Does Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Have An Effect On Skin Conditions?

Quick answer

Lactobacillus rhamnosus shows some evidence of benefit for certain skin problems such as atopic dermatitis and possibly pediatric atopic eczema, but evidence for acne vulgaris is mixed and not conclusive.

🔬 What the research shows

High-quality randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses indicate that Lactobacillus rhamnosus may reduce symptoms of atopic dermatitis in children, with significant improvements in SCORAD scores after 8 weeks of treatment (PMID: 26733351). For pediatric atopic dermatitis prevention, Lactobacillus rhamnosus combined with other probiotics probably reduces risk based on moderate-quality evidence (PMID: 33811784). However, for acne vulgaris, evidence is mixed: one RCT showed improved outcomes when probiotics were combined with doxycycline (PMID: 39410868), and another trial with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus showed some improvement in non-inflammatory lesions (PMID: 38751177). Conversely, a meta-analysis found no significant benefit of Lactobacillus-based probiotics on acne lesion counts compared to placebo or benzoyl peroxide (PMID: 41853869). For eczema treatment, probiotics including Lactobacillus strains probably make little or no difference in patient-rated symptoms and quality of life (PMID: 30480774). Safety profiles across studies were generally good with no significant adverse effects reported. Limitations include heterogeneity of probiotic strains, doses, and study designs, as well as some low to moderate quality evidence and small sample sizes in some trials.

Best studied probiotic strains

Lactobacillus rhamnosus

RCT (PMID: 26733351) showed significant reduction in atopic dermatitis severity (SCORAD) in children after 8 weeks; meta-analysis (PMID: 33811784) suggests probable reduction in pediatric atopic dermatitis risk when combined with other probiotics.

Evidence strongest for atopic dermatitis in children; strain-specific effects important; less clear benefit for acne.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (CECT 30031)

RCT (PMID: 38751177) showed significant improvement in non-inflammatory acne lesions and global severity scores compared to placebo.

May be beneficial for acne vulgaris but evidence is limited to one RCT; combined with Arthrospira platensis in study.

View products containing microorganisms linked to this analysis

👥 Who may benefit

Children with atopic dermatitis or pediatric atopic eczema Patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris (possibly as adjunct therapy) Pregnant women and infants for prevention of atopic dermatitis when probiotics are combined

✅ Safety

Probiotics including Lactobacillus rhamnosus were generally safe and well tolerated across studies with no significant increase in adverse events reported. Minor gastrointestinal symptoms were occasionally noted but not significantly different from placebo.

⚠️ Limitations

Heterogeneity in probiotic strains, doses, and treatment durations; some studies combined Lactobacillus rhamnosus with other probiotics or agents; mixed results especially for acne vulgaris; some evidence based on low to moderate quality studies; small sample sizes in some trials; lack of standardization limits generalizability.

📚 PubMed sources

PMID 39410868 View study → PMID 33811784 View study → PMID 30480774 View study → PMID 35384257 View study → PMID 41853869 View study → PMID 20849726 View study → PMID 26733351 View study → PMID 34006167 View study → PMID 38751177 View study →

Products containing microorganisms linked to this analysis

These products contain microorganisms identified in the research analysis above.

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