The team behind Neurohacker Collective creates wellness products that support the body’s ability to self-regulate, rather than overriding regulatory systems with what it calls “chemicals designed to move a biomarker in a particular direction.” While initially focused on cognitive products like its Qualia nootropic line, Neurohacker Collective recently turned its attention to the skin-brain axis with Qualia Skin, a new beauty supplement.

According to the Carlsbard, CA-based company, the supplement supports a healthy epidermal layer for resilience to environmental stress. The supplement also supports collagen production and remodeling, elastin, healthy ceramide levels; and skin protective and repair functions, according to the company.

The supplement contains: HydroPeach ceramides (peach fruit extract); red orange complex (citrus sinensis fruit extract; Soylife soy germ extract, which helps maintain healthy collagen structures to support skin elasticity; BioVin French red grapes extract; AstaPure haematococcus pluvialis microalgae extract (3% astaxanthin); lycopene; rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) leaf extract; aloe vera inner leaf juice powder; Pomanox pomegranate fruit extract; amla (emblica officinalis) fruit extract, sea buckthorn; bamboo stem and leaf extract; L-ornithine; biotin; mineral-rich inactive koji aspergillus oryzae culture; iron, zinc; selenium; copper; manganese; chromium; and molybdenum.

Happi checked in with Dr. Nick Bitz, a naturopathic doctor and strategist at Neurohacker Collective, about the company’s foray into beauty health and wellness.

HAPPI: In a nutshell, what is the “Skin-Brain Axis”?
Dr. Bitz: Like the gut-brain axis, the skin-brain axis is emerging as the latest organ system connection that is garnering scientific attention. The skin-brain axis is a bidirectional communication between the skin and the brain, where one organ exerts a far-reaching influence on the other. This “crosstalk” is intriguing because it presents a more holistic view of the body and opens up radical new ways to think about health and therapeutics. 

HAPPI: Tell us about the development of Qualia Skin. What prompted the brand to formulate this product in addition to its other focused areas?
Dr. Bitz: Neurohacker is best known for its pioneering research in the field of nootropics and all things related to brain health. Yet our overarching mission is “total body optimization,” which transcends and includes mental performance. In Qualia Skin we saw an opportunity to apply our “complex systems” approach to an emerging category. We started the R&D process by studying skin anatomy and physiology to better understand the changes that occur during the aging process, and to better understand the specific pathways that we needed to target. Thereafter we compiled and evaluated over 80+ ingredients—ranking each according to its efficacy and mechanism of action. And in the end, we selected 21 ingredients that work best through complementary and synergistic actions to support the skin from the inside out. We’re beyond thrilled by the final product and think we’ve created one of the most effective skin stacks on the market.

HAPPI: What are the key ingredients in the skin supplement that support its efficacy?
Dr. Bitz: Qualia Skin provides 21 ingredients to support skin hydration, smoothness and overall appearance. Every ingredient is backed by scientific research showing support for healthy skin. And many of the ingredients are backed by human clinical studies too. Qualia Skin is an incredibly robust and comprehensive formula. But if I had to single out one or two ingredients, I would say that ceramides and astaxanthin are among the best nutrients for supporting optimal skin and really help to elevate the product’s effectiveness.*
  
HAPPI: Do you have any testing data to share about the performance or results of Qualia Skin supplement in terms of skin health?
Dr. Bitz: At Neurohacker, we believe that “beta testing” is one of the most vital steps in the product development process. So we invest heavily in pre-market beta testing to provide validated support for a product’s performance before it hits the market. Qualia Skin is no exception. The beta test for Qualia Skin showed that nearly 80% of users (n= 52) reported a significant improvement in their skin health over 12 weeks, with virtually no adverse effects.

HAPPI:  Are there other products in the pipeline at Neurohacker Collective that address beauty or personal care-related wellness? Or other areas that the company is considering?
Dr. Bitz: We continue to expand our portfolio of cognition- and longevity-supporting products. But we’re always keeping an eye on new and emerging categories too. At the moment, we’re testing several new product concepts within the Neurohacker community. And we see a lot of excitement behind a new topical cosmetic, a gender health supporting product, as well as a sports nutrition product. So, I foresee us breaking new ground in the not-too-distant future.