Despite decades of studies on the neurological connection of the skin, the field of neurocosmetics is still in its infancy. This is also reflected in consumer awareness of the products and their potential benefits to their skin's well-being.
The number of consumer-related searches is marginal, as indicated by trends in Google, Quora or Reddit, the most popular consumer search tools. There hasn't even been a term published on Wikipedia yet, which only indicates the lack of mass market interest.
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 numerous neuroscience-focused podcasts. Academic blogs like MIT News/Neuroscience, renowned professors like Stanford Professor Huberman, or even uncredited lifestyle commentators like the Instagram neurohacker (https://www.instagram.com/neurohacker) are making increasing efforts to popularize neuroscience facts to the public. It seems only natural that the next steps will be specialization of the field by focusing on specific areas such as neuroesthetics and, more importantly for the purposes of this study, neurocosmetics.
The main driver of this growth seems to come from the medical field, focusing in particular on the treatment of severe skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, as well as innovative cosmetics, such as exploring the neuroactive properties of various ingredients. From a cosmetic perspective, the next battleground will be to find the most effective combinations of these ingredients to provide a 360° treatment, via indoor and outdoor beauty routines.
Through partnerships with cosmetic laboratories in major cosmetic innovation centers, such as Switzerland, niche companies like I.D. Swiss Botanicals are taking on established players to lead the field of neurocosmetics and popularize them 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, as part of the new realities of the post COVID era. As described at the beginning of this white paper, increased screen time and 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 looking for skin neuro-care will be to find products that can be further customized to different skin types, as well as the anatomical and physiological properties of individuals.
Topics that should be researched further include:
The effective combination of topical and consumable neurocosmetics for maximum effectiveness.
How the night care 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 feedback on existing products is overwhelmingly positive, prompting researchers and cosmetic experts to pursue the neurocosmetic path.
