Bringing psychodermatology into personal care and neurocosmetics

Programme

INTRODUCTION

13.30 - Introduction and Future Trends – Dr Katerina Steventon in conversation with Andrew McDougall, Mintel

SCIENCE & FRAMING

13.50 Neurocosmetics and Psychodermatology: Evolution and Convergence - Dr Bhaven Chavan, Croda

14.10 Building Evidence for Emotion & Wellbeing in Cosmetic Science - Dr Jessica Henderson, Unilever

TECHNOLOGY & MARKET TRANSLATION

14.30 The Neurocosmetic Ecosystem: Connecting the Skin–Brain Axis to Skin Health and Wellbeing - Daniel Whitby, Lake Personal Care

14.50 A review of psychodermatology claims and market analysis - Jane Evison (CCUK)/Wilma McDaniel

15.10 - 15.20 COMFORT BREAK

REGULATORY PERSPECTIVE

15.20 Cosmetics, Wellbeing and the Skin–Brain Connection: Where Do the Regulatory Boundaries Lie? Olivia Santoni, Bloom Regulatory

WHERE NEXT?

15.40 Discussion and Q&A Dr Gill Westgate, CCUK

Does psychodermatology really sit within our industry?

How is the innovation ecosystem influenced by the move toward more dermo- and neuro-cosmetic products

Who is the target consumer?

Will we need more evidence-based scientific claims and a greater focus on consumer education?

16.00 Q&A, NEXT STEPS AND CLOSE Dr Katerina Steventon

Please find talk abstracts and guest speaker information below:

Dr Bhaven Chavan - Neurocosmetics and Psychodermatology: Evolution and Convergence

Neurocosmetics are defined as topical agents that modulate cutaneous neuromediators and neuro-immune pathways at the epidermal level, improving skin comfort, sensitivity, and stress-related reactivity without crossing into central nervous system effects. Experimental work demonstrates that texture and microbiome-mediated ingredients can alter skin nociception, emotion-linked physiology, and social-touch responses strictly via skin mechanisms. Proposals to expand neurocosmetics towards direct mood or brain modulation have prompted formal alerts that such claims breach the definition of cosmetics. The field is evolving and converging, and this will be discussed. 

BIO: Bhaven is a Research and Technology Specialist at Croda Europe Ltd, specialising in the effects of cosmetic ingredients on and with the skin.

Dr Jessica Henderson - Building Evidence for Emotion and Wellbeing in Cosmetic Science

Growing interest in psychodermatology and the skin-brain axis is raising important questions about how cosmetic products may influence wellbeing. This presentation will discuss methodological approaches for measuring wellbeing in humans and consider how we can build robust evidence in the area.

Wilma McDaniel

I look forward to sharing Jane and my research on how our industry is currently presenting Psychodermatology to consumers, embracing how our skin and senses impact our minds omnichannel.

I founded RISE Business Growth 12 years ago with the purpose of sharing my global experience and network to support organisations devise and implement strategy for successful and sustainable growth. Since then we have worked with startups, scale ups and global corporations across the beauty and personal care value chain.

Daniel Whitby - The Neurocosmetic Ecosystem: Connecting the Skin–Brain Axis to Skin Health and Wellbeing

The skin is not simply a passive barrier, but a dynamic neuro-immuno-endocrine organ in continuous communication with the brain. This presentation explores the neurocosmetic ecosystem through the interconnected disciplines, mechanisms and sectors shaping the skin–brain axis—from psycho-dermatology, neuro-immunology, stress biology and the microbiome to sensory perception and chronobiology. It considers key pathways including neuropeptides, the HPA stress cascade, neurotransmitters, immune mediators and microbial metabolites, and their relevance to skin barrier function, inflammation, sensation, comfort and perceived wellbeing.

Moving from science to application, the talk maps how clinical practice, medical research, ingredient innovation, cosmetic formulation and wellness converge to create solutions for patients, consumers and formulators. It will also address a central challenge for the category: separating robust, measurable skin-health benefits from wider claims around skin feel, mood and wellbeing, and building a more credible, evidence-led framework for neurocosmetic innovation.

Olivia Santoni - Cosmetics, Wellbeing and the Skin–Brain Connection: Where Do the Regulatory Boundaries Lie?

Cosmetics can play a meaningful role in wellbeing through their effects on the skin, sensory experience, product enjoyment and the positive experience associated with cosmetic use but where does this sit within the regulatory definition of a cosmetic product? This presentation will explore why products positioned within the skin–brain and neurocosmetics space can remain cosmetics, the types of wellbeing and emotional benefits that can legitimately be communicated, and where claims risk crossing into medicinal or physiological territory. It will also consider the evidence needed to substantiate emerging neuroscience-based claims and how the industry can innovate credibly while remaining within the cosmetic regulatory framework.