Lately, TikTok has been buzzing about "cortisol face"—a term used to describe the visible effects of stress on your appearance. Creators are sharing before-and-after videos of their faces looking puffier, more inflamed, or tired due to high cortisol levels, and the conversation has sparked a collective obsession with lowering cortisol for better skin, mood, and energy. While there is plenty of chatter about supplements that can support lowering cortisol, we are obsessed with kanna, nature's happy plant, to help us achieve the results we want.
If you haven’t heard of kanna, it’s a succulent plant that has been used for centuries to reduce stress, ease anxiety, and support emotional well-being. We explored how kanna can help naturally regulate cortisol and keep stress in check.
What is cortisol, and why can it be a problem?
Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone, released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It plays a crucial role in energy regulation, metabolism, and inflammation, but when it stays elevated for too long, it can lead to a host of issues, including:
⚡ "Cortisol face" (puffiness, dull skin, breakouts)
⚡ Increased belly fat and sugar cravings
⚡ Anxiety, irritability, and burnout
⚡ Disrupted sleep and low energy
⚡ Weakened immune system
This is why the TikTok wellness community has become obsessed with finding ways to "heal" high cortisol naturally—and why people are turning to lifestyle changes, supplements, and plant-based solutions like kanna to help.
How Kanna Helps Lower Cortisol & Reduce Stress
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a powerful South African plant used for centuries to boost mood, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. It works by interacting with the brain’s serotonin system—helping to balance mood and stress levels without causing drowsiness.
Here’s how kanna can help keep cortisol levels in check:
1. Balances Mood & Reduces Anxiety
Kanna contains compounds like mesembrine, which act as natural serotonin boosters. Since serotonin helps regulate stress and emotions, kanna may prevent cortisol spikes caused by anxiety, making you feel calmer and more in control.
2. Supports a Healthy Stress Response
Studies suggest that kanna regulates the body’s stress response, preventing the overproduction of cortisol during stressful moments. This can reduce inflammation, ease muscle tension, and improve overall well-being.
3. Promotes Restful Sleep
If your cortisol levels stay high at night, you might find it hard to unwind and fall asleep. Since kanna promotes relaxation without sedation, it can help create a more peaceful bedtime routine, leading to deeper, more restorative sleep.
4. May Reduce "Cortisol Face" & Inflammation
High cortisol is linked to inflammation, bloating, and breakouts. Since kanna helps regulate stress and tension, it may indirectly support a clearer, more refreshed appearance, helping your skin and body recover more effectively.
How to Add Kanna to Your Daily Routine
The easiest way to enjoy kanna’s stress-reducing benefits is through microdosing. Here’s how:
🌿 For all-day mood balance: Try Simple Sunny, which contains 30mg of kanna for a gentle lift in energy + a bit of emotional balance.
🌿 For a happy mood boost -- Sunny combines 1mg THC + 15mg of kanna for a gentle, buildable lift.
🌿 For social relaxation without alcohol: Super Sunny combines 2.5mg THC + 30mg kanna for a light, happy buzz—perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Final Thoughts
The TikTok cortisol conversation highlights an important truth: stress affects not just how we feel, but also how we look. If you’re feeling burnt out, struggling with stress-related bloating, or simply want to support your body’s natural resilience, kanna is a plant-powered tool that can help.
Ready to experience the benefits of kanna for yourself?
Explore our collection of Sunny melts to bring more calm and balance into your day -- shop here! 🌿✨