KENNEBUNK, Maine  – Tom’s of Maine is introducing a first-of-its-kind line of natural Prebiotic Personal Care products. The new Tom’s of Maine Prebiotic Personal Care line offers toothpaste, deodorant, body wash, bar soap and a first for the brand liquid hand soap, that is specially designed to help support your body’s good bacteria to maintain a healthy balance.

The truth is, not all bacteria are bad for you. In fact, killing all bacteria may do more harm than good. Both good and bad bacteria naturally exist in different areas of the body, including in the gut, mouth and on the skin. Prebiotics are nutrients that promote the growth of the good bacteria (or probiotics) that already exist in and on your body by feeding them, while starving and crowding out the bad bacteria that cause bad breath or body odor. Promoting their growth will help support a healthier balance of bacteria with more of the good and less of the bad.

According to a recent survey conducted by PSB Research on behalf of Tom’s of Maine, more than half of Americans believe the gut could benefit from a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria, with significantly fewer realizing other areas of the body like the skin (40%) and mouth (37%) need this balance.

“We know most people appreciate the importance of balancing the bacteria in the gut, but often don’t realize there are other unique microbiomes across the body to support, as well” said Justin Boudrow, personal care brand manager at Tom’s of Maine. “As with all of our products, this line is designed to keep you feeling clean and fresh using naturally-derived ingredients – with the added benefit of a prebiotic nutrient that selectively feeds good bacteria, helping to promote a healthy balance. For 50 years, we’ve been the leader in natural personal care innovation and are proud to offer families our newest way to build upon their naturally healthy lifestyle,” he added.

“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is all about finding the right balance,” said actress Ellie Kemper, who has partnered with Tom’s of Maine to help launch the new line. “Sometimes it’s about balancing work and home life, and sometimes it’s balancing the needs of others and taking care of yourself. I love that the Tom’s of Maine Prebiotic Personal Care line helps inspire a healthy balance in my daily routine with a variety of effective, natural products from a brand that shares my values.”

The new Tom’s of Maine Prebiotic Personal Care line is now available at Target, Amazon, CVS, Whole Foods and other select retailers nationwide. The full portfolio includes:

●  Prebiotic Toothpaste: Supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the mouth, while helping to reduce odors associated with bad breath.

●  Prebiotic Deodorant: Fosters the growth of good bacteria in the underarm to help reduce odor, in a formula that delivers 48-hour odor protection.

●  Prebiotic Body Wash & Bar Soap: Helps promote the growth of good bacteria on the body, in sulfate-free2 formulas that retain skin’s natural moisture and gently cleanse.

● Prebiotic Liquid Hand Soap: Provides gentle cleansing and helps support the growth of good bacteria found on hands and palms, while retaining skin’s natural moisture.