“You’re not ugly, you just have cortisol face” — this viral social media trend always comes with dramatic before-and-after shots of the same person looking almost unrecognisable. One photo shows a round, full face, while the other flaunts sharp contours, prominent cheekbones, and a chiselled jawline. According to the captions, face massages, cosmetic treatments, and plastic surgeries have nothing to do with the makeover — the stress hormone, cortisol, is the one to blame. But how realistic is this claim? Can cortisol truly reshape your face so dramatically? Let us break it down.

Essentially, cortisol is a steroid hormone released by the adrenal glands that plays a key role in managing the body’s response to both physical and mental stress. It helps regulate various processes, from metabolism to immune function, all while maintaining balance in the body — a state known as homeostasis — to keep everything running smoothly, even when faced with internal or external changes (check out this article to learn more). But can cortisol change the way your face looks?

The term “cortisol face” doesn’t exist in official medical terminology. However, “moon face” is a recognised phenomenon associated with conditions like Cushing’s syndrome (which is a rare one). It refers to a rounded, fuller face caused by centralised fat distribution due to prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels combined with other factors such as the use of corticosteroid medication or a pituitary gland tumor that overstimulates cortisol production. The result is a noticeable roundness in the central part of the body, affecting not just face, but also abdomen and back of the neck. Not exactly what is highlighted in social media trend, isn’t it? Moreover, not everyone with high cortisol levels will exhibit a “Cushingoid” appearance — in some cases elevated cortisol levels won’t lead to this distinct visual change at all.

A 2013 study testing facial attractiveness in women associated with the strength of their immune response, circulating levels of the stress hormone and adiposity, showed that faces of women with high cortisol levels and body fat percentage were rated as less attractive. However, cortisol level was not the only factor, so the claim that high levels of this hormone just by itself can drastically reshape your face seems to be an oversimplification. 

While elevated cortisol levels can indeed contribute to changes in facial appearance, dramatic transformations like the once caused by Cushing’s syndrome are combined with other significant factors and are generally linked to sustained and severe cases of cortisol imbalance, not the temporary or moderate stress levels that many people experience in their daily life. 

In more typical scenarios, chronic stress can lead to a range of health issues, including weight change, skin problems, and other visible signs, but for the vast majority of people it is not exactly what social media trends manifest as "cortisol face”. Still, if you are noticing sudden changes in your appearance or suspect an imbalance, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional.