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South China Morning Post

Skincare meets neuroscience: how neurocosmetics from Sisley, Givaudan, Selfmade and Justhuman are revolutionising beauty routines by ‘talking to your brain' while they treat your skin

You know we're living in the future when skincare starts talking to the brain. Neurocosmetics tap into the connection between skin and brain in ways that feel straight out of sci-fi. Imagine creams and serums that not only hydrate and smooth fine lines, but also lift your mood and calm your nerves. It's skincare with a PhD: ingredients engineered to communicate with the nervous system, triggering relaxation and well-being. At its core, the concept is both simple and revolutionary: certain active ingredients communicate with the nervous system through the skin's receptors, influencing emotions in profound ways. Dr Ahmad Chaudhry, a dermatologist at Scandinavian Biolabs, explains that these products are 'specifically formulated to target the skin-brain axis. They contain bioactive ingredients that interact with the skin's nervous system, affecting both skin function and sensory perception'. While still emerging, the science behind neurocosmetics is advancing quickly. Research shows that neuroactive ingredients not only protect the skin from oxidative stress, but also promote cell regeneration, leading to a healthier and more resilient complexion. Advertisement Self Disclosure Intimacy Serum by Selfmade. Photo: Handout Selfmade offers a skincare kit that promises more than just smoother, brighter skin – it's designed to provide emotional healing too. The Securely Attached Kit includes a serum to foster a sense of inner safety, a moisturiser to help reflect on emotional baggage, and a copy of the bestselling book Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller. Together, this trio aims to revamp both the skin and one's relationship with the self, all for less than the cost of a Friday night out. In an age when 'self-care' is basically code for layering on serums, the beauty industry has raised the stakes: now, products aren't just targeting wrinkles, they're battling cortisol. 'The idea builds on the well-established link between skin and mental health, a connection dermatologists and psychologists have been discussing for years,' specialist dermatologist Dr Matthew Howard explains. Stress exacerbates acne and psoriasis , while skin conditions chip away at self-esteem. But now, the promise goes even further – can applying a moisturiser really 'reframe' life's struggles? That's the new pitch. CAP Beauty's Serotoner contains Griffonia, a plant loaded with the precursor to serotonin. Photo: Handout Outside Hong Kong, CBD (cannabidiol) has had an impact in this area as one of the original ingredients integrating skincare with emotional wellness, long before neurocosmetics were even a thing. CBD, which is banned in Hong Kong, entered the skincare scene elsewhere in the late 2010s, marketed as a multitasker for soothing both inflamed skin and stressed minds, while delivering that effortless 'I woke up like this' glow. Nowadays, several brands are pushing neurocosmetics in new directions. CAP Beauty's Serotoner taps into the power of Griffonia, a plant loaded with 5-HTP – the precursor to serotonin – because apparently, a dab on the face is the secret to happiness.