The short answer is no, Floractive is not a probiotic. The name actually refers to a popular hair treatment brand. The confusion arises because a different product, a probiotic supplement from the company BioCeuticals, is named SB Floractiv. It is crucial to distinguish between these two products to avoid using the wrong one for an unintended purpose.
Floractive: The Hair Care Brand
Floractive is a professional hair care brand, especially well-known in salons for its innovative straightening treatments. Their flagship products, like W One Premium, use a process called nanoplasty. This technology is designed to repair and smooth hair without the use of harsh chemicals like formaldehyde.
How Floractive Nanoplasty Works
Instead of harsh chemicals, Floractive's nanoplasty treatments employ nanoparticles to penetrate deep into the hair fiber. These tiny particles carry nutrients, organic acids, and proteins, including hydrolyzed vegetable keratin, directly into the hair's cortex.
- Intracellular Nutrition: Nanoparticles deliver nutrients from ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, and flaxseed oil into the hair without needing to open the cuticle with harsh chemicals.
- Gentle Restructuring: The formula, which contains organic acids like ascorbic and lactic acid, works with the heat from a flat iron to gently and safely restructure the hair, providing straightening and smoothness.
- Deep Hydration: Enriched oils and botanical extracts provide intense hydration, helping to repair damaged hair and improve elasticity.
- Long-Lasting Results: The treatment provides a significant reduction in frizz and volume that can last for several months.
SB Floractiv: The Probiotic Supplement
Separately from the hair care line, SB Floractiv is a probiotic supplement manufactured by BioCeuticals that supports gut health. This product's active ingredient is the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (boulardii). It is used to maintain beneficial intestinal flora and healthy digestive function.
The Purpose of Saccharomyces boulardii
Saccharomyces boulardii (SB) is a non-pathogenic yeast with well-documented benefits for gastrointestinal health. It functions as a biotherapeutic agent that helps restore balance to the gut's microbial community, especially during or after antibiotic use.
- Traveler's Diarrhea: Studies show that taking SB can help reduce the risk and occurrence of traveler's diarrhea symptoms.
- Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea: SB is heat-stable and not affected by antibiotics, making it an effective option to help relieve symptoms of diarrhea that often accompany antibiotic therapy.
- Immune Support: It supports healthy immune system function, with some evidence showing it can increase secretory IgA, an important part of the gut's immune defenses.
- Digestive Comfort: It aids digestion and may assist in the temporary relief of symptoms associated with medically diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as bloating and discomfort.
Comparison: Floractive (Hair Care) vs. SB Floractiv (Probiotic)
To clearly differentiate these two products, here is a breakdown of their characteristics.
| Feature | Floractive (Hair Care) | SB Floractiv (Probiotic) |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Professional Hair Straightening & Repair Treatment | Oral Probiotic Supplement |
| Manufacturer | Floractive Professional (Brazil) | BioCeuticals (Australia) |
| Primary Purpose | To smooth, straighten, and nourish hair using nanoplasty technology. | To support intestinal flora, digestive function, and gut health with probiotics. |
| Key Ingredients | Organic acids, oils (coconut, olive, flaxseed), hydrolyzed keratin, and other nutrients. | Saccharomyces cerevisiae (boulardii), a probiotic yeast. |
| Application Method | Applied topically to the hair in a salon or at home. | Taken orally, typically in capsule form. |
| Mechanism | Utilizes nanoparticles to penetrate and restructure the hair fiber from the inside out. | Colonizes the gut with beneficial microorganisms, modulates intestinal flora, and supports immune response. |
| Refrigeration | Not applicable; hair products are shelf-stable. | Generally shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration. |
Conclusion
In summary, the question of "Is Floractive a probiotic?" is based on a common name confusion between two entirely separate product lines. The brand Floractive produces hair care treatments using nanoplasty technology for hair straightening and repair. In contrast, SB Floractiv is a probiotic supplement that contains the beneficial yeast Saccharomyces boulardii and is used for promoting gut health. Consumers seeking a probiotic for digestive health should look for SB Floractiv or other supplements containing Saccharomyces boulardii. Those interested in a non-chemical-based hair smoothing treatment should explore the Floractive hair care range. Understanding the distinction is essential for choosing the correct product for your specific needs.
Important Considerations
Always read product labels carefully to identify the manufacturer and intended use. The probiotic supplement, SB Floractiv, is often sold as a "practitioner only" product in some regions, requiring consultation with a healthcare professional before purchase. This highlights the need for careful research before consuming any supplement, especially since the names are so similar.
WebMD offers a comprehensive overview of Saccharomyces boulardii and its clinical uses.
