Despite decades of study into the skin’s neurological connection, the field of neurocosmetics is still in its infancy. This is also reflected in consumer awareness of the products and their potential benefits for their skin’s well-being.
The number of consumer-related searches is marginal, as indicated by trends on Google, Quora or Reddit, the most popular search tools among consumers. There has not even been a term published on Wikipedia yet, which only indicates the lack of interest from the mass market.
That said, search terms related to neuroplasticity and wellness have grown exponentially, due to the increased focus on personal health and mindfulness related to the social changes of the 2020 pandemic. Mass media, including Instagram and Facebook profiles, as well as YouTube videos and many podcasts focused on neuroscience. Academic blogs like MIT News/Neuroscience, renowned professors like Stanford Professor Huberman, or uncredited lifestyle commentators like the Instagram neurohacker (https://www.instagram.com/neurohacker) are making increasing efforts to popularize neuroscience facts among the population. It seems only natural that the next steps would be the specialization of the field by focusing on particular areas like neuroaesthetics and, more importantly for the purposes of this study, neurocosmetics.
The main driver of this growth seems to come from the medical field, particularly focused on the treatment of serious skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, as well as innovative cosmetics, such as the exploration of the neuroactive properties of various ingredients. From a cosmetics perspective, the next battlefield will be to find the most effective combinations of these ingredients in order to provide a 360° treatment, via both internal and external beauty routines.
Through partnerships with cosmetic laboratories in major centers of cosmetic innovation, such as Switzerland, niche companies like ID Swiss Botanicals are challenging established players to lead the field of neurocosmetics and popularize it with the help of the scientific community and the media.
Topical products that reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality are gaining popularity as the quest for healthy skin continues in the new realities of post-COVID. As we described at the beginning of this white paper, increased screen time and heightened extrinsic anxieties will drive demand for holistic skincare products based on natural neuroactive ingredients like CBD and many others mentioned in the study.
The next challenge for those seeking neuroskincare will be to find products that can be further personalized to different skin types, as well as the anatomical and physiological properties of individuals.
Topics that should be further researched include:
The effective combination of topical and consumable neurocosmetics for maximum effectiveness.
How Nighttime Skincare Routine Affects Sleep Quality
Neuroactive skin care and cortisol levels.
Clinical studies on the properties of many of these products are well underway and consumer reactions to existing products are extremely positive, which encourages researchers and cosmetic experts to continue on the path of neurocosmetics.
