Iota's Microbiome Balancing Bodycare Line Makes Me Feel Like I Just Left a 5-Star Spa

Before I get into the products, you might be wondering (as I was when I was first introduced to the brand), what exactly is your skin's microbiome and why does it matter when it comes to the formulas you put on your body? Your skin's microbiome, which is made up of trillions of microorganisms on the outer layer of your skin, helps to keep you protected from infections, while also aiding your immune system and helping wounds to heal—so, it's pretty important for keeping you healthy.

Along with daily habits like exercise, eating a balanced diet and getting out in nature, moisturizing your skin regularly is helpful for supporting your microbiome's efficiency, and Iota spent years developing products that are specifically designed to maintain it. The brand even has a scientific advisory board to make sure it's taking into account all of the latest research. Per the brand, the formulas in each of its products offer a blend of pre- and postbiotics to target skin health and tackle issues before they occur, and are also packed with tons of multivitamins that aid in radiance, firmness, hydration and smoothness. (You can read all about Iota's scientific research and product development process here if you want even more info.) Basically, these products have it all to get your skin healthy *and* glowing, not to mention they're vegan, cruelty-free, EU compliant and climate neutral certified. TBH, I was impressed even before I tried everything out, but even more so afterwards.

The first product I tried, which might be my favorite, was Iota's Supercloud body serum ($39). Think of this as a similar product to your favorite face serum—it goes on lightly, but spreads easily, and was made to be a "face-grade routine for your body" that acts as a toner, essence, treatment, gel mask and hydrator using ingredients like niacinamide, dragonfruit, red algae and more. I personally love an all-in-one product that offers multiple benefits without taking a ton of time to apply, which is what sold me on this one especially.

Any time I use the serum, I also follow it up with the Supermatcha body lotion ($35), which I'll admit I was a little hesitant to try because I don't typically love the scent of matcha. But if you feel the same, know that this plant-based retinol-alternative lotion is actually fragrance-free, so you don't have to worry about any sensitivities—plus you can layer whatever perfume you like over it without the scents clashing. It's packed with, of course, matcha, but also other hydrating and tightening ingredients like snow mushroom, rambutan and caffeine. A little goes a long way with this one, too, and I don't see myself running out of the 6.1-fluid-ounce bottle too soon.

When it comes to cleansing your skin, there are three formulas to choose from in the Supervitamin body wash—brightening, clarifying or soothing (all $23). It's hard to explain what exactly makes this body wash so superior to the million others I've tried, but trust me when I say my showers have never felt so luxurious. From the sleek design of the bottle to the smooth feel of the cleanser to the subtle, but noticeable, scent, it creates an all-around elevated experience. My personal fave is the mandarin and cedar combo of the brightening formula, but if you have super sensitive skin, you can always opt for the fragrance-free soothing option.

And finally, the latest product I tested was Iota's Superchili body mask ($45). Made with sichuan pepper to fight signs of aging, along with green coffee beans, peptides and more to firm your skin and boost its collagen production, this mask is one you can feel working from the second you slather it on. Like Iota's other products, I found I didn't need to use a ton at a time to get the mask's benefits, and I love applying it to work overnight since it doesn't need to be rinsed off. Note that this one does have a warming effect, though, so be sure to keep it away from any sensitive areas or cuts on your skin.