The full review

Microbiome Boosting Serum review: my honest take

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*As stated by SeneGence.

This is the serum of SeneGence’s Microbiome line. It combines prebiotics and probiotics with hyaluronic acid and sea grape extract, and SeneGence lists hydration, barrier and fine lines as the concerns. If you already use the Microbiome cleanser and moisturizers, this is the piece that fills the gap between them.

Worth it if you're all-in on the Microbiome line. Otherwise, there are cheaper ways to hydrate.

It goes after cleansing and before moisturizer, in the optional serum slot of the morning or evening routine. It suits skin that feels dehydrated, easily upset or just off balance. Interesting detail: it’s not in the Microbiome SkinCare Regimen Set, so it’s an add-on. It was, though, listed in the current Made to GLOW box, where contents change.

At $98 for 1 fl oz, it’s a serious price for a hydrating serum. It’s Subscribe & Save eligible. If hydration is the main goal and the microbiome angle isn’t important to you, Climate Control is $85 for nearly three times the size. For a lighter makeup-prep version, look at the Glowify Microbiome Serum Primer.

Microbiome Boosting Serum vs Climate Control vs Serum Primer: which one should you get?

	Microbiome Boosting Serum My pick	Climate Control	Glowify Microbiome Serum Primer
Type	Skincare serum	Gel essence	Primer (serum) for makeup
Key ingredients	Pre- and probiotics, HA, sea grape	SenePlex+, Aquaxyl, glucosamine	Microbiome and barrier support
Main concerns	Hydration, barrier, fine lines	Dryness, sensitivity, lines	Hydration, glow under makeup
Size / price	1 fl oz, $98	2.85 fl oz, $85	$50
Pick it if	You're building a full Microbiome routine	You want hydration at the best value	You want a glowy base for makeup

Where it fits in your evening routine

1Fooops! Color Removing Wipesremove makeup2Microbiome Correcting Cleansercleanse3Microbiome Boosting Serumyou are here4Microbiome Restorative Evening Moisturizerseal it in

Take makeup off, cleanse with the Microbiome Correcting Cleanser, apply the serum, then finish with the Restorative Evening Moisturizer. In the morning, swap the last step for the Microbiome Defense SPF 15. Any treatment goes between serum and moisturizer.

What’s in it, in plain words

• Prebiotics: SeneGence describes them as feeding beneficial bacteria and supporting microbiome balance, pH, hydration and texture.
• Probiotics: described by SeneGence as helping balance the skin microbiome and maintain hydration.
• Hyaluronic acid: a humectant that attracts and holds moisture.
• Sea grape extract: a seaweed extract named among the serum’s key ingredients.

Sets that include this serum

• Made to GLOW Subscription Box: listed in the current box; contents change, $196

My tips

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Microbiome Boosting Serum FAQs

What does the Microbiome Boosting Serum do?

SeneGence aims it at hydration, barrier and fine lines. The formula combines prebiotics, probiotics, hyaluronic acid and sea grape extract, and it’s the serum step of the Microbiome line.

Is it part of the Microbiome SkinCare Regimen Set?

No. The Microbiome SkinCare Regimen Set includes the cleanser, SPF 15, evening moisturizer and EyeCrème. The serum is a separate add-on.

Can I use it morning and night?

Yes. It sits after cleansing and before moisturizer in either routine. In the morning, finish with the Microbiome Defense SPF 15; at night, the Restorative Evening Moisturizer.

Is it good for sensitive skin?

Our catalog groups the whole Microbiome line under sensitivity and redness concerns, so sensitive skin is the target. As with any new product, patch test first if your skin reacts easily.