Alert on a false health claim: There are no authorised cerebral effects of cosmetics

Some cosmetic providers claim that the application of their cosmetic products to the skin can have direct effects on the nervous system and brain. Therefore, certain manufacturers even claim that their products could have effects on psyche, wellbeing, sleep, mood, depression, anxiety and more. The EADV’s Psychodermatology Task Force wishes to alert authorities, consumers and healthcare professionals to this worrying trend and fake messaging.

The study of the relationship between the skin and the nervous system, or between the skin and the psyche, is a fascinating and rapidly expanding field of research. We currently know that the psychological impact of skin disorders can be very significant, and that stress can aggravate these
disorders. We also know that interactions between the skin and the nervous system are very close, and that skin properties can be modified by the nervous system. Finally, the use of cosmetics can potentially improve the quality of life of users to some extent, particularly in the case of skin diseases. We fully approve this kind of research and we are deeply involved.

It is very important to remember that cosmetics can only affect the skin, mucous membranes or skin appendages, according to international regulations. A cosmetic cannot therefore have a specific direct effect on the brain and therefore on the psyche. If this were the case, the product would have to be immediately withdrawn from the market, especially as this would represent a risk of inducing dependency. Otherwise, it should be considered as misleading advertising, and such advertising should be prohibited.