Skin microbiome studied in psychological well-being

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In a discovery that could reshape the way scientists and consumers alike think about the connection between skin health and psychological well-being, a new study led by Unilever researchers in collaboration with the University of Liverpool has identified a significant link between the skin microbiome and mental health—a relationship previously overshadowed by research focused on the gut.

The study, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, marks the first time the skin microbiome has been systematically associated with psychological outcomes across multiple body sites. Titled “Body-site specific associations between human skin microbiome composition and psychological wellbeing,” the research analyzed skin swabs from 53 participants taken from the face, scalp, forearm, and axilla, in addition to detailed psychological wellbeing questionnaires. The results revealed that higher levels of Cutibacterium were consistently linked to improved psychological wellbeing.

Specifically, the study found that higher concentrations of Cutibacterium on the face and axilla were associated with lower stress, while increased levels of this bacterium in the underarm were also linked with improved mood. The findings were consistent across multiple body sites, indicating a nuanced and site-specific relationship between skin bacteria and psychological health. The researchers utilized advanced genomic sequencing and psychological assessments, including measures of stress, mood, and sleep quality, to draw these conclusions.

The study’s authors, led by John Tyson-Carr of the University of Liverpool and Unilever’s Margaret Scott, emphasize that while the gut microbiome has long been a focus of mental health research, the skin microbiome—until now—has remained underexplored. Their work underscores the importance of specific microbial communities on the body and their potential influence on psychological health, opening new avenues for research and product development.

Dr. Carl Roberts, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Liverpool and a senior author of the study, noted: “This work opens exciting new possibilities for understanding the relationship between our skin and psychological wellbeing. It provides a foundation for future research that could significantly influence product development in both health and personal care.”

The implications of these findings are broad, particularly in the context of the growing field of neurocosmetics—where skincare is designed not just for aesthetic benefit, but for its potential to influence mood and mental health. Unilever, which has analyzed over 30,000 skin samples and secured more than 100 patents related to microbiome science, is already applying these insights to products across other brands such as Dove and Dermalogica.

“The skin-brain axis refers to the fact that our skin and psychological wellbeing are connected,” said Jason Harcup, Chief R&D Officer for Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever.

“Research has shown that bacteria in the gut can affect psychological wellbeing, but the role of skin bacteria has been less understood, until now. Our results reveal that greater relative abundance of Cutibacterium is associated with enhanced wellbeing, reduced stress, and improved mood across various body regions, suggesting for the first time that the skin microbiome may impact mental wellbeing.

“This is important because we know consumers no longer see the pursuit of beauty and wellbeing as independent of each other,” Harcup said in a press release. “They are looking for products that support physical appearance, mental wellbeing, and positively contribute to overall health. By advancing our scientific knowledge of the skin-brain axis, the goal is to develop holistic products that improve the wellbeing of our consumers, inside and out.”

The authors note this study underscores the need for further investigation into specific bacterial taxa that may be involved in a skin-brain axis, as well as the importance of specific microbial communities on the body and their potential influence on this connection.