehydration and Uneven Skin Texture

Hydrate your skin and even out your skin tone with the J4 CustoMask. This mask is also formulated to refine your pores, and stabilise your skin’s PH levels. Bye-bye large pores and dry skin!

Review:

  • I’m officially obsessed with this hydrating mask. It keeps my skin supple throughout the day! It instantly soothes irritation on my skin and fits perfectly onto my face unlike other sheet masks. Double thumbs up from me! – Balqis Ariffin

G1 CustoMask for Oiliness-Blackheads and Whiteheads

Need help with your blackheads and whiteheads? B&B Labs has got just the mask for you; G1 CustoMask. It combats excess oil production that is one of the main reasons for the formation of blackheads and whiteheads on the skin.

Review:

  • It has a cooling effect on my skin and leaves it feeling refreshed afterwards which I absolutely love! Although, I do feel a slight tingling sensation on my upper lips every time I apply. After a few weeks, I do notice that this sensation seems to fade away quicker than before. – Cherelle Lim

H5 CustoMask for Wrinkles and Dryness

Dry skin can ultimately result in premature wrinkles. Giving your skin ample hydration will help bring youth back to it. This H5 CustoMask is formulated to target both dehydration and wrinkles!

Review:

  • It stings for the first few minutes which was expected. After a while, the masks absorbs in my skin and hydrated my face. It does feel a little sticky so I suggest to wear it at night before bed. My skin does feel super refreshed after each use! – Nur Aqilah

Find out the best customised CustoMask for you at B&B Labs! Purchase yours now for RM175.00 for a pack of 7 masks and begin your journey to great skin.

SATURDAY SKIN Pretty Pop Probiotic Power Whipped Cream

Saturday Skin is a K-Beauty brand that not only has products that are perfect for an Instagram shot but has an array of skincare products that are a cult favourite all over the world. The Pretty Pop Probiotic Power Whipped Cream is a moisturiser that is effective at supporting the microbiome. It works for everyone from teenagers to those over 50 and suits every skin type even for those with sensitive skin! The best part is that a little goes a long way. We don’t know about you, but that’s music to our ears!

Review:

  • Saturday Skin, you have done an excellent job! The whipped texture cream is all I have been looking for. Having super sensitive plus dry skin, it is so difficult to find the right moisturiser that can resolve both issues. Since it is a whipped texture, it feels so light but moisturising enough without feeling oily. I was taken aback by the gritty granules (my first thought it was already spoiled) but it melts when rubbing the cream onto my face. I am using it in the morning as it works amazingly after my serum and before my makeup. My skin is looking healthier (more hydrated) and younger, more radiant and luminous, and so soft after using it for two weeks. I am looking forward to more improvement when I use it for a longer period. I will definitely buy it again before it runs out. – Adie ZA, Sephora Malaysia

Get your hands on this baby now at Sephora Malaysia where it retails for RM189.00!

SATURDAY SKIN Bright Potion Probiotic Power Serum

This Bright Potion Probiotic Power Serum has stolen the hearts of many with how amazing it works on the skin. It is known to brighten dull skin, help with breakouts, and even out the complexion. This product is hard to find as it’s always sold out in Malaysia! It pairs perfectly with the Pretty Pop Probiotic Power Whipped Cream but works with any products.

Review:

  • Been using this serum for about 3 weeks now and there’s a noticeable difference in my complexion. I don’t have any particular skin problem just some pigmentation and discolouration. I only use it at night because the serum does have a slight sticky feel for use under makeup. My skin feels smooth and hydrated in the morning and there’s a glow. Would definitely recommend this product. Price is good too. Only need a small amount to spread on face. – Tasha, Sephora Malaysia

Waitlist yourself ASAP at Sephora Malaysia for the next restock. You do not want to miss out on this one! The Bright Potion Probiotic Power Serum retails for RM174.00.

FRESH Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence

This Facial Treatment Essence from FRESH delivers eight different benefits to the skin, powered by potent kombucha. It helps hydrate the skin to promote supple looking skin, smoothes, evens out, and minimises the appearance of pores. Although it is slightly on the pricier side, its formula is packed with AHAs, Anti-oxidants, and Vitamins to deliver the best to your skin which justifies its price point.

Review:

  • Fresh kombucha facial treatment essence is my first ever bottle of fermented treatment essence i have tried and i have been repurchasing it eversince. I have done alot of reading online and alot have said that this product is really good and alot of users have shared positive feedbacks. Thats why i decided to give it a try. – Sharron Chia, Sephora Malaysia

Purchase FRESH Facial Treatment Essence at Sephora Malaysia from RM320.00 and soak your skin in the Kombucha goodness today!

That’s it for now! But keep your eyes open, microbiome skincare is taking over and soon it’ll be all over the beauty community. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more Beauty Tips & Tricks, News, Giveaways and more!