Neurocosmetics

What is the Neurocosmetic trend? 

Neurocosmetics are topical products designed to interact with the neuroreceptors and neurotransmitters within the skin to deliver both visible beauty results and psychological effects such as relaxation or mood enhancement. 

This approach is rooted in the relatively recent scientific understanding that the skin is not just a passive barrier but an active neuroimmunoendocrine organ. It contains a dense network of nerve endings and receptors, providing a direct line to the brain’s emotional centre. By stimulating these pathways, neurocosmetics aim to deliver a dual benefit: improved skin health and enhanced emotional well-being. 

This works in reverse too. The impact of emotions and poor sleep on skin quality is well documented. Emotional stress can trigger the release of neurotransmitters by the brain to modulate skin cell’s activities and regeneration.  

What is driving the Neurocosmetics trend? 

1. The holistic wellness movement 
Consumers today are increasingly adopting a holistic approach to health and beauty. The traditional boundaries between skin care, mental wellness, and lifestyle are becoming blurred. In this context, neurocosmetics offer a compelling proposition: products that can not only improve skin appearance but also foster improved emotional balance. 

2. Mental health awareness 
The global surge in anxiety, depression, and stress (exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic) has created a deeper awareness around mental health. As a result, some consumers are seeking ways to incorporate emotional self-care into their daily routines, and neurocosmetics can offer a tangible opportunity to do this within the familiar format of skin care. 

3. Demand for sensory experiences 
Modern consumers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are experience-driven. They value products that engage the senses and provide moments of escapism. Neurocosmetics often include sensorial elements like aromatherapy, cooling sensations, or soothing textures that can create a spa-like effect at home. 

4. Scientific validation and tech integration 
Scientific research shows that the skin and brain communicate through a complex network of nerves and chemical messengers. Effects flow both ways. Stress, for example, can worsen skin conditions like acne or eczema. While neurocosmetic products applied to skin can help relieve feelings of stress. Tools such as EEG and other methodologies allow for the measurement of these emotional responses giving product developers the opportunity to scientifically validate emotionally focused claims. 

Who is the neurocosmetics trend for? 

The neurocosmetics trend appeals to an audience that values holistic wellness, emotional balance, and science-backed skincare. It is particularly relevant to Gen Z and Millennial consumers who are deeply invested in self-care, mental health advocacy, and innovation. They tend to prioritise experiences and emotional benefits over purely aesthetic results, and they’re highly engaged in new trends, especially those backed by science. 

What do you need to know about the neurocosmetics trend? 

The drive in the beauty industry towards increasingly science-backed, wellness-focused products has created a distinct opportunity for neurocosmetics. Consumers are no longer just asking “Will this product make my skin look better?”, they’re also asking, “How will this make me feel?” 

When marketing products that align with this trend, it is important to consider issues of scientific credibility. Since the brain-skin connection is complex and not fully understood, brands must be cautious about overstating their claims. Rigorous clinical testing and clear, transparent communication will be critical to gaining consumer trust.

What ingredients meet the neurocosmetics trend? 

Developed from extensive studies on skin-brain communication, Zenakine™ is the first cosmetic active ingredient proven to enhance overall well-being through innovative, comprehensive protocols, leveraging skin chronobiology in its action. 

This environmentally friendly, biotechnology-based product offers a holistic neurocosmetic approach dedicated to foster wellbeing & longevity, alleviating emotional stress to improve sleep quality and prevent premature ageing. 

Features of Zenakine include: 

• Induces synthesis of feel-good messengers into the skin
• Promotes skin-brain communication 
• Improves sleep quality and mood 
• Enhances skin’s resistance to physical and emotional stress 
• Reduces signs of skin fatigue & premature ageing 

At a clinical level, Zenakine improves mood and sleep quality. It enhances skin's resilience to physical and emotional stress, reinforces the epidermis and stratum corneum and reduces signs of skin fatigue and premature ageing.  

Consumer benefits include a more rested appearance with fewer lines, smoother and more dynamic skin, enhanced emotional balance with increased happiness, improved sleep quality, and faster fatigue recovery upon waking. 

In short, Zenakine helps you fall asleep and better sleep means less stress and better skin health.  

While Zenakine is terrific for sleeping at night, for waking up in the morning we have Phytessence™ Green Coffee EC. Developed from Coffea robusta beans responsibly sourced in Tanzania, this COSMOS certified botanical extract has direct benefits for the skin as well as neurocosmetic effects. It is quantified in caffeine, known to neutralise free radicals.  Inspired by the rituals of morning coffee that awakens the body, Phytessence Green Coffee EC revitalises tired, stressed skin, improving skin tone and resilience against the visible signs of fatigue. It has also been proven to boost elastin synthesis, helping the skin regain suppleness and elasticity. 

On the neurocosmetic level, Phytessence Green Coffee EC has been proven to stimulate the production of beta-endorphins by keratinocytes, which are essential cells for skin regeneration, with an elevation of up to 84%. This increased hormonal production has a physical effect on skin, promoting epidermal differentiation and strengthening the skin barrier, thus helping the skin regain comfort and balance, and improve its resilience. To measure the emotional impact of our ingredient, we used  electroencephalogram (EEG) and galvanic skin response methods. The application of a cream containing Phytessence Green Coffee EC has been shown to instantly transform the participants’ emotional state compared to a placebo, promoting positive emotions.  

These results reinforce the idea that Phytessence Green Coffee EC can have a significant impact on improving well-being, simultaneously energising the skin and improving the spirits. It’s the perfect opportunity for glimmer-inspired formulations, providing a little moment of joy and positivity in todays’ busy lifestyles, just like a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee shared with loved ones does.