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A novel beauty approach rooted in neuroscience, we’re deep diving into two popular adaptogens commonly used in neurocosmetics with powerful mood-enhancing benefits.
Now more than ever, people are recognising the importance of psychology, wellness, and mental health when it comes to skincare and self-care. With a growing awareness of the skin-brain connection, people don’t just want to look good, they want to feel good too.
As a result, many cosmetic brands are formulating skincare products that not only target physical appearance but also influence mood. This unique and novel approach is rooted in neuroscience and is part of an emerging field of the beauty industry known as Neurocosmetics. One type of mood enhancing ingredient commonly used in neurocosmetics are adaptogens. Natural adaptogens are mainly plant-based compounds; many have been shown to have a wide range of health benefits including improvements to skin and mood.
This article explores the use of adaptogens in neurocosmetics and examines the effects of two specific adaptogens commonly used in neurocosmetic formulations: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Rhodiola rosea. It also highlights their uses in JoonByrd’s formulas – a brand dedicated to affective wellness and prioritising the skin-mind balance.
With the beauty and skincare industry shifting to address psychological as well as physical concerns, we find ourselves at a fascinating intersection between neuroscience and cosmetic products. The emerging field of neurocosmetics studies how topical products interact with the skin’s neurosensory system and how this can influence psychological states (Haykal et al., 2025). A growing number of skincare brands are now formulating products designed not only to improve appearance but also to support mood and emotional wellbeing – consider, for instance, a hand wash that both cleanses and calms.
Natural adaptogens are one of the most common types of ingredients used in neurocosmetics; they are non-toxic substances primarily derived from plants, roots and mushrooms. Adaptogens have been shown to have a wide range of health benefits including increasing the body’s resistance to stress (Todorova et al., 2021) - this includes both physical and mental stressors (Liao et al., 2018).
The use of adaptogens dates back to ancient traditional medicine, and with modern science confirming their efficacy, they are now increasingly used in skincare products for both their physical and psychological benefits.
Adaptogens are non-specific, meaning they boost the body’s resistance to physical, chemical and biological stressors by acting on multiple pathways (Liao et al., 2018). This means that they do not share a single defined mechanism of action. However, when it comes to enhancing mood, most appear to work by modulating the body’s stress response and acting on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA Axis).
The HPA axis is a neuroendocrine mechanism that involves the release of various stress hormones. It appears that many adaptogens reduce the levels of these chemicals, including the body’s primary stress hormone, cortisol (Todorova et al., 2021). Additionally, some adaptogens may also enhance mood by stimulating the body to produce chemicals such as serotonin and endorphins (Haykal et al., 2025), which are known to support mood regulation and a positive mental state.
Next, we’ll look at two specific adaptogens currently used in neurocosmetic formulations: ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Rhodiola rosea.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb commonly known as Indian Winter Cherry or Indian Ginseng. Grown in dry regions of Asia and Africa, this herb has been used for almost 6000 years in Ayurveda – a traditional system of medicine in India (Singh et al., 2011). In Ayurveda, it’s said to promote a youthful state of physical health, mental health and happiness.
A review by Singh et al. (2011) highlighted the many benefits of ashwagandha. On a physical level, the herb influences the body’s immune response and defence against disease, whilst also having anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory properties. Ashwagandha also has anti-ageing and antioxidation properties which are useful for protecting the skin from oxidative stress and premature ageing. On a psychological level, ashwagandha has been shown to significantly lower depression, anxiety and stress levels.
A recent study (Majeed et al., 2023) looked at the effects of taking an ashwagandha supplement daily, in people with mild to moderate stress and anxiety. After two months, participants reported lower stress and anxiety levels, along with an overall improvement in quality of life. Interestingly, these psychological results were supported by biological evidence. Firstly, participants showed a reduction in morning salivary cortisol levels. Given cortisol’s key role in the stress response and HPA axis, these lowered levels provide a biological basis for the reported drop in stress.
Secondly, participants showed an increase in urinary serotonin following the course. Serotonin is a key chemical for regulating and boosting mood as well as influencing the body’s stress response (Lin et al., 2014). This biological change helps explain their reported improvement in mood and may also be linked to their reduced stress and anxiety.
Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic plant native to arctic and mountainous regions of Europe, Asia and North America (Panossian et al., 2010). Its use dates back to traditional medicine where it was valued for enhancing physical endurance, sharpening mental performance and treating disorders of the nervous system (Todorova et al., 2021).
From a skin perspective, the plant exhibits anti-oxidant and anti-ageing properties and is known to be especially comforting on the skin (Haykal et al., 2025). Like ashwagandha, rhodiola displays anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anticancer properties and has been shown to improve overall immune function (Li et al., 2017). As such, it was traditionally used in parts of Asia to treat flu, colds and even tuberculosis (Todorova et al., 2021).
Another key use for rhodiola rosea in traditional medicine was to help the body cope with stress (Panossian et al., 2010). Modern research shows that rhodiola rosea, like ashwagandha, reduces stress by influencing the HPA-axis and lowering levels of cortisol as well as other stress hormones (Todorova et al., 2021). Observable improvements in stress symptoms have been reported following rhodiola consumption. For instance, participants in a study by Edwards et al. (2012) showed improvements in stress symptoms following just a four-week course of rhodiola rosea supplements.
The psychological benefits go beyond stress reduction. Rhodiola has been shown to boost endorphins and improve overall mood (Haykal et al., 2025). Participants in the study by Edwards et al. (2012) additionally reported broader therapeutic effects following their four-week course. The biological mechanism for this is likely related to the adaptogen’s ability to increase serotonin levels and activate the brain’s cerebral cortex (Todorova et al., 2021). These neuropsychological processes help to improve mood regulation and promote a better sense of overall wellbeing.
One skincare brand that is utilising adaptogens in their mission to deliver “affective wellness”, is JoonByrd. Placing emphasis on science with soul, JoonByrd carefully formulates products with ingredients that prioritise the skin-mind balance and spark joy. Their formulas are “are supercharged with novel, intentional adaptogens and functional mushrooms to neutralise skin stress and shield from the daily onslaught of physical and emotional triggers”.
You can find ashwagandha in some of their body care products including their Little Love Body Lotion and Moon Swim Body Wash. Plus, you can find rhodiola rosea in a collection of their hand care products such as their Wonder Land Hand Lotion, Palm Wild Hand Wash and Confetti Sky Hand Treatment.
The use of adaptogens in the neurocosmetics industry is an exciting new advancement. With their combined skin, mood and overall health benefits it’s easy to see why consumers are embracing these ingredients. Natural, non-toxic adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola rosea offer a wide range of scientifically proven benefits designed to leave you feeling good on the inside as well as on the outside. Ultimately, it is a reminder that skincare is about both internal and external wellbeing and that true radiance starts from within.
Edwards, D., Heufelder, A., & Zimmermann, A. (2012). Therapeutic effects and safety of Rhodiola rosea extract WS® 1375 in subjects with life-stress symptoms--results of an open-label study. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 26(8), 1220–1225. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3712
Haykal, D., Berardesca, E., Kabashima, K., & Dréno, B. (2025). Beyond beauty: Neurocosmetics, the skin-brain axis, and the future of emotionally intelligent skincare. Clinics in dermatology, 43(4), 523–527. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2025.05.002
Li, Y., Pham, V., Bui, M., Song, L., Wu, C., Walia, A., Uchio, E., Smith-Liu, F., & Zi, X. (2017). Rhodiola rosea L.: an herb with anti-stress, anti-aging, and immunostimulating properties for cancer chemoprevention. Current pharmacology reports, 3(6), 384–395. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40495-017-0106-1
Liao, L. Y., He, Y. F., Li, L., Meng, H., Dong, Y. M., Yi, F., & Xiao, P. G. (2018). A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide. Chinese medicine, 13, 57. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-018-0214-9
Lin, S. H., Lee, L. T., & Yang, Y. K. (2014). Serotonin and mental disorders: a concise review on molecular neuroimaging evidence. Clinical psychopharmacology and neuroscience : the official scientific journal of the Korean College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 12(3), 196–202. https://doi.org/10.9758/cpn.2014.12.3.196
Majeed, M., Nagabhushanam, K., & Mundkur, L. (2023). A standardized Ashwagandha root extract alleviates stress, anxiety, and improves quality of life in healthy adults by modulating stress hormones: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine, 102(41), e35521. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000035521
Panossian, A., Wikman, G., & Sarris, J. (2010). Rosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 17(7), 481–493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2010.02.002
Singh, N., Bhalla, M., De Jager, P., & Gilca, M. (2011). An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 8(5S). https://doi.org/10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5s.9
Todorova, V., Ivanov, K., Delattre, C., Nalbantova, V., Karcheva-Bahchevanska, D., & Ivanova, S. (2021). Plant Adaptogens-History and Future Perspectives. Nutrients, 13(8), 2861. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082861
