A powdered composition for application to the surface of the skin, characterised in that the powder comprises at least one prebiotic, for example inulin and/or alpha glucan oligosaccharide. The composition may be used to stimulate the growth of beneficial microorganisms on the surface of the skin, more preferably, in the treatment or prevention of aberrant infection of the skin or for use as a cosmetic. Also disclosed is a method for producing such a powder composition.
