Sustainable Neurocosmetics: A Comprehensive Scientific Literature Review on Social Responsibility, Psychological Well-Being, and Aesthetic Innovation

Background: The landscape of aesthetic medicine and the broader cosmetics industry is undergoing a profound transformation, moving beyond a sole focus on physical appearance toward a more holistic, wellness-oriented paradigm. This evolution is driven by a confluence of scientific advancements, a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection, and a growing consumer demand for products and practices that are not only efficacious but also ethically sound and socially responsible. Central to this discussion is the concept of the "skin-brain axis," a bidirectional communication network that intimately connects the integumentary system with the central nervous system. This axis is not merely a biological curiosity but is increasingly recognized as the primary mechanism through which neurocosmetics can exert their effects, bridging the gap between external application and an individual's internal psychological state. The skin, a complex "neuroimmunoendocrine organ," contains a dense network of nerve endings and receptors that provide a direct pathway to the brain's emotional centers. Methods: This report provides a comprehensive scientific literature review on the emerging field of sustainable neurocosmetics, examining its complexities through a triple lens of social responsibility, psychological well-being, and aesthetic innovation. This literature review aims to synthesize findings from a wide range of academic disciplines, including dermatology, neuroscience, social psychology, and consumer behavior. This interdisciplinary approach is essential for a nuanced understanding, as a considerable body of scholarly work on aesthetic medicine and beauty resides in "disciplinary silos," with researchers in fields like psychology focusing exclusively on psychological outcomes and vice versa (Williams, 2022). A systematic literature search was conducted across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using key terms like "sustainable neurocosmetics," "skin-brain axis," "psychological well-being in aesthetics," "corporate social responsibility cosmetics," and "cultural variations aesthetic medicine," focusing on publications from 2015 to 2025. The collected research underwent thematic analysis to identify trends, consensus, contradictions, and gaps. Results: By integrating these diverse perspectives, this review seeks to: (1) define the scientific mechanisms of neurocosmetics and delineate them from traditional cosmetology; (2) analyze the psychological implications of aesthetic practices, particularly in the context of social media and digital culture; (3) scrutinize the ethical and social responsibilities incumbent upon the industry; and (4) identify key aesthetic and technological innovations shaping the field. The review posits that this intricate connection is the foundation upon which the future of cosmetics will be built, enabling the industry to deliver both tangible aesthetic improvements and measurable psychological benefits. Key findings include the role of neuroactive ingredients in modulating the skin-brain axis, high BDD prevalence in aesthetic patients, CSR influences on consumer intentions, and cultural variations in preferences (Arian et al., 2023). Conclusions: The future of aesthetic medicine and neurocosmetic science is a confluence of physical innovation, psychological well-being, and social responsibility. The industry's legitimacy and positive impact will be determined by its commitment to transparent, patient-centered, and ethically grounded practices.