Over the years, we’ve watched the makeup products on our bathroom counters evolve – from merely adding a flush of color and desired coverage to our faces, to caring for our skin with ingredients that offer sun protection, hydration, brightening, and more.
Now, a new era of beauty has begun, with products promising to go beyond our skin’s health and appearance, and claiming to have a positive impact on mood and mental wellbeing.
Also known as “neurocosmetics”, these beauty products are based on the idea that the skin and brain are intrinsically connected. Seemingly, certain ingredients you apply to your skin can affect your neurotransmitters, providing benefits like stress relief or a boost of feel-good hormones.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at this new and innovative approach to beauty, game-changing products you might want to try, and the neurocosmetic brands behind them all.
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What Is Neurocosmetics and How Does It Work?
A combination of the words “neuro” and “cosmetics,” neurocosmetics is a specialized category of makeup and skincare products that interact with the brain and nervous system.
Your skin is home to a complex network of nerves that send signals to your brain.
Neurocosmetic ingredients work by targeting these communication pathways, aiming to enhance both your skin and mental well-being – so that you’ll look good and feel good!
These beauty products use a variety of topical substances, fragrances, and skin sensations to bring about intended results, from skin health and beauty to better mood and lower stress.
Benefits of Neurocosmetics
The claims and benefits of neurocosmetics vary from one product to another, and may include:
- Releasing endorphins and feel-good chemicals
- Regulating the stress hormone, cortisol
- Stimulating GABA receptors, the brain’s calming neurotransmitters
- Soothing inflammation, skin imbalances, and sensitive skin
- Strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier
- Enhancing skin tone, texture, and clarity
- Addressing the root causes of aging
It’s important to note that the field of neurocosmetics is still new and developing, and more research is necessary to understand the long-term effects of neuroactive ingredients.
Key Ingredients of Neurocosmetics
So, what are neurocosmetics made of? Here’s an overview of its essential ingredients:
Biotics
Neurocosmetics can contain biotics that keep the skin’s protective layer balanced and healthy.
There are three types. Probiotics are live bacteria that support our skin by maintaining the right pH level, producing enzymes that kill germs, and preventing inflammation and premature aging.
Meanwhile, prebiotics provide nutrients that promote the growth of good bacteria, and post-biotics are their beneficial byproducts.
Neuropeptides
Neuropeptides are a form of amino acid chains that serve as chemical messengers in the body.
They’re much-loved skincare ingredients, and are sometimes called “nature’s Botox.”
They promote skin repair and stimulate the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
Botanical Extracts
Natural substances from the resins, barks, seeds, flowers, fruits, and leaves of plants are used widely in neurocosmetics, as they’re rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds.
Popular extracts include frankincense, rhodiola rosea root, and tephrosia purpurea.
Fragrances
Aromatherapeutic ingredients play a part in the mood-enhancing benefits of neurocosmetics.
Inhaling elements during the application of a product can stimulate the limbic system, the areas of the brain that regulate mood, with some claims that it can improve focus and productivity.
Smells can also have positive associations, triggering happy feelings and a sense of well-being. Commonly used scents include uplifting vanilla and stress-relieving lemongrass.
Sensates
Neurocosmetics may also involve sensates or compounds that produce physiological effects on the skin when applied, such as cooling, warming, or tingling.
These sensations can make the skin feel hydrated, cleansed, or refreshed. Well-known examples include menthol and camphor.
Top Neurocosmetics Brands and Products to Try
If you’re interested in adding neurocosmetics into your beauty routine and are wondering where to start, you might want to try these innovative brands leading the future of skincare:
1. Neuraé
Introducing Neuraé, the newest skincare brand from Sisley Paris’ laboratories, rooted in neuroscience and designed to make you both look and feel better, starting at a cellular level.
“Neur” comes from the Greek word neuron, and “aé” stands for Activated by Emotions.
Neuraé’s formulas are backed by over 10 years of clinical research and offer effective solutions for dull, tired, or tense skin, using neuro-actives, neuro-fragrances, and neuro-textures.
Their free Discovery Kit is the perfect way to start your neurocosmetic journey, with sample sizes of their main products: harmonie The Serum restores balance, énergie The Cream revives tired skin, joie The Emulsion brightens dull skin, and sérénité The Balm relaxes stressed skin.
2. Selfmade
Selfmade’s mission is to “change the way you take care,” with its line of clinically tested, award-winning products that promise to erase stress from your skin and body.
The brand uses a combination of adaptogens, plant neuroactives, and superfood ingredients in its formulas.
They claim that its ingredients stimulate beta-endorphins, a form of neuropeptide that counteracts the stress hormone cortisol and strengthens the skin’s natural barrier.
Interesting products you might want to try include their new Rumination Recovery Balm, True Grit Resilience Scrub, and Secure Attachment Comfort Serum – it’s all in their names!
3. CAP Beauty
CAP Beauty describes itself as a shared space for the highest-quality, safe, and effective products powered by plants.
The New York-based brand was born when its founder, Kerrilynn Pamer, was diagnosed with celiac disease and decided to focus on what she puts in her body.
Their best-selling Serotoner uses a plant extract called Griffonia and claims that it’s a revolutionary ingredient.
It contains a natural precursor to serotonin, the feel-good hormone, encouraging happier, healthier, and more joyful-looking skin.
4. Justhuman
Justhuman is a clean beauty brand established in 2021 and headquartered in the United States and India, with products that are powered by neurocosmetics.
It aims to harness the skin-brain connection for healthy, fast solutions, using key ingredients like biotics and neuropeptides.
The brand covers everything from skin and hair care to body care and hygiene – they even have a hand sanitizer powered by neurocosmetics!
My top picks include their Microshots AgeDefying Peptide Crecuam, Curcumin Picture Perfect Face Mask, and AyuGrowth Fortifying Hair Oil.
5. Last Skin
Poland-based skincare line, Last Skin, offers clinically-proven neurocosmetics.
They promise to slow down premature aging and accelerate tissue regeneration, lowering cortisol levels by up to 60%, and raising beta-endorphin levels in the skin by four times.
The brand’s functional formulations work deep within the skin to regenerate, soothe, and nourish.
It uses powerful plant extracts and pure essential oils reinforced with peptides and more. The Last Skin Repair Serum is their number one best-seller and is worth giving a try!
Have you heard of neurocosmetics and do you plan to try any of these brands? Let me know in the comments below!