“When two of the world’s most sensual essences meet science, my curiosity—and my credit card—are on high alert.”
First, the Experiment
Rule number one for testing any new skincare routine: commit. Twice a day. Thirty days straight. No cheating, no skipping, no sneaky swaps.
This July, a beautifully packaged box from XOMD arrived at my doorstep. Billed as the first-ever “Moodceutical,” the line features botanicals like carob and jasmine—two ingredients with reputations for being sensory seducers.
The brand’s founders, Dr. Steven Dayan and Dr. Sabrina Fabi—yes, dermatologists and partners in life—claim their formulas stimulate oxytocin, a.k.a. the body’s “love hormone,” when applied to skin. On XOMD’s website, the science is both plausible and irresistible.
But here’s the curveball: they also point to a double-blind study suggesting participants experienced greater intimacy after using the products. That’s a lot to ask from a face cream.
“The claim that a moisturizer could spark intimacy left me skeptical—but the glow? Undeniable.”
The 3-Step Seduction
The core routine is simple:
1. Detox Cleanser
2. Intoxicate Serum
3. Arouse Face Cream
From day one, I was impressed by the texture: ultra-lightweight, feather-soft, and fast-absorbing. No heavy film, no tackiness—just a silky finish that made my skin feel expensive.
Did I feel more confident or magnetic? Honestly… no. But did my skin look and behave better? Absolutely.
The Verdict After 30 Days
• Glass-skin glow? Yes. ✅
• No irritation around eyes or cheeks? Yes. ✅
• Morning-after hydration? Yes. ✅
• Quick and easy routine? Yes. ✅
• Makeup & SPF compatibility? Yes. ✅
• Is it a splurge? Yes. ✅ (Three steps: $370)
“If love is blind, she’ll still notice your skin looks fantastic.”
According to Dr. Dayan, “Skincare should go beyond surface beauty. If we can influence mood while improving skin health, we’re redefining what anti-aging means.”
And while I may not have felt a hormone-fueled rush, dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe, who wasn’t involved with the brand, notes that “skin and brain are connected via an intricate network of nerves and signaling molecules—it’s a legitimate scientific frontier.”
Skincare & Oxytocin — Can Your Cream Make You Happier?
Oxytocin: Known as the “bonding” hormone, linked to feelings of trust, intimacy, and relaxation.
Sensory cues: Touch, scent, and temperature can trigger oxytocin release.
Topical potential: Early research explores whether certain ingredients and application rituals can influence mood chemistry.
Bottom line: Promising, but not yet universally proven.
If you’re here purely for performance, XOMD delivers radiant, hydrated, happy-looking skin in three fuss-free steps. If you’re here for romance in a jar? That might depend on what—or who—you pair it with.