Essential Formulas’ Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic Kampuku Beauty Bar received Better Nutrition Magazine’s 2015 Best of Natural Beauty Award for the fifth time, demonstrating probiotics’ popularity in the skin health sector. The natural beauty bar was also chosen as an Editor’s Favorite. Better Nutrition’s editor presented the award during Natural Products Expo West held in Anaheim, California, in March.

Fred Pescatore, M.D., author of “Boost Your Health with Bacteria," explained how products that encourage proper microbial balance are key to healthy skin.

“Most natural health consumers are familiar with probiotics and their benefits for digestive function and immune response," he said. “But researchers have discovered that these beneficial microorganisms are key to many other aspects of human health—both inside and outside the body. The surface of the skin is an ecosystem populated by millions of diverse micro flora, and probiotic imbalance is at the core of many dermal health challenges."

Based on research in its early stages, scientists have found topical probiotics may offer a protective shield to the skin, demonstrate antimicrobial properties and issue a calming effect when put in contact with skin cells, according to an article released by the American Academy of Dermatology. Developing research on probiotics and skin health could lead to exciting opportunities for companies dipping into the cosmeceutical market.

Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic Kampuku Beauty Bar is receiving accolades from the natural products industry, health practitioners and consumers alike. The product’s formula supports the skin’s ecology by delivering nourishing probiotic and prebiotic extracts via an all-natural, non-drying formulation that clarifies, balances and rejuvenates the skin on the face and body.

To select the winning products, Better Nutrition Magazine’s Beauty Advisory Board had help from readers, who filled out detailed surveys and cast their votes for the best natural beauty and personal care products on its website. Magazine editors, who tested hundreds of products and conducted extensive research and interviews with health food storeowners, as well as readers and Better Nutrition staffers, also chose their favorites.

Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics® was also named a Better Nutrition’s 2015 ‘Best of Supplements’ Award winner for the sixth year in a row.

Be sure to attend the Ingredient Marketplace TrendsIn segment on probiotics to help guide your probiotic product development decisions. The Trends in Probiotics presentation will take place on Thursday, April 9, at 10:30 am. Register at marketplace.supplysideshow.com.