Published Article: What Are Topical Adaptogens? A Systematic Review and Proposed System to Identify and Categorize Skin Adaptogens in Dermatology
Peer-Reviewed · JCAD · Systematic Review
In a peer-reviewed systematic review for the Journal of Clinical & Aesthetic Dermatology (JCAD), Dr. Marianna Blyumin-Karasik (Dr. MBK) and colleagues propose a first-of-its-kind classification system for topical adaptogens — establishing adaptogens as a defined category in modern dermatology.
Citation
Blyumin-Karasik M, et al. What Are Topical Adaptogens? A Systematic Review and Proposed System to Identify and Categorize Skin Adaptogens in Dermatology. Journal of Clinical & Aesthetic Dermatology (JCAD).
“Topical adaptogens are no longer a marketing buzzword. This review establishes them as a defined dermatologic category — a powerful new class of well-aging skincare with measurable effects on resilience, barrier health, inflammation, and skin longevity.”
— The Stamina® Philosophy on the Review
Key Takeaways
- First-of-its-kind classification system. The review proposes a structured framework to identify and categorize skin adaptogens — a foundational step for both researchers and clinicians.
- Identifies proven skin adaptogens. The systematic review surfaces the adaptogenic botanicals with evidence behind them — separating clinical signal from marketing noise.
- Four axes of action. Adaptogens help skin resist stress, strengthen the barrier, fight inflammation, and slow visible aging — acting on the biology behind multiple skin conditions simultaneously.
- A defined dermatologic category. The paper positions adaptogens as a powerful new category in well-aging skincare — not a cosmetic trend, but a clinically meaningful class of bioactives.
What The Review Establishes
A clinical framework for an emerging category
Until this paper, “adaptogen” in skincare was a term without a clinical home. Dr. MBK's systematic review changes that. Published in the Journal of Clinical & Aesthetic Dermatology, the work identifies the skin adaptogens with measurable evidence behind them and proposes a structured system to classify them — a piece of foundational scaffolding the field has been missing.
The framework identifies adaptogens that help skin resist stress, strengthen the barrier, fight inflammation, and slow visible aging — acting on multiple pathways simultaneously. That multi-axis effect is what makes them clinically interesting: a single class of bioactives addressing the multifactorial drivers of reactive, stressed, and aging skin.
The paper positions adaptogens as a defined dermatologic category in well-aging skincare — a meaningful addition to the aesthetic provider's toolkit, and a starting point for the next wave of clinical research.
Why This Matters For Stamina®
The peer-reviewed foundation of the Stamina® Complex
Stamina® was built on this exact thesis. The Stamina® Complex brings adaptogenic actives into every formula in the line — because the science Dr. MBK helped codify in this systematic review is the same science behind every Stamina® product.
Adapt
Stamina® Serum
Adaptogenic actives that help skin adapt to stress signaling at the cellular level.
Restore
Stamina® Intention Moisturizer
Barrier restoration built around adaptogenic, soothing actives for reactive skin.
Reset
Stamina® Mask
A weekly reset built around the same adaptogenic class this review establishes.
Continue The Conversation
More peer-reviewed work from Dr. MBK
- “Stressed Skin” and How Dermatologists Can Help — Practical Dermatology, April 2026 (co-authored)
- Understanding the Skin–Mind Connection in Neurocosmetics — Modern Aesthetics, Mar/Apr 2026
- Topical Adaptogens — Cosmeceutical Dermatologic Skincare — Modern Aesthetics, Jul/Aug 2025
- Adaptogenic Moisturizing Serum for Improving Healing and Cosmesis — Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
- Periprocedural Use of Hypochlorous Acid Mist for Improving Healing After Laser — Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
- How Skinspan Goes Beyond Anti-Aging — Practical Dermatology
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