4 Beauty Benefits of Adrenal Cocktails

Adrenal cocktails, also called cortisol mocktails, have become popular on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for their potential restorative effects on adrenal glands and the skin. Its main functions include boosting energy, promoting the balance of hormones like cortisol (the stress hormone), and improving immune function. The drink's ingredients are natural – they could be in your kitchen right now, which is one of the reasons wellness enthusiasts rave about it.

However, just because something is natural doesn't necessarily mean you can throw caution to the wind. Read up on the benefits and limitations of adrenal cocktails before going all in.

When people experience prolonged stress, many naturopathic influencers believe their adrenal glands struggle to produce hormones like cortisol to meet the body's needs. They think this leads to the appearance of "adrenal fatigue" symptoms, such as tiredness, poor sleep, and cravings for sugar and salt. So, if you have chronic stress, a cortisol mocktail can help with adrenal fatigue.

The problem is that no scientific evidence says adrenal fatigue is a medical condition. The Endocrine Society says doctors are concerned that if people believe adrenal fatigue is an actual disease, their symptoms will not receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Medical experts also say science-based evidence does not support the claim that the specific combination of vitamins and minerals in a cortisol mocktail helps the adrenal glands. In fact, they warn that high amounts of potassium and sugar could be problematic for people who are at risk or who already have kidney disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

An adrenal cocktail is a non-alcoholic beverage that typically contains orange juice, cream of tartar, and sea salt. Some versions replace the tartar with coconut water or aloe vera juice, while others add collagen powder and ginger.

Here's an example of a typical adrenal cocktail recipes on TikTok:

2 cups of coconut water

2 cups of orange juice

1/4 cup of collagen

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

Holistic beauty fans on social media claim that the ingredients in an adrenal cocktail can also improve skin tone and radiance. While there have been no studies proving its efficacy in supporting adrenal function, its individual ingredients may have their own benefits.

An adrenal cocktail is packed with vitamin C because its main ingredient is citrus juice from oranges, lemons, or grapefruits. Studies have shown that vitamin C offers potent antioxidant protection to combat toxins that can damage skin cells and speed up aging skin.

As an antioxidant, vitamin C also plays a role in collagen production. Collagen is a protein crucial for maintaining the firmness and elasticity of the skin. So, it helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

The vitamin C in an adrenal cocktail may help reduce skin inflammation by indirectly reducing cortisol levels. High cortisol levels can worsen skin problems like acne and eczema. However, keep in mind that the overall cortisol-reducing benefit of adrenal cocktails hasn’t been proven either.

Coconut water (yes, buko juice!) and salt, rich in potassium and sodium, help maintain electrolyte balance, enabling the body to stay hydrated. Adding it to an adrenal cocktail can give you the nourishment you need to boost your glow, provided you also drink enough water and have a balanced diet.

Ultimately, no single cocktail can magically give you clear skin or make your stressors disappear. You’ll need to adjust your lifestyle to support these skin and well-being goals. Here are some things you can do.

Exercise improves blood flow throughout the body, including the skin. That boost in circulation leads to a clearer and glowing complexion.

During sleep, collagen production increases, and the skin's protective barrier recovers to make your skin healthy and strong.

A balanced diet and plenty of water help protect the skin from environmental stressors and keep it from looking dull and dry.

Choose skincare products that are specifically formulated to target your skin concerns. Try POND'S Bright Miracle Ultimate Clarity Facial Foam if you want clear, radiant skin. It has niasorcinol that gently refines skin, regulates oil, and gives you that natural glow.

After facial cleansing, apply POND'S Bright Miracle Ultimate Clarity Day Serum. It enhances the skin's natural repair process to reduce spots and provide clarity for an even skin tone.

Experimenting with adrenal cocktails for beauty benefits can be fun and may even be stress-relieving. If it doesn’t work, at least you got a delicious drink! Just be sure to consult your doctor when adding something new to your diet and exercise caution when trying social media trends, especially those that claim health benefits.