In recent years, mental health has gained a central role in our daily lives, evolving from a taboo subject to a global priority.
What was once stigmatized and met with isolation has now become a key topic thanks to the efforts of activists, medical professionals, and experts, as well as the awareness spread by social media. This shift is evident not only in popular culture and the medical field but also in industries such as beauty.
Mental health has increasingly permeated various aspects of everyday life: from food to performance, work, and beyond, demonstrating that without taking care of our mental well-being, we cannot truly achieve overall health. This highlights how mental health is an intersectional and fundamental aspect of our general well-being, including the beauty industry.
In the beauty sector, this shift has led to a significant social evolution: the unrealistic and Eurocentric idealization of beauty, once dominated by retouched and unattainable images, has been replaced by a more inclusive and authentic approach that celebrates diversity and real needs. This transition helps reduce feelings of inadequacy and promotes a more human and accessible concept of beauty: one that encourages people to feel good about themselves while acknowledging the deep connection between skincare and emotional well-being.
Our skin – just like our entire body – often reflects our mental state.
Recognizing the reciprocal influence between emotions and skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis (which are frequently worsened by stress, anxiety, and other psychological struggles) has made it clear that mental health and skincare are closely connected.
For this reason, several skincare brands (as we will see shortly) have gone beyond simply offering effective products. They have embraced a broader vision that includes social causes and a holistic approach to well-being, fostering open conversations about mental health and integrating wellness initiatives into their brand strategies.
Mental Health & Beauty – Dr. Brandt
Dr. Brandt, a skincare brand offering a wide range of products tailored to different skin types and concerns, with a strong focus on sustainability, has placed mental health at the core of its mission by creating the Dr. Brandt Foundation. This foundation is dedicated to supporting mental health and the well-being of diverse and underserved communities, raising awareness on depression and suicide prevention.
Founded in 2015 in memory of the late Dr. Fredric Brandt – who tragically took his own life after a severe yet mostly silent battle with depression – the foundation works to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health conversations, ensuring that no one is afraid to ask for help. It provides national awareness campaigns and direct mental health support to those in need. By fostering honest discussions on anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention, the foundation aims to shine a light on mental health issues and offer hope to those struggling and proceeds from the sale of certain products are donated to support the Dr. Brandt Foundation and its mental health initiatives.
Mental Health & Beauty – Philosophy
Philosophy, a skincare brand founded on the creation of high-performance yet gentle products – suitable even for sensitive skin and designed to deliver long-term results without causing irritation – has launched the Hope & Grace mental health initiative.
Built on the belief that skin health and mental well-being are deeply interconnected, Hope & Grace’s mission is to help people experience the best of both while actively supporting mental health advocacy.
Since 2014, the initiative has donated over $6.7 million through 116 grants to 78 leading organizations, funding programs dedicated to mental health awareness. Additionally, it places a particular focus on women’s mental health, recognizing that – according to research indicating that at least 1 in 8 women will experience clinical depression in their lifetime – this issue is of critical importance to the brand.
Mental Health & Beauty – Erborian
Erborian, a widely beloved brand, has created the Erborian Self-Esteem Club, an initiative that promotes kindness and works to strengthen consumers’ self-esteem. It tackles an essential topic – self-acceptance – in an inclusive way, addressing people of all genders, backgrounds, and ages.
Feeling comfortable in one’s own skin, confident, and accepted is fundamental to everyone’s well-being, yet it is not always easy to achieve. For this reason, Erborian has committed to providing concrete support in nurturing the connection between self-acceptance, self-compassion, and a positive self-image – all essential components for building a strong foundation for life and expressing oneself freely.
Through the Erborian Self-Esteem Club, the brand has chosen to support five charitable organizations in France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These organizations focus on mental health, self-esteem, anti–bullying initiatives, and professional reintegration. The support takes the form of financial donations and the development of joint projects between Erborian and these associations.
Mental Health & Beauty – Selfmade
Selfmade is a U.S.-based skincare brand launched in 2020 by Stephanie Lee, centered on emotional and mental well-being.
The brand’s philosophy is to nurture both mental health and skin health through a dedicated skincare ritual that reflects its core values – even in the product names, which range from the Secure Attachment Comfort Serum to the Self Disclosure Intimacy Serum. These key concepts – attachment, resilience, and intimacy – were inspired by insights the founder gained through therapy.
Additionally, for each product, Selfmade recommends a guided ritual to help users connect with themselves. For instance, when applying the True Grit Resilience Scrub, users are encouraged to reflect on the question: What would I do if I knew I couldn’t fail? Similarly, while using the Secure Attachment Comfort Serum, they are invited to ask themselves: How does self-love manifest in my daily actions?
Mental Health & Beauty – Rare Beauty
We’ve reached the last – and perhaps the most well-known – brand on our list: Rare Beauty.
Founded by Selena Gomez, who has consistently shown a deep commitment to mental health advocacy, Rare Beauty has placed mental well-being at the core of its mission from the very beginning. This cause is particularly close to Gomez’s heart, as she has openly shared her personal journey with bipolar disorder.
Through the Rare Impact Fund, the brand is dedicated to fighting inequities that prevent many people from accessing the resources and education needed to navigate mental health challenges. Its goal? To raise $100 million to expand access to mental health services for young people.
Beyond selling beauty products, Rare Beauty fosters an inclusive and meaningful conversation around mental health. The brand is committed to supporting its community, employees, and partners worldwide, working to reduce stigma and ensure access to essential mental health resources. This mission is further strengthened by the Rare Beauty Mental Health Council, which includes leaders and professionals from the fields of mental health, philanthropy, entertainment, media, and academia.
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