What Are Topical Adaptogens? A Systematic Review and Proposed System to Identify and Categorize Skin Adaptogens in Dermatology

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Skin adaptogens are a class of active ingredients that can enhance human adaptation by reducing the deleterious effects of intrinsic and extrinsic stressors. Adaptogens’ homeostatic actions enhance the skin’s resilience, improving skin health and quality. Most of the investigated and identified adaptogens are botanicals and have relevant applications in dermatology, but their precise mechanism of action (MOA) and classification are yet to be determined.

METHODS

Articles related to botanical adaptogens published within the last 20 years were obtained from the Ovid, Cochrane, and PubMed databases. Studies had to include botanicals studied topically on the skin and classified as adaptogens in the paper. The systematic search resulted in 643 articles, and after the selection process, 12 studies were chosen for the systematic review.

RESULTS

Twelve scientific papers identified 29 topical adaptogens with capabilities of promoting skin health and cosmesis via homeostatic mechanisms. These papers reviewed the effects of topical adaptogens on photodamage, photoaging, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, inflammation, metabolic activity, hormones, and regenerative effects. We propose an identification and classification system of topical adaptogens. We also list currently identified topical adaptogens in the literature and propose other potential cutaneous adaptogens.

CONCLUSION

We have identified 29 skin adaptogens and categorized them based on their MOA: safe, homeostatic, and multitargeted. We propose this classification system as a guide to identify and catalog topical adaptogens in dermatology.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and plays an important role as a barrier. It is constantly exposed to various intrinsic and extrinsic exposomes, which can impact its health, aesthetics, and aging.¹ The skin’s structure and function can be disrupted by various life aggressors, which can lead to skin disease or expedite the aging process. Optimizing skin aging and skin quality depends on the skin’s ability to respond and adapt to stressors.^2,3 Ongoing research examines the skin’s response to stress and its ability to maintain physiological and structural integrity.⁴ This research may translate into both medical and aesthetic benefits in the skin.³

Adaptogens are a category of skincare bioactive ingredients that are currently being investigated due to their value in skin homeostasis and resiliency.⁵ Naturally derived adaptogens from mushrooms, fruits, berries, and other plants stem from ancient medical preparations in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, Kampo, and other alternative medicines.^6,7 The concept of adaptogen was introduced by Russian toxicologist Lazarev in 1958 to define natural or synthetic substances that enhance human resilience in nonspecific and normalizing ways.⁸ Over the last century, the prominence of adaptogens rapidly grew in the arena of performance-enhancing nutraceuticals.⁷ This definition of adaptogen has gone through an evolution over the years, and the most currently accepted definition describes an adaptogen as a bioactive agent that is 1) innocuous to humans; 2) acts in nonspecific modes of action; 3) enhances resistance to adverse physical and biochemical factors through normalizing activity.^6,9 The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designates adaptogens as metabolic regulators that improve human adaptability to external damage.^5,10

Due to their homeostatic capability to adapt to internal and external stressors, oral supplements and topical adaptogens have been studied and have shown benefits in a variety of areas, including cognitive, psychological, inflammatory, metabolic, cardiovascular, neoplastic, infectious, and hormonal.^11-13 Adaptogens may also offer anti-aging benefits and enhance overall wellness and longevity.^11-13 Recently, the application of adaptogens turned toward cutaneous medicine to provide a novel way to augment skin health and aging.^14,15 Botanical adaptogens have been evaluated in acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia, and pigmentary disorders.⁵ These topical adaptogens may work through anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, hormonal, or metabolic pathways.^{2, 5}

Furthermore, as a result of their skin resiliency benefits, adaptogens may be valuable in improving cosmetic skin quality (tone, texture, and tightness) and slowing skin aging.^{2, 3, 5,15} The use of adaptogens is increasing in cosmeceutical markets to meet the demand for improved skin health and beauty.¹⁶ Therefore, adaptogen-containing skincare is a rapidly growing category for skin well-being, aesthetics, and rejuvenation.^2,3,5,15-17 Even though the regulation of cosmeceutical agents varies throughout the world, the derivation and acceptance of topical adaptogens is globally pervasive.

A comprehensive review of adaptogens in dermatology was recently published by Liu et al.⁵ This bibliometric study identified 109 adaptogens with cutaneous applications, mainly in Fabaceae, Araliaceae, and Lamiaceae plant families, and included terpenoids, phenolics, and flavonoid phytochemicals.⁵ However, the appropriate classification system to identify scientifically backed topical adaptogens is lacking. In order for a skincare agent to be clearly designated as an adaptogen, it needs to meet the criteria of a topical adaptogen, demonstrating scientific evidence of dermatologic benefits. Thus, based on the research of multiple scientific databases, we propose a classification system for skincare adaptogens. In this article, we also review topical adaptogens, with published supporting data.

Our other aim is to review topical adaptogens and their dermatologic mechanisms of action (MOA) based on our proposed categorization system. The purpose is to offer medical practitioners and cosmeceutical consumers a guide to topical adaptogens used to promote skin health and rejuvenation.

METHODS

We reported our systematic review based on the recommendations of the PRISMA 2020 guideline. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024622629).

Eligibility criteria. To meet the inclusion criteria, articles had to be in English and published within the last 20 years. Publications were required to focus on botanicals with adaptogenic properties and explicitly identify them as adaptogens. Included publications focused on adaptogens tested topically on the skin, tested in vitro on human fibroblasts or keratinocytes, or tested in vivo on animals. Book chapters, case reports, previous systematic reviews/meta-analyses, letters, abstracts, and conference presentations were excluded.

Search strategy. The authors created a search strategy using key terms for online database searching. The Ovid, PubMed, and Cochrane databases were searched. Data collection occurred on September 3, 2024, and was conducted in the search engines listed above. The following keyword searches were used (plant extracts [MeSH Terms]) or (plants, medicinal [MeSH Terms]) or ("plant extract*"[Title/Abstract]) or ("medicinal plant*"[Title/Abstract]) or (adaptogen*[Title/Abstract]) or ("plant adaptogen*"[Title/Abstract]) or ("plant-based adaptogen*"[Title/Abstract]) and (skin [MeSH Terms]) or (skin*[Title/Abstract]) or (dermatology*[Title/Abstract]) or (cosmetic*[Title/Abstract]) or (cosmeceutical*[Title/Abstract]). Table 1 summarizes the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) criteria for our investigation.

TABLE 1.

Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) Criteria of the Investigation

CRITERIA	DESCRIPTION
Population	Humans, animals, human fibroblasts or keratinocytes
Intervention	Botanical adaptogens studied topically
Compaison	Placebo or nonexposed control group
Outcome	Adaptogenic botanical possesses characteristics that promote skin wellness and rejuvenation via homeostatic mechanisms

Screening and study selection. The initial search yielded a total of 643 articles. Of those, 306 duplicates were removed leaving a total of 337 articles to be screened. From these studies, 287 were from OVID, 21 were from Cochrane, and 335 were from PubMed. Rayyan systematic review collaboration software (Rayyan Systems) was used to independently screen the abstracts and titles of the 337 articles. Two researchers independently read the abstracts of 337 articles to verify the inclusion criteria were met. If there was disagreement between the 2 researchers on whether an article should be included, a third reviewer determined whether it should be included or excluded. This process yielded 178 articles for retrieval and 159 articles to be excluded. After retrieval of the full text of the 178 papers, the 2 researchers read the full texts to determine if the studies met all criteria. As a result, 12 studies were chosen to be included in the final study. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) method in Figure 1 details the screening and selection process.

FIGURE 1.

Study selection flowchart

Assessment of the risk of bias. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Appraisal Tools (JBI) in the included studies. Two independent reviewers evaluated the risk of bias of all included articles with the JBI tool. Discrepancies between the 2 reviewers were identified and resolved through discussion with a third author. The researchers answered the questions on the checklist with "yes," "no," or "unclear" and then determined whether to include or exclude each study. After review, the independent reviewers met to compare their results. The articles were classified as high, moderate, or low risk of bias: score less than 50%, 50% to 70%, and score above 70%, respectively. All articles had a low risk of bias and were approved for inclusion in the study.

Data collection process. A data extraction charting form was created using Microsoft Word (Microsoft Corporation) to extract relevant information from the 12 included articles. Two reviewers independently charted the data and discussed the results. If there was discordance between the 2 researchers, a third reviewer was involved. The following sections were included in the extraction form: topical adaptogen study, adaptogens identified in the study, main study results, and mechanism of action of topical adaptogens.

Data synthesis. Once the data was extracted from the studies, a list of topical adaptogens was created based on the botanicals investigated in the studies. Additionally, their MOA or unique characteristics were documented in order to determine what makes these botanicals an adaptogen. Based on these reported MOAs, a classification system was formulated in order to assist in identifying botanicals studied topically in the skin as adaptogens.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics of the included studies. The systematic search resulted in 643 articles and at the end of the selection process, 12 studies remained. The baseline characteristics of the 12 studies included in this review are detailed in Table 2. The studies included in the review investigated botanicals topically and identified these botanicals as adaptogens. Five studies explored the botanicals on human skin, 6 analyzed the botanicals in vivo or in vitro on fibroblasts or keratinocytes, and 1 was clinical in humans and in vitro. The adaptogens in Table 2 were further classified as adaptogens based on meeting more than 1 criteria in our MOA model, which is further described in Figure 2. These studies revealed that adaptogenic botanicals possess characteristics that promote skin resilience, wellness, and rejuvenation via homeostatic mechanisms.

TABLE 2.

Baseline Characteristics of the Studies Investigated in the Systematic Review of Topical Botanical Adaptogens and Their Mechanisms of Action (MOA)

TOPICAL ADAPTOGEN STUDY	ADAPTOGENS IDENTIFIED IN THE STUDY	MAIN STUDY RESULTS	MOA OF TOPICAL ADAPTOGENS
A study of efficacy and safety of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) lotion on facial skin in photoaged healthy adults18	Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, Indian winter cherry)	Improvement in transepidermal water loss, skin hydration (moisture), and skin elasticity Protects against skin inflammation Improvement in total score and scores for skin wrinkles, pores, hydration/moisture, brightness/tone, and pigmentation	Fortify skin barrier by maintaining water, electrolyte, and pH balance Optimize extracellular matrix signaling (regulating scarring, angiogenesis, pigmentation, collagen and/or elastin regeneration) Strengthen antioxidant activity Immunomodulating
Phenolic extract from Aralia nudicaulis L. rhizomes inhibits cellular oxidative stressess19	Aralia nudicaulis L. (Wild sarsaparilla)	Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of adaptogen on stressed skin	Strengthen antioxidant activity Immunomodulating Augment physical and biochemical defenses (UV damage)
Plant-derived extracts plus Vitamin E and/or Aloe vera protect against intrinsic/extrinsic stressor in human skin: in vitro and clinical evidence20	Rhodiola Rosea (golden root, rose root rosavain, rosenroot, rhodiola, arctic root, king’s crown) Eleutherococcus Senticosus (Siberian ginseng) Rhaponticum Carthamoides (maral root and Russian leuzea) Inonotus Obliqus (Chaga mushroom) Slegainella Lepidophylla (rose of Jericho, flower of stone, resurrection plant) Lespedeza Capitata (round-headed bush clover) (leaf/stem) Aloe vera	Activates stress protective response in human skin against intrinsic stressors as well as major extrinsic stressors ultraviolet B light (UV-B) and DPM by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines, activating antioxidant gene expression and inducing stress response by upregulating HSP gene family	Immunomodulating Strengthen antioxidant activity Control senescence Augment physical and biochemical defenses (UV damage)
Gene expression analysis of a topical serum comprised of plant-based adaptogens developed to support homeostasis and skin quality21	Panax notoginseng (Chinese ginseng or notoginseng) Theobroma cacao (cacao) Humulus lupulus (hops) Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower) Matricaria (chamomile) Curcuma longa (turmeric) Magnolia officinalis (magnolia-bark or houpu magnolia) Copaifera officinalis (Balsam copaiba) Sophora japonica (Japanese pagoda tree or Chinese scholar tree)	Enhanced support of cellular and epidermal homeostasis, and the skin barrier’s response to stress Inhibition of oxidative stress-induced senescence Support of skin’s adaptive response to stress Enhanced support of skin in maintaining balance and immune homeostasis	Skin barrier fortification Strengthen antioxidant activity Control skin cell senescence Optimize extracellular matrix signaling (pigmentation)
Laser and skin-care synergy: a post-laser application of novel adaptogenic moisturizing serum for improving healing and cosmesis on the face22	Cordyceps sinensis (dong chong xia cao, tochukaso) Curcuma longa (turmeric or curcumin) Paullinia cupana (guarana or Brazilian cocoa) Centella Asiatica (gotu kola, tiger grass) Camellia sinensis (green tea) Aloe vera Rheum Rhaponticum Olea Europaea (olive oil leaf extract) Resveratrol (grape and berries extract) Melaleuca Alternifolia (tea tree oil)	Improvement in hyperpigmentation, photodamage, roughness, improved postprocedure skin healing, and overall skin tone evenness	Optimize extracellular matrix signaling (regulating scarring, angiogenesis, pigmentation, and collagen and/or elastin regeneration) Support wound healing processes Augment physical and biochemical defenses (photodamage)
Inhibitory effects of Schizandra chinensis extract on atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice23	Schizandra chinensis (magnolia vine or wu wei zi)	Decreased atopic dermatitis symptoms (decreased intensity of the dermatitis and decreased the extent of incrustation) Decreased scratching frequency. Decreased serum IgE and IgM Decreased serum histamine level Inhibits IL-4, IL-5, and FcεRIβ expression	Neurosensory regulation (pain, itch, other) Regulate skin’s hormonal HPA axis Immunomodulating

Withania somnifera root extract inhibits MGO-induced skin fibroblast cells dysfunction via ECM-integrin interaction24	Withania somnifera (ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, Indian winter cherry)	Inhibits MGO-induced high expression of AGEs in skin fibroblasts Ameliorates MGO-induced impairment of cellular behavioral functions (migration, viability, adhesion ability) Restores the ability of senescence-damaged cells to synthesize 4 ECM proteins (COL1, FFN1, LM5, and TNC) Upregulated the expression of the ITGB1 receptor and TGF-B1 mRNA in cells	Immunomodulating Regulate proliferation (anti-tumorigenic and/or apoptotic activities) Control senescence
NAD-Driven sirtuin activation by Cordyceps sinensis extract: exploring the adaptogenic potential to promote skin longevity25	Cordyceps sinensis (dong chong xia cao, tochukaso)	Antioxidant capacity Increases ATP production which influences cellular energy dynamics Improved the ability of dermal fibroblasts to synthesize new collagen, leading to reduction in skin wrinkles.	Strengthen antioxidant activity Optimize energy delivery and metabolic efficiency Optimize extracellular matrix signaling (regulating scarring, angiogenesis, pigmentation, and collagen and/or elastin regeneration)
A multi-center trial evaluating a serum comprised of plant-based adaptogens targeting skin quality26	Panax notoginseng (Chinese ginseng or notoginseng) Theobroma cacao (cacao) Humulus lupulus (hops) Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower) Matricaria (chamomile) Curcuma longa (turmeric or curcumin) Magnolia officinalis (magnolia-bark or houpu magnolia) Copaifera officinalis (Balsam copaiba) Sophora japonica (Japanese pagoda tree or Chinese scholar tree)	Improvements from baseline in the appearance of erythema, skin dullness, skin roughness/texture, pore size, and appearance of uneven pigmentation	Optimize extracellular matrix signaling (regulating scarring, angiogenesis, pigmentation, and collagen and/or elastin regeneration) Augment physical and biochemical defenses (photodamage)
Ganoderma lucidum ethanol extracts enhance re-epithelialization and prevent keratinocytes from free-radical injury26	Ganoderma lucidum (reishi, lingzhi)	Induction of cellular DNA synthesis. Stimulates cell proliferation (increase of the migration rate of cells) Antioxidant capacity	Mitigate genetic instability (DNA and/or telomerase repair) Strengthen antioxidant activity Optimize energy delivery and metabolic efficiency
UV-protective effects of phytoecdysteroids from Microsorum grossum extracts on human dermal fibroblasts27	Microsorum grossum (musk fern or metuapua’a)	Various antioxidant and UV damage-protective capacities Antisenescence expressions	Strengthen antioxidant activity Augment physical and biochemical defenses (UV damage) Control skin cell senescence
Applications of Panax ginseng leaves-mediated gold nanoparticles in cosmetics relation to antioxidant, moisture retention, and whitening effect on B16BL6 cells28	Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng, Red ginseng, Korean ginseng)	Antioxidant capacity Improved moisture retention Antityrosinase Antimelanogenic (whitening effect)	Strengthen antioxidant activity Fortify skin barrier by maintaining water, electrolyte, and pH balances Optimize extracellular matrix signaling (regulating scarring, angiogenesis, pigmentation, and collagen and/or elastin regeneration)

AGE: advanced glycosylation end products; ATP: adenosine triphosphate; COL1: collagen I; DPM: diesel particular matter; ECM: extracellular matrix; FN1: fibronectin I;

HPA: hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis; HSP: heat shock protein; ITGB1: integrin β; LM5: laminin 5; MGO: pyruvaldehyde; mRNA: messenger ribonucleic acid;

NAD: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; TNC: tenascin C; TFG-B1: transforming growth factor-β1

FIGURE 2.

Mechanism of action classification system for skin adaptogens

From the 12 studies included in the review, there was a total of 29 topical adaptogens studied (Table 3). Topical adaptogens are natural compounds in plants that can amplify the skin’s adaptation to stress responses mainly through equilibrating MOA. As a result, these adaptogens may exert their effects through topically applied formulations such as serums, creams, ointments, and lotions. Below, we present topical adaptogens that have been identified in scientific literature and identify an MOA based on the proposed MOA classification system.

TABLE 3.

Topical adaptogens studied and reported in the scientific literature

NUMBER	TOPICAL ADAPTOGEN	REFERENCE
1	Aloe vera	20, 22
2	Aralia nudicaulis L.	19
3	Camellia sinensis	22
4	Centella asiatica	22
5	Copaifera officinalis	2, 21
6	Cordyceps sinensis	22, 25
7	Curcuma longa	2, 21, 22
8	Echinacea purpurea	2, 21
9	Eleutherococcus senticosus	20
10	Ganoderma lucidum	26
11	Humulus lupulus	2, 21
12	Inonotus obliqus	20
13	Lespedeza capitata	20
14	Magnolia officinalis	2, 21
15	Matricaria	2, 21
16	Melaleuca alternifolia	22
17	Microsorum grossum	27
18	Olea europaea	22
19	Panax ginseng	28
20	Paullinia cupana	22
21	Resveratrol	22
22	Rhaponticum carthamoides	20
23	Rheum rhaponticum	22
24	Rhodiola rosea	20
25	Schizandra chinensis	23
26	Slegainella lepidophylla	20
27	Sophora japonica	2, 21
28	Theobroma cacao	2, 21
29	Withania somnifera	18, 23

Topical adaptogen classification system. Skin adaptogens are skincare ingredients that help our skin resist and adapt to internal and external stressors. After reviewing scientific literature, we propose the following MOA model and criteria that skincare ingredients must meet in order to be considered an active topical adaptogen. To be classified as a skin adaptogen, the active ingredient must be nontoxic cutaneously and demonstrate an ability to decrease skin reactivity while enhancing skin stamina through multitargeted and homeostatic modes of action described in Figure 2.

DISCUSSION

Our systematic review summarizes the results of 12 studies published within the last 20 years. Twenty-nine botanicals were reported as topical adaptogens, and studies have demonstrated that adaptogenic botanicals are safe and possess characteristics that promote skin resilience, wellness, and rejuvenation via diverse homeostatic mechanisms (Figure 2):

1. Fortifying the skin barrier by maintaining water, electrolyte, and pH balances

2. Augmenting physical and biochemical defenses

3. Optimizing extracellular matrix signaling

4. Immunomodulating

5. Strengthening antioxidant activity

6. Controlling skin senescence

7. Supporting wound healing process

8. Neurosensory regulation

9. Regulating the skin’s hormonal hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis

10. Regulating skin proliferation

11. Optimizing energy delivery and metabolic efficiency

12. Mitigating genetic instability

13. Promoting hair restoration

14. Reinforcing antimicrobial activity, while supporting microbiome diversity

15. Thermoregulation

16. Direct cellular waste elimination

It is through these diverse MOAs that the topical adaptogens were able to exert their normalizing effects of enhancing skin health and offer cosmetic benefits.

Several review papers have been published discussing the beneficial effects of botanicals on skin health. However, many of these botanicals have not been studied topically on the skin. Liu et al⁵ identified 109 adaptogens with cutaneous benefits from systemic and topical routes of delivery, and many of these botanicals have been studied or discussed in other publications.^{2, 3, 6, 7,12–15, 29} To the best of our knowledge, a MOA classification system for skin adaptogens has not been published. We formulated this MOA classification system (Figure 2) based on publications in the literature on the mechanisms of these adaptogenic botanicals to help medical practitioners and cosmeceutical consumers better define topical adaptogens used in skincare.

One limitation of this systematic review is the limited number of publications on topical adaptogens. Currently, we identified 12 studies that included 29 topical adaptogens. Another limitation is that some of these studies included a combination of adaptogens. It is challenging to determine which of these adaptogens fulfilled the topical adaptogen MOA criteria (Figure 2). It would be helpful in future research to isolate adaptogenic compounds and test them individually on the skin to determine which specific homeostatic functions they provide.

There are many botanical adaptogens identified that have been explored in various fields of medicine,⁵ although most of these have not been studied cutaneously. Likewise, there are numerous botanicals that have been studied cutaneously but have not been designated as adaptogens in the literature. If we evaluate these botanicals closer, many of them do fulfill the criteria of topical adaptogens based on our MOA classification system (Figure 2). We propose that the following botanicals can be considered topical adaptogens based on fulfilling the criteria of our MOA classification system (Figure 2):

1. Andrographis paniculata ³⁰

2. Astragalus membranaceus ³¹

3. Azadirachta indica (neem)³²

4. Cannabis sativa ³³

5. Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice)³⁴

6. Hibiscus sabdariffa ³⁵

7. Ocimum sanctum (tulsi)³⁶

8. Psoralea corylifolia (bakuchiol)³⁷

9. Rosa canina (rosehip)³⁸

10. Santalum album ³⁹

11. Silymarin⁴⁰

12. Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew)⁴¹

13. Tephrosia purpurea ³

14. Argon oil⁴²

15. Chamomile oil⁴²

16. Jojoba oil⁴²

17. Coconut oil⁴²

18. Safflower oil⁴²

19. Tamanu oil^42,43

More research is needed to identify other possible cutaneous adaptogens. Although the current literature designates adaptogens as being derived mostly from botanical origin, synthetic compounds may also be studied and identified as adaptogens. This is based on the original definition of adaptogens⁸ being both naturally derived or synthetic agents. Future evaluation and the inclusion of potential ingredients like niacinamide,⁴⁴ vitamin E,²⁰ hypochlorous acid,⁴⁵ and retinol⁴⁶ as topical adaptogens could significantly enhance their value in skin therapeutics and aesthetics.

CONCLUSION

Under the stress of various internal and external aggressors, the skin becomes vulnerable to homeostatic disturbances and succumbs to a disease state or premature aging. In order to preserve the skin’s health, there is a demand for new active cosmeceutical ingredients that can promote resilient skin. Adaptogens are a novel category of cosmeceutical active ingredients. Based on the existing literature, 29 topical adaptogens have displayed enhancement of skin resilience by improving the skin's adaptation to stressful stimuli. The topical adaptogens use varied MOAs, such as fortifying the skin barrier, optimizing extracellular matrix signaling, strengthening antioxidant activity, immunomodulating, augmenting physical and biochemical defenses, controlling skin senescence and wound healing process, neurosensory and HPA axis regulation, modulating proliferation, optimizing energy delivery and metabolic efficiency, and others. We propose a classification system of topical adaptogens based on these mechanisms. Further research needs to be conducted to identify other topical adaptogens as well as any other mechanisms that adaptogens may possess to enhance skin resilience.