Yogurt skincare – effects, benefits & application in skincare

What is yogurt skincare?

Yogurt care refers to cosmetic products or home care products that contain yogurt or fermented milk components. The main active ingredient – ​​lactic acid or Lactobacillus ferment – ​​has a mild exfoliating and moisturizing effect and supports the skin microbiome. In modern dermocosmetics, yogurt skincare is used specifically to strengthen the natural skin barrier and promote the balance of the microbiome. ^¹

The effects of yogurt on skincare

• Moisture & smoothing: The natural milk sugar (lactose) binds water in the stratum corneum.
• Gentle peeling: Lactic acid promotes the removal of dead cells and improves skin structure.
• Microbiome support: Probiotic ferments such as Lactobacillus help to stabilize the balance between "good" and "bad" skin bacteria. ²
• Soothing effect: Yogurt reduces skin irritations, especially in sensitive skin.
• pH stabilization: The slightly acidic pH (approx. 4.5) supports the skin's natural acid mantle.

Scientific background

The peptides, lactic acid and lipids contained in fermented milk have been shown to influence skin physiology. Studies from the Technical University of Munich show that lactic acid bacteria positively modulate the expression of skin barrier proteins such as filaggrin and claudin- ^1.3

Ferments from Lactobacillus are now used in many skin-soothing and barrier-strengthening cosmetic formulations – especially in natural cosmetics with a probiotic focus.

Application in daily care

Yogurt-based skincare products are suitable as masks, creams, or serum additives. In NATURFACTOR products like the Porcelain Skin Serum, moisturizing and regenerating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or peptides optimally complement the effects of ferment-based substances.

Who is yogurt skincare suitable for?

• Dry skin: Yogurt moisturizes and smooths rough patches.
• Sensitive skin: Lactic acid has a mild exfoliating and soothing effect.
• Impure skin: Probiotic ferments can stabilize the bacterial balance and prevent impurities.
• Mature skin: The gentle peeling effect refines the skin's texture and improves radiance.

Yogurt vs. synthetic lactic acid

In contrast to synthetic lactic acid, natural yogurt offers a wider range of bioactive components – including proteins, lipids and probiotic cell fragments. These work synergistically and sustainably improve the skin's balance. ⁴

Conclusion

Yogurt skincare combines traditional natural skincare with modern cosmetic science. The combination of lactic acid, ferments and natural lipids makes it a mild but effective care formula – ideal for regenerating and soothing sensitive skin.

Sources

1. Haut.de – Lactic acid and its effects in cosmetics . https://www.haut.de/hautlexikon/milchsaeure/
2. Beiersdorf Research Hamburg – Probiotic ferments in skincare products . https://www.beiersdorf.com/innovation-research/skin-research/probiotics
3. Technical University of Munich – Chair of Nutritional Physiology: Lactic acid bacteria and the skin barrier . https://www.nutrition.tum.de/forschung/hautmikrobiom/
4. Pharmaceutical Journal – Probiotics in skincare . https://www.pharmazeutische-zeitung.de/probiotika-in-der-hautpflege-122397/