Comprehensive Scientific Literature Review on Social and Psychological Factors Shaping Neurocosmetic Adoption

Background: The field of aesthetic medicine is undergoing a profound transformation, moving beyond its traditional focus on physical enhancement to encompass the complex interplay of cultural, social, and psychological factors. Global beauty standards, once dominated by a singular Western ideal, are giving way to a more nuanced, culturally specific approach that seeks to preserve ethnic identity rather than homogenize appearance. A critical analysis of social and psychological determinants reveals the pervasive influence of digital media, which, while democratizing access to information, simultaneously fosters unrealistic expectations and exacerbates psychological vulnerabilities such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). The report defines neurocosmetics as products that modulate the skin-brain axis to achieve both aesthetic and psychological benefits, marking a conceptual shift from simple beautification to affective intervention and holistic wellness. Methods: This comprehensive scientific literature review synthesizes recent academic research to explore the multifaceted drivers of aesthetic treatment adoption, with a particular emphasis on the emerging field of neurocosmetics. A systematic literature search was conducted across a range of academic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and ResearchGate. The search utilized key terms and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) such as "cultural variations," "aesthetic medicine," "social sciences," "psychological factors," "neurocosmetics," "body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)," and "social media influence." The collected research was then subjected to thematic analysis to identify key trends, points of scholarly consensus, contradictions, and critical gaps in the existing body of knowledge. Results: The review establishes that the decision to pursue aesthetic treatment is deeply rooted in a complex web of cultural, social, and psychological determinants. Contemporary research indicates significant regional variations in aesthetic preferences, with a shift toward culturally competent practices that preserve ethnic traits. Social media perpetuates unrealistic ideals, correlating with increased desire for procedures and BDD prevalence. Neurocosmetics leverage neuroactive ingredients like neuropeptides and botanical extracts to influence emotional responses, with the market projected to reach approximately $3.13 billion by 2030. However, evidence for efficacy in treating anxiety and depression remains limited, relying on small-scale studies. Conclusions: This review underscores the ethical imperative for practitioners to adopt a holistic, patient-centric model that integrates robust psychological screening, cultural competence, and transparent communication to safeguard patient well-being in an increasingly commercialized and digitally-driven landscape.