Described is a microorganism which is selected from the group consisting ofLactobacillus paracasei ssp paracasei having DSMZ accession number DSM17248, Lactobacillus brevis having DSMZ accession number DSM 17247,Lactobacillus brevis having DSMZ accession number DSM 17250, Lactobacillusfermentum having DSMZ accession number DSM 17249, and a mutant thereof,wherein said mutants retain the ability to stimulate the growth ofStaphylococcusepidermidis and does not stimulate the growth of Staphylococcus aureus,whereinstimulation is determined by an increase of growth of at least 5% by therespectivemutant in an in vitro hole plate assay. Also described are compositionscomprisingsuch microorganisms, a method for the production of said compositions and theuseof such microorganisms in cosmetic, prophylactic or therapeutic applications.
