Last Updated February 22, 2025

The beauty industry is no stranger to trends, and among the latest and greatest is an emerging category known as neurocosmetics. It’s based on the idea that the brain and skin are intimately connected, and you probably have direct experience with it. Ever had a breakout because you’re stressing about a big presentation at work or navigating finals? It’s no coincidence—stress tends to make itself apparent all over our faces (or chest or arms or legs or hands…you get the idea). That’s the brain-skin axis in action, and the central nervous system is in the mix as well. Actually, that’s why your skin is considered a sensory organ in the first place. But what does all of this mean for your actual skincare? While you can’t overlook the holistic component—you really need to get a handle on stress for glowing skin—products designed to support barrier function and enhance sensory perceptions really can improve skin health. Ready for a deep dive into neurocosmetics for better skin? Let’s go.

What Exactly Are Neurocosmetics?

Neurocosmetics takes steps a step beyond the skin-brain connection to highlight nerve endings in the skin. Research shows that specific ingredients can actually balance the skin by targeting its interactions with the nervous system. Sounds a little wild? Again, you probably have comparable experience—even if you never really connected the dots. Maybe you’ve used a soothing facial mist on an exceptionally hot day, or smoothed on a lavender-infused lotion before climbing into bed. That relaxed feeling that comes from these tiny acts of self-care? It’s coming from the same sensory clues used in neurocosmetics. Specifically, this product category is focused on improving skin health—and by association, its appearance—by playing on those sensory perceptions and moderating neurotransmitters in the skin’s nervous system. Research has already linked these neurotransmitters to various skin woes like hyperpigmentation, and here at Shimmer Chef, we’re taking a very close look at the impact of specific botanical ingredients (all of which you’ll find in our collection of raw, organic, living plasters and balms).

Grapefruit Peels

We love citrus peels—it’s the starting material in our proprietary nine-day Vitamin C Infusion Technique—and grapefruit is a standout. It’s full of limonene, a terpene that gives it that signature (and seriously intoxicating) citrus fragrance, and it’s positively brimming with flavonoids, like naringin and hesperidin, that have robust antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Remember, antioxidants help protect damage from scavenging free radicals and support healthy skin regeneration.

As for the neurocosmetic component, the scent of grapefruit peels is stimulating to the brain, enhancing energy and energy, reducing stress and enhancing mood. But it’s just not a pleasing aroma. Research shows that products with grapefruit peel oil can have tightening, firming effects on the skin, promote circulation and lymphatic drainage for more radiance, and deliver superior cleansing benefits. Truly, grapefruit peels offer an ideal combination of aromatic and bioactive compounds that supports healthy skin and a calmer mind.

Honey

Honey has been used for centuries,  both medicinally and in the kitchen. From a neurocosmetics standpoint, honey is pretty darn impressive. The sensory experience itself makes honey a common ingredient in aromatherapy, because the natural fragrance is linked to happier moods and a drop in stress levels. But honey itself is quite the inflammation fighter, and it’s been used to address systemic inflammation and ease skin irritations. At the same time, its moisturizing and healing properties support skin health—that’s why it’s used in both wound healing and skin rejuvenation. You may love it on toast or in your tea, but its topical benefits are just as sweet!

Dead Sea Salt

Dead Sea salt comes from the Dead Sea itself, a body of water extraordinarily high in minerals that offer therapeutic and neurocosmetic benefits. Much of it comes down to the high magnesium content in this precious salt—soaking in a tub with Dead Sea salt is an immediate stress buster, both physically and mentally, because of its calming effects on the nervous system. The mineral profile also has an anti-inflammatory effect, calming both eczema and psoriasis, and it’s an easy way to detoxify and rejuvenate the skin.

Incorporating Neurocosmetics In Your Skincare Routine

Are you sensing a pattern here? Botanical ingredients can make both the skin and the mind happy by battling inflammation and triggering the kinds of sensory perception that cue relaxation and a calmer state of mind. That’s the secret behind Shimmer Chef’s formulations, and how we make embracing neurocosmetics pretty simple. In a world of noise and excess and twenty-step beauty routines, we take a different approach. We’ve learned that supporting the skin isn’t skin deep—it can’t be. A holistic approach that looks at the big picture beyond chronic skin issues is the best (and in our eyes, the only) way to promote a balanced, glowing complexion. Our products tap into the therapeutic power of organic botanicals and minerals to nourish the skin by actively protecting its moisture barrier and microbiome. And just as important as what we put in is what we keep out. Too many products on the market today are loaded with ingredients you really don’t want near your skin (and a clue that you’ve been overexposed to these chemicals is skin conditions you can’t seem to remedy, from sensitivity to constant breakouts to scaly patches and oil slicks). Your skin is smart, and so much of the problem is that we overload it with products that actively destroy the acid mantle, microbiome and moisture barrier. A handy workaround? Look for products that are Made Safe certified by the Environmental Working Group, which means they’re free from more than 6,500 banned and restricted substances (and yes, we’re proud to have earned that designation!).

The Bottom Line

The mistake some people make with neurocosmetics is assuming it’s simply a fancy form of aromatherapy. Relaxing scents are part of it, but there’s so much more going on here, which is why you can’t assume any old bottle of lavender-scented lotion counts as a neurocosmetic. Truly, it’s about nurturing the skin-brain connection, and that’s not something you can fake. You need the right ingredients, and you’ll find them right here at Shimmer Chef. Our plasters and balms are a delightful way to practice self care—good for the mind—while your skin, scalp and hair benefit from a veritable flood of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Research has already drawn a very clear connection between beauty and well-being. Put it to the test yourself with Shimmer Chef—we think you’ll be amazed at what happens.