Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus is a widely used ingredient in cosmetics, personal care, and skincare formulations. Depending on its function, it may serve as a moisturizer, preservative, emulsifier, or active ingredient to enhance the overall effectiveness and performance of a product.
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Lactobacillus is a genus of gram-positive, aerotolerant anaerobes or microaerophilic, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacteria. Until 2020, the genus Lactobacillus comprised over 260 phylogenetically, ecologically, and metabolically diverse species; a taxonomic revision of the genus assigned lactobacilli to 25 genera (see § Taxonomy below).
| Lactobacillus | |
|---|---|
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| Lactobacillus sp. near a squamous epithelial cell | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Bacteria |
| Phylum: | Bacillota |
| Class: | Bacilli |
| Order: | Lactobacillales |
| Family: | Lactobacillaceae |
| Genus: | Lactobacillus Beijerinck 1901 (Approved Lists 1980) |
| Type species | |
| Lactobacillus delbrueckii (Leichmann 1896) Beijerinck 1927 (Approved Lists 1980)
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| Species | |
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See text | |
Lactobacillus species constitute a significant component of the human and animal microbiota at a number of body sites, such as the digestive system and the female genital system. In women of European ancestry, Lactobacillus species are normally a major part of the vaginal microbiota. Lactobacillus forms biofilms in the vaginal and gut microbiota, allowing them to persist in harsh environmental conditions and maintain ample populations. Lactobacillus exhibits a mutualistic relationship with the human body, as it protects the host against potential invasions by pathogens, and in turn, the host provides a source of nutrients. Lactobacilli are among the most common probiotic found in food such as yogurt, and the bacteria are diverse in their application in maintaining human well-being, by helping to treat diarrhea, vaginal infections, and skin disorders such as eczema.
