Stress has become one of the most significant and defining health challenges of our time, impacting millions of people worldwide. It affects not only mental well-being but also shows up as physical fatigue and skin issues.

The connection between stress and skin health involves disrupting the skin’s barrier function, which can lead to increased sensitivity. It affects the microbiome, which triggers inflammation that can exacerbate various skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Furthermore, chronic stress accelerates the aging process.

Historically, the beauty industry focused on external appearances. However, in recent years, there has been a shift toward viewing beauty as an integral part of overall health and well-being. As a result, the industry is now looking to wellness, especially stress-related skin issues.

The wellness trend has affected the cosmetic industry not just with holistic claims but also by creating a new avenue to prove the neurocosmetic effects of the active ingredients.

These new ingredients are crafted to interact between the nervous system and the skin. Their efficacy has been demonstrated through advanced biochemical assays and in-vivo clinical studies, providing a scientific foundation for their use. This scientific backing allows the industry to understand more how the textures and feelings actually work together.

Let’s delve into some of the unique activities that have been released in this space and their unique testing methods.

New ingredient innovation is addressing this not just with “calming” claims but by demonstrating measurable effects on clinical trials. Let’s have a look at some examples and creative way of clinical trials they have done for the proof.

Lubrizol – Oxylance

• What it is: A botanical extract from Ligustrum lucidum.
• Mechanism: Inspired by Tibetan populations thriving in low-oxygen environments, Oxylance mimics this adaptation by upregulating HIF-1α and downregulating HIF-2α, improving oxygenation in skin cells.
• Testing methodology:

◦ In vivo: 84 women tested a mist with 2% Oxylance versus placebo over 28 days. A third control group did a yoga session without product.

◦ Measurements: Oxy-hemoglobin levels (skin oxygen), skin glow via high-resolution photography, wrinkle depth via 3D microtopography, and emotional wellbeing using facial recognition software.

• Results: Comparable improvement to yoga—better skin oxygen, glow, reduced wrinkles (up to 68% reduction in crow’s feet), and increased feelings of happiness.

Seppic – Sepibliss Feel

• What it is: A coriander seed oil extract , marketed as “the feel-good soothing ingredient.”
• Mechanism: Protects “happiness molecules” like oxytocin and β-endorphins, while reducing nitric oxide linked to oxidative stress.
• Testing methodology:

◦ In vitro: Demonstrated +34% β-endorphin production, +11% oxytocin release, and +81% neuronal extension in stressed skin cell models.

◦ In vivo: Double-blind study with 62 volunteers (ages 22–55, sensitive/dry skin). Applied twice daily for 28 days. Self-reported wellbeing and emotional comfort analysed by neuroscientists.

• Results: Volunteers using Sepibliss reported significantly more positive emotional descriptors (comfort, nourishing, soothing) than placebo. Self-evaluation confirmed higher wellbeing.

Vytrus Biotech – Kannabia Sense

• What it is: A sativa seed extract ,designed to act on the skin–microbiome–brain axis.
• Mechanism: Stimulates oxytocin release in keratinocytes via microbiome modulation, enhancing both skin and emotional wellbeing.
• Testing methodology:

◦ Sensory evaluation: Volunteers reported stronger “connection and balance” sensations versus control formulations.

• Results: Positioned as a “microbiome–oxytocin enhancer,” linking skincare directly to social and emotional wellness.

What surprises me is the method of testing these ingredients that has been used for proof. Each of them is unique in the way it demonstrates its efficacy.

It is great to see new testing methods being developed. This is such a new area, and I am sure we will see much ground-breaking information in this specific field, as ultimately we are all serving an industry focused on helping people feel better in their skin.

The diversity and collaboration within the cosmetic industry are truly unique. I would love to see more collaboration, especially with neuroscientists working more closely with cosmetic chemists to develop innovative formulations that genuinely target the mind–body connection.

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Then why not visit one of the in-cosmetics events around the world?

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In an era marked by heightened emotional stress and environmental pressures, prioritising wellness and self-care has become an essential part of daily life.

In fact, 80% of global consumers now prioritise health as a lifestyle, with wellness-driven products increasingly being incorporated into self-care routines (Global Wellness Institute, 2023).

This shift is also reshaping the beauty industry, as wellness becomes a shared priority in skincare. Moving beyond products that focus solely on external appearance but addressing both external and internal stressors in the pursuit of longevity.

Wellness isn’t being recognised as just a passing trend, it’s becoming a lifestyle. 62% of consumers now seek skincare products that not only improve their appearance but also enhance emotional well-being (Mintel, 2023).

This growing demand for products that deliver both physical and mental health benefits together has led to the rise of wellness-driven skincare, which is pushing the boundaries of beauty and wellness.

Wellness-driven skincare is expected to dominate the market, reaching $200 billion by 2030 as consumers prioritise their overall health (Statista, 2023).

While regional regulations traditionally define skincare (under cosmetics) as products aimed solely at improving the physical appearance of the skin, this view is evolving, especially with technological advancements and ingredient efficacy.

Consumers are actively looking for solutions that go beyond just the surface of their skin. They want products that align with mindful, self-care rituals that support overall well-being and deliver internal benefits.

As a result, this beauty-wellness intersection is transforming the industry and formulators have new opportunities to innovate and meet this evolving demand.

The growing understanding of how ingredients affect skin function, including stress-induced skin concerns and the mind-skin connection, is pushing formulations beyond the surface. Wellness-driven skincare is creating new avenues for formulators to explore.

The science behind the mind-skin connection

The mind-skin connection is more than just a buzzword, it’s scientifically studied. Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that disrupts the skin barrier function, increases inflammation and accelerates ageing by breaking down collagen (Chen & Lyga, 2014).

A 2022 study in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology found that stress-induced cortisol can lead to dryness, sensitivity and even conditions like acne and eczema.

This growing understanding of how emotions impact skin health is driving demand for products that address both external and internal stressors.

For example, neurocosmetic ingredients like peptides have been shown to reduce stress-induced skin tension, offering a dual-action approach to skincare (Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2019).

Market momentum: By the numbers

The global wellness industry is valued at $5.6 trillion (2023), growing at a 10% CAGR, with skincare as a major driver (Global Wellness Institute).

Consumers now look for skincare products that also improve emotional well-being (Mintel, 2023), while adaptogen-infused product launches have seen significant growth in recent years, reflecting the rising demand (In-cosmetics Global, 2023).

In the Asia-Pacific region, where wellness-driven skincare is particularly popular, the market is projected to grow at an 8.5% CAGR through 2030 (Statista, 2023).

South Korean brands are leading the charge with products that combine hydration, anti-ageing and stress-relieving benefits.

Regulatory considerations

As the demand for wellness-driven skincare grows, brands must balance innovation with compliance as regulatory compliance becomes increasingly important.

Claims like “stress-relieving” or “mood-boosting” must be substantiated, pushing formulators and manufacturers to invest in clinical trials and comply with regulations like EU 655/2013 to avoid being classified as medicinal products.

Furthermore, aligning with ISO 16128 standards for natural origin claims is essential for building consumer trust and meeting sustainability expectations.

The feel-good factor: Self-care as empowerment

Modern consumers view skincare as a form of self-care, a daily act of mindfulness, promoting both skin health and emotional balance.

For formulators, this means understanding the growing mind-skin connection and pairing ingredients with calming or energising properties with tactile textures in their formulations.

This shift is creating new opportunities to innovate and aligns with the “emotional beauty” trend, where 74% of beauty consumers prefer “skin wellness” products over traditional anti-ageing claims (BeautyMatter, 2024).

Star ingredients in wellness skincare formulations

As wellness becomes a key driver in skincare, ingredients like adaptogens, neurocosmetics and aromatherapeutic ingredients are taking center stage. These ingredients help the skin respond to environmental and emotional stressors, which are increasingly linked to skin concerns.

Adaptogens

Already becoming a global stress-busting powerhouse, adaptogens are ingredients that help the skin adapt to stress, reduce inflammation and support long-term resilience.

In skincare, adaptogenic ingredients like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Rhodiola Rosea are gaining popularity, with clinical evidence supporting their anti-inflammatory and oxidative damage-reducing properties (Panossian et al., 2021).

EU regulations (EC No 1223/2009) ensuring efficacy claims like “calming” or “resilience-boosting” are substantiated with robust clinical evidence. This reinforces consumer trust and ensures compliance with regional regulatory standards.

Neurocosmetics

Neurocosmetics aim to improve skin health while also enhancing emotional balance, relaxation and mental well-being through sensory experiences. These multifunctional ingredients interact with the skin’s sensory receptors, which can positively affect mood and reduce stress levels.

Neurocosmetics can trigger a positive response in the brain while supporting skin health, creating an essential part of wellness skincare.

For example, peptides can help reduce stress-induced tension, while Cannabidiol (CBD) is known for its skin-calming properties (Baswan et al., 2020).

Aromatherapeutic ingredients

Mood-enhancing essential oils like chamomile extract and lavender oil provide aromatherapeutic benefits, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

These ingredients are increasingly being incorporated into skincare (within recommended dermal limits) to boost mental health through sensual olfactory stimulation and enhancing the overall self-care experience.

The Future is Ingredients Bridging the Gap Offering Both Skincare and Wellness Benefits

The future of skincare is undoubtedly intertwined with wellness, with the growing mind-skin connection becoming a central focus for formulators and manufacturers.

As science and consumer demands evolve, the industry has an exciting opportunity to innovate, creating products that go beyond surface-level beauty and address overall health and well-being.

References:

Chen Y, Lyga J. Brain-skin connection: stress, inflammation and skin aging. Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2014;13(3):177-90. doi: 10.2174/1871528113666140522104422. PMID: 24853682; PMCID: PMC4082169.

Baswan SM, Klosner AE, Glynn K, Rajgopal A, Malik K, Yim S, Stern N. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020 Dec 8;13:927-942. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S286411. PMID: 33335413; PMCID: PMC7736837.

Panossian AG, Efferth T, Shikov AN, Pozharitskaya ON, Kuchta K, Mukherjee PK, Banerjee S, Heinrich M, Wu W, Guo DA, Wagner H. Evolution of the adaptogenic concept from traditional use to medical systems: Pharmacology of stress- and aging-related diseases. Med Res Rev. 2021 Jan;41(1):630-703. doi: 10.1002/med.21743. Epub 2020 Oct 25. PMID: 33103257; PMCID: PMC7756641.

Truong VL, Jeong WS. Red ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) oil: A comprehensive review of extraction technologies, chemical composition, health benefits, molecular mechanisms, and safety. J Ginseng Res. 2022 Mar;46(2):214-224. doi: 10.1016/j.jgr.2021.12.006. Epub 2021 Dec 17. PMID: 35509821; PMCID: PMC9058829.

Rizzi, V.; Gubitosa, J.; Fini, P.; Cosma, P. Neurocosmetics in Skincare—The Fascinating World of Skin–Brain Connection: A Review to Explore Ingredients, Commercial Products for Skin Aging, and Cosmetic Regulation. Cosmetics 2021, 8, 66. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8030066.

Resende DISP, Ferreira MS, Sousa-Lobo JM, Sousa E, Almeida IF. Usage of Synthetic Peptides in Cosmetics for Sensitive Skin. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021 Jul 21;14(8):702. doi: 10.3390/ph14080702. PMID: 34451799; PMCID: PMC8400021.

Ebrahimi H, Mardani A, Basirinezhad MH, Hamidzadeh A, Eskandari F. The effects of Lavender and Chamomile essential oil inhalation aromatherapy on depression, anxiety and stress in older community-dwelling people: A randomized controlled trial. Explore (NY). 2022 May-Jun;18(3):272-278. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2020.12.012. Epub 2021 Jan 9. PMID: 33454232.

Feeling inspired?

Then why not visit one of the in-cosmetics events around the world?

BROWSE SHOWS