What is SIV Biome Balancing Serum and who is it for?
SIV Biome Balancing Serum is a spore-based topical formula that contains a proprietary blend of Bacillus spores suspended in skin-identical oils. Unlike traditional skincare that works against your skin’s natural ecosystem, this serum is designed to work with your unique microbiome – the community of microorganisms that naturally lives on your skin’s surface.
This formula is for anyone seeking to support their skin’s natural microbial diversity, particularly those with sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated skin. It’s especially relevant if you’ve noticed your skin reacting negatively to conventional skincare, or if you’re interested in supporting your skin’s foundation rather than just treating surface symptoms.
Why choose a spore-based approach?
Your skin is home to trillions of microorganisms that play a role in maintaining your skin’s barrier function, managing moisture levels, and supporting your skin’s natural defenses. When this ecosystem becomes imbalanced – whether from harsh products, environmental stressors, or lifestyle factors – your skin can become compromised.
Most topical products either ignore this ecosystem entirely or use live bacterial cultures that are fragile and often can’t survive on the skin’s surface. SIV takes a different approach using Bacillus spores, which are dormant bacterial “seeds” that remain stable in the formula and only activate when they come in contact with your skin’s natural warmth, oils, and moisture. This spore-based delivery system allows the beneficial bacteria to arrive exactly where they’re needed and begin supporting your skin’s microbial community.
How does it work?
Think of your skin microbiome like a garden. When certain plants (bacteria) overgrow and crowd out others, the whole garden suffers. SIV’s Bacillus spores act like intelligent gardeners, using a process called quorum sensing – a form of bacterial communication – to assess what’s happening on your skin and respond accordingly.
Spore Activation:Â The Bacillus spores remain dormant in the serum until they contact your skin. Your skin’s natural heat, oils, and moisture trigger the spores to “wake up” and begin their work exactly where support is needed.
Quorum Sensing Communication:Â Once activated, these beneficial bacteria communicate with the existing microbes on your skin through chemical signaling. Research shows that Bacillus species produce compounds that can influence the behavior of other bacteria, helping to manage overgrown species while supporting beneficial ones.
Targeted Support:Â Rather than overwhelming your skin with billions of live bacteria (which may or may not be appropriate for your unique microbiome), the spores adapt to your specific needs, working to support a more diverse and resilient microbial community.
Skin-Identical Carrier Oils:Â The Bacillus spores are suspended in squalane and caprylic/capric triglycerides – oils your skin already recognizes and produces naturally. This means the formula integrates seamlessly into your skin’s existing structure.
What can this support?
This formula provides nutritional and topical support for:
Reactive, Sensitive Skin:Â If your skin tends to react to many products or feels easily irritated, supporting your skin’s microbial foundation may help. A more diverse and balanced microbiome is associated with a stronger skin barrier and more resilient skin.
Skin Undergoing Disruption:Â After aggressive treatments, environmental stress, or periods of using harsh products, your skin’s microbiome may need support to reestablish diversity. The spore-based approach provides this foundation.
Those Seeking Microbiome Support:Â If you’re taking a gut-focused approach to health and understand the role of the microbiome in overall wellness, you may be interested in supporting your skin’s microbiome as part of a comprehensive strategy.
Dry, Dehydrated Skin:Â The squalane and triglyceride base provides immediate hydration while the Bacillus spores work to support the skin’s moisture-retention capabilities over time.
Skin That’s “Tried Everything”:Â If you’ve cycled through countless products targeting symptoms without addressing the underlying ecosystem, a microbiome-focused approach offers a different perspective – working with your skin’s biology rather than against it.
How to Use SIV
Step 1
Before use, shake the dropper vigorously, until the bottom of the dropper is clear, to disperse Bacillus spores throughout the serum.
Step 2
Apply 1-2 drops to hands first or directly to area, once daily, and gently massage and then pat into skin. Can be used on damp or dry skin.
Step 3
For optimal results: apply after toner and before moisturizer.
A Functional Medicine Perspective on Skin Health
In Functional Medicine, we recognize that the skin doesn’t exist in isolation – it’s intimately connected to your internal health, particularly gut health and immune function. The skin-gut axis describes the bidirectional communication between these two barrier systems, both of which host complex microbial communities.
Research has shown that disruption to the gut microbiome can manifest as skin issues, and conversely, supporting the skin’s microbiome may influence systemic inflammation and immune responses. This is why many people notice their skin improves when they address gut health, and why topical microbiome support can be a valuable complement to internal work.
The Bacillus species used in this formula are particularly interesting from a Functional Medicine perspective. These spore-forming bacteria are the same genus used in many high-quality spore-based probiotics for gut health (like MegaSporeBiotic from Microbiome Labs). Their ability to survive harsh environments, communicate with other microbes, and produce beneficial compounds makes them uniquely suited for supporting both internal and external microbiome health.
When working with clients who have skin concerns, we often address multiple systems simultaneously: gut healing, immune support, nutrient status, and detoxification pathways. Adding topical microbiome support can be a valuable piece of this comprehensive approach, helping to support the skin’s barrier function while internal healing takes place.
Ingredients
- Bacillus Spores (Proprietary Blend):Â Including Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans – spore-forming bacteria that remain dormant until activated by skin contact
- Squalane (from non-GMO sugarcane):Â A biomimetic oil that mimics your skin’s natural squalene, supporting hydration and barrier function
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (from coconut oil):Â Medium-chain fatty acids that help maintain skin moisture and create a smooth, lightweight texture
- Glyceryl Caprylate (plant-based):Â A natural emollient derived from glycerin and plant fatty acids that helps maintain skin moisture
Size:Â 15ml (0.5 fl oz)
Format:Â Dropper bottle – shake vigorously before each use to disperse spores throughout the serum
Texture:Â Lightweight, oil-based serum that absorbs quickly
Scent:Â No added fragrances or essential oils; may have a slight natural scent that dissipates quickly after application
Common questions
Won’t putting bacteria on my skin make it worse?
This is a common concern, but remember that your skin is already home to trillions of bacteria. The question isn’t whether bacteria are present, but whether your microbial community is diverse and balanced. The Bacillus spores in this formula are designed to support that diversity, not overwhelm your skin with foreign organisms. Think of it like adding beneficial bacteria to your gut – you’re supporting the ecosystem that’s already there.
How is this different from probiotic skincare products?
Most probiotic skincare uses live bacterial cultures (like Lactobacillus) or bacterial extracts/lysates (dead bacteria or their fermentation products). SIV uses dormant spores that only activate on contact with your skin, and uses Bacillus species which have unique abilities to communicate with other skin bacteria through quorum sensing. This is a fundamentally different approach – adaptive rather than prescriptive.
Can I use this with other skincare products?
Yes, SIV can be incorporated into most skincare routines. Apply it after cleansing and toning, but before heavier serums, treatments, and moisturizers. Avoid using it immediately after or before harsh exfoliants or high-strength actives, as these may interfere with the spores’ ability to activate and establish on your skin.
Will this work for my specific skin concern?
SIV takes a foundation-first approach rather than targeting specific symptoms. It’s designed to support your skin’s microbial ecosystem, which in turn may influence various skin functions. If you’re dealing with skin concerns that may be related to microbiome imbalance, dysbiosis, or barrier dysfunction, this approach may be relevant for you. However, it’s not a targeted treatment for any specific condition.
How do I know if it’s working?
Changes may be subtle at first. Some people report their skin feeling calmer, less reactive, or more resilient. Others notice improvements in skin texture, tone, or hydration levels. Because this works foundationally rather than superficially, improvements often build gradually over weeks to months of consistent use.
Can I use this if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
While the ingredients are topical and generally considered safe, we always recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before starting any new products during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
These statements have not been evaluated by the TGA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.























