With modern lifestyles increasingly exposing the skin to stressors, it is crucial to adopt preventative, proactive solutions that support skin health.
Environmental and psychological stressors impact skin health by triggering oxidative stress and inflammaging. Caused by UV exposure and pollution, environmental stressors are key drivers of skin aging – also known as photoaging. Meanwhile, psychological stressors – like chronic stress, poor sleep, and lifestyle imbalances – can activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to increased cortisol levels that break down collagen and disrupt the skin barrier.
Skin health is not a single condition but rather a multifactorial response to these stressors. Over time, this has visible consequences. Oxidative stress, inflammaging, and barrier dysfunction can have a variety of impacts, including: fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture; hyperpigmentation and dullness; increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL); reduced elasticity and hydration; and sensitivity, redness, and irritation.
Finding solutions to prevent skin stress requires ingredients that improve hydration, protect against oxidative damage, and help maintain skin barrier integrity. And with interest in botanical ingredients increasing, new opportunities for skin support is growing. So, how can botanicals be leveraged to meet skin concerns?
Ashwagandha: Time-tested botanical support
With growing interest in botanical ingredients within beauty and dermocosmetic markets, clinically-supported botanicals are perfectly positioned to support skin health concerns. In fact, in 2024 the global botanical skin care ingredients market size was valued at $1.32 billion, with expected growth of 8.2% by 2030.1
Botanical ingredients, such as adaptogens, can address specific skincare needs, while appealing to health-conscious consumers. These ingredients are valued for their ability to help protect against environmental stressors, while also addressing specific skin concerns.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a time-honoured Ayurvedic adaptogen gaining traction as a botanical ingredient with strong support in skin health and dermocosmetic applications – bridging the gap between traditional cosmetics and dermatology.
Recognized for its adaptogenic stress-modulating properties, ashwagandha is a cornerstone ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine with a 3,000-year history of use of enhancing vitality and promoting longevity. Modern research has supported its position as a powerful active substance thanks to its ability to regulate the HPA axis and lower cortisol levels – inducing anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, and anti-stress effects.2
Clinically-validated solution to skin stress
Standardized ashwagandha extracts, particularly root-derived forms such as KSM-66 Ashwagandha, are being investigated in dermocosmetic formulations aimed at: supporting skin hydration and elasticity; reducing visible signs of photoaging; enhancing skin barrier function; and improving overall skin comfort under environmental stress.
A 2023 study investigated the effect of topical ashwagandha lotion.3 Fifty-six healthy men and women aged between 18 and 60 years with Fitzpatrick phototype III-VI skin grade were randomized to receive topical application (lotion on facial skin) of either KSM Ashwagandha or an identical placebo for 60 days.
On day 60, the primary outcome showed improvement from baseline in wrinkles (55.9%), pores (66.5%), hydration/moisture (85.5%), and pigmentation (80.5%) on facial skin. Secondary outcomes showed 2.82% decrease in melanin index, 15.12% decrease in TEWL, 20.6% increase in skin hydration, and 16.4% increase in skin elasticity.
Overall, results showed that topical application of a lotion containing KSM Ashwagandha improves the skin condition and quality of life in photoaged healthy individuals.
A prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study evaluated topical KSM-66 Ashwagandha lotion in photoaged healthy adults over 75 days. A soon-to-be-published study, observed improvements in both objective skin parameters and perceived skin comfort.
Results showed a 15.25% reduction in skin stress, 8.98% decrease in melanin index, 20.47% decrease in TEWL, 22.74% and 17.74% increase in skin hydration and elasticity. Further to this, results showed 66.12%, 62.94%, 67.21%, 70.51%, and 70.65% reductions in self-reported redness, pain, itching, burning, and dryness, respectively.
With 10 studies in personal care (3 published, 4 completed, and 3 under peer review) showing positive results, lotion containing ashwagandha standardized root extract is shown to improve skin condition and quality of life in photoaged healthy individuals.
Combining tradition with modern clinical-validation
While rooted in ancient traditional Ayurvedic wisdom – literally meaning ‘science of life’ from Sanskrit – ashwagandha bridges ancient practices with modern demand for science-backed, plant-based solutions. The ingredient represents a convergence of traditional herbal knowledge and modern clinical validation.
Its position as a natural, topical solution in skin health is increasingly validated by published clinical studies – with continued research expected to strengthen its position in dermocosmetic and integrative beauty solutions.
References
- Data Bridge. Global Botanical Skin Care Ingredients Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032.
- Wiciński, M.; et al. Ashwagandha’s Multifaceted Effects on Human Health: Impact on Vascular Endothelium, Inflammation, Lipid Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Outcomes-A Review. Nutrients. 2024 Jul 31;16(15):2481
- Narra, K.; et al. A Study of Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Lotion on Facial Skin in Photoaged Healthy Adults. Cureus. 2023 Mar 15;15(3):e36168.
