What are prebiotics? Are they similar to probiotics? - Tom's of Maine" and exclude the word

WE´VE DISCOVERED HOW TO

REBALANCE NATURE

by helping to support your good bacteria.

WHY PREBIOTIC?

What are prebiotics: Tom's of Maine prebiotic products and FAQ

We can't improve nature – but we can rebalance it by helping to support your good bacteria

Not all bacteria are bad for you. In fact, killing all bacteria may do more harm than good. Our Prebiotic Personal Care line is carefully formulated to feed the good bacteria in your mouth, underarms, and on your skin*, while keeping you clean and fresh

WHAT ARE PREBIOTICS?

Good and bad bacteria naturally exist in your gut, mouth, and on your skin. Prebiotics are nutrients that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in and on your body by feeding them, while starving and crowding out the bad bacteria that cause bad breath and body odor. Promoting their growth will help support a healthier balance of bacteria with more of the good and less of the bad.
HOW ARE PREBIOTICS DIFFERENT FROM PROBIOTICS?

Both probiotics and prebiotics work to promote a healthier microbiome, for the gut, mouth, or on the skin. The difference is that, while probiotics are bacteria known to be beneficial to the body, prebiotics are nutrients that promote the growth of the good bacteria that already exist in or on your body. Prebiotics are like fertilizing a troubled patch of grass to help it grow in more fully, while probiotics are like tossing extra patches of sod on top. Allowing the good bacteria to thrive is important for maintaining a healthy balance.
WHAT IS A MICROBIOME? ISN'T IT JUST IN THE GUT?

Just as distinct climates and regions on earth allow for different species of plants and animals to live in them, there are also different environments that exist in the mouth, underarms, and on the hands and skin. These areas on the body support a unique ecosystem of microorganisms to thrive in each of those regions of the body. This ecosystem of microorganisms is often referred to as a microbiome.*
HOW ARE TOM'S OF MAINE PREBIOTIC PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS*?
Just like other personal care products, the Tom’s of Maine Prebiotic products are designed to keep your mouth, underarms, or skin clean and fresh. What’s different is that each features a prebiotic nutrient that selectively feeds remaining good bacteria, helping to promote the growth of a healthier balance of bacteria.

Prebiotic Deodorant:

With the prebiotic xylitol and a postbiotic vegan yogurt extract, these formulas selectively feed beneficial bacteria in the underarm to help reduce odor. It delivers 48-hour odor protection while being gentle on skin.

Prebiotic Body Wash:

With the prebiotic ingredient inulin, these formulas help promote the growth of good bacteria while gently cleansing your skin. The dermatologically tested, sulfate-free* formula has a microbiome-friendly pH and retains skin's natural moisture while helping to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
*Does not contain any sulfate-based surfactants

Prebiotic Bar Soap:

With the prebiotic ingredient inulin, these formulas help promote the growth of good bacteria while gently cleansing your skin. The dermatologically tested, sulfate-free* formula retains skin's natural moisture.
*Does not contain any sulfate-based surfactants

Prebiotic Liquid Hand Soap:

With the prebiotic ingredient inulin, these formulas help promote the growth of good bacteria while gently cleansing your skin. The dermatologically tested, sulfate-free* formula has a microbiome-friendly pH and retains skin's natural moisture while helping to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
*Does not contain any sulfate-based surfactants