# Cortisol-Tracking Wearables Scientists Have Developed a Way to Better Track Cortisol Through Sweat By Justin Lam | Published 2018-07-24 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cortisol-tracking-wearables References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2018/07/20/sensor-measures-stress-hormones-in-your-sweat/) & [news.stanford.edu](https://news.stanford.edu/2018/07/20/wearable-device-measures-cortisol-sweat/) Performance-tracking wearables often function by observing heart rate or body temperature, but new cortisol-tracking wearables may be on the horizon. This new wave of wearables comes from a prototype developed by scientists at [Stanford University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creatine-by-elysium-health). The decision to measure cortisol is not an entirely new concept in wearables but this new system offers the distinct advantage of immediate and accurate tracking. Unlike other [performance-tracking wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tsense), cortisol-tracking wearables have to overcome the obstacle of tracking a chargeless substance. To overcome this, the scientists at Standford created a membrane that binds only to cortisol and lets regularly charged molecules pass through. This allows the sensor to monitor cortisol-carrying molecules, rather than the cortisol itself. To actually track this substance, the sensor is able to pull it through user's sweat. Image Credit: Getty Images ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 74% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Cortisol-tracking Wearables:** Opportunity for wearable technology to accurately track cortisol levels in real-time. - **Real-time Performance Tracking:** Opportunity to develop wearables that provide immediate and accurate performance insights. - **Advanced Sensing Technology:** Opportunity to innovate sensors that can detect chargeless substances like cortisol. ### Who This Affects Most - **Wearable Technology:** Wearable device manufacturers can explore the development of cortisol-tracking wearables with advanced sensing technology. - **Health and Wellness:** The health and wellness industry can benefit from real-time cortisol-tracking wearables to provide users with actionable insights for stress management. - **Sports and Fitness:** Sports and fitness companies can utilize cortisol-tracking wearables to optimize training programs and enhance performance. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wearable Sweat-Analyzing Patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweanty.md) - [Wearable Hydration Monitors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/connected-hydration.md) - [Perspiration-Analyzing Fitness Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweat-fitness-tracker.md) - [At-Home Cortisol-Testing Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cortisoltesting-kit.md) - [Sweat-Wicking Wearable Biosensors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydration-biosensor.md) - [Stretchable Sweat-Activated Yarn Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yarn-battery.md) - [Wearable Stress Management Monitors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stress-anxiety-monitor-app.md) - [Nicotine-Detecting Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skinworn-sensor.md) - [Real-Time Vitality Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tsense.md)