Lately, we’ve been diving into some fascinating research on the connection between neuroscience and cosmetics, and it’s really shifted how we think about skincare. Did you know that how you feel when applying a cream can actually affect your skin’s health and resilience?
That’s the heart of neurocosmetics - a growing field in skincare that’s all about the emotional and neurological responses triggered when you use a product. And as a natural skincare company deeply rooted in the power of plants, and the healing potential of daily rituals, it really resonated with us.
What is Neurocosmetics?
Neurocosmetics explores the close relationship between the nervous system and the skin. When you apply a cream, it doesn’t just sit on the surface - it can influence how your skin functions, how it protects itself, and even how you feel emotionally.
Why the interest in this now? Well, scientists have discovered that the skin and brain actually develop from the same embryonic layer, forming in tandem around the 21st day after conception. That deep connection helps explain why our skin often mirrors our emotional state - and why your skin can feel more reactive or inflamed when you’re stressed.
This insight has led researchers and formulators to look more closely at how skincare can support emotional wellbeing, not just physical appearance.
How Skincare Affects the Brain
According to neuroscience expert Arnaud Aubert, when we apply a product, a cascade of sensory signals kicks off. The active ingredients get to work on the skin, but at the same time, the brain receives positive signals - activating what’s known as the “reward circuit.”
This can boost our mood, improve self-confidence, and even influence our social interactions. So, the humble act of applying moisturiser before bed? It might be doing more than you think.
Ingredients That Lift Your Mood
At The Herb Farm, we’ve long believed that nature has a beautiful way of supporting both skin and soul. And neurocosmetics helps explain why certain plant-based ingredients feel so comforting.
Take lavender, for example - known to calm the mind and support better sleep. Or citrus oils, which are often associated with energy and joy. Orange blossom has even been shown to have gentle mood-lifting properties, while peppermint can refresh and invigorate both skin and spirit.
Beyond scent, some ingredients, like peptides or plant-based actives, have the ability to signal the nervous system directly. These messages can help relax the skin, reduce inflammation, or gently boost your energy.
It’s all part of a deeper sensory journey. And it’s why we craft our products with care - not just for what they do on the outside, but how they make you feel on the inside.
The Power of Ritual and Environment
Another insight from this research is that the environment plays a big role in how we experience skincare. A moisturiser might feel totally different when applied in a peaceful setting - like your evening routine, or during a facial at our Day Spa - compared to a rushed moment in the morning.
Creating a calming, sensory-rich environment can enhance the effects of a product. It’s something we see all the time here at The Herb Farm: when customers take a moment to pause, breathe in the scent of their serum, and enjoy the ritual, they often feel more grounded and at ease.
Your Skin is Listening
With over 100,000 neurons, 11 metres of nerves, and hundreds of sensory receptors per centimetre, your skin is constantly in communication with your brain. It’s not just a barrier - it’s a powerful sensory organ.
And while neurocosmetics might sound like a futuristic term, it’s actually reinforcing something we’ve always believed: caring for your skin is an act of self-care, and the emotions you feel during that process really matter.
So next time you apply your favourite face cream or body oil, take a moment. Let yourself enjoy the scent, the texture, the calm it brings. Because your skin, and your soul, deserves it.
Author: Ashleigh Delamere