Placenta-based skincare has gained attention for its claims of rejuvenating, firming, and hydrating the skin. Often promoted as a luxurious or high-performance ingredient, placenta extract is found in serums, creams, and facial masks that promise youthful, radiant results.
Despite the buzz, it’s important to understand what placenta extract actually is, where it comes from, and what health authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have said about its safety.
Placenta skincare is not new; it has been used for decades in some parts of the world, but recent interest in regenerative beauty and bioactive ingredients has brought it back into the spotlight. While some users report visible improvements in texture and tone, there are also legitimate concerns about its sourcing, composition, and long-term effects.
What Is Placenta Extract
Placenta extract used in skincare does not come from newborn babies, which is a common misconception. Most commercial placenta extracts are derived from animal sources, typically sheep (ovine placenta) or plant-based alternatives that mimic the nutrient profile of real placenta. In rare cases, some high-end or experimental treatments have used human placenta, but these are not approved for cosmetic use in the United States.
The placenta itself is an organ that forms during pregnancy to nourish and protect the developing fetus. It contains amino acids, peptides, growth factors, vitamins, and enzymes; all compounds that can, in theory, support cell renewal and repair. When processed for skincare, the placenta is cleaned, sterilized, and hydrolyzed into smaller molecules that can penetrate the skin more easily.
How Placenta Works in Skincare
Placenta extract is marketed as a bioactive complex that helps improve elasticity, promote regeneration, and reduce visible signs of aging. Its composition is rich in growth factors and proteins that may stimulate collagen production and enhance skin cell turnover.
Key Benefits Often Claimed:
- Improved Elasticity: Growth factors in placenta extract may encourage collagen and elastin synthesis, helping skin feel firmer and more lifted.
- Increased Hydration: Amino acids and peptides in the extract attract moisture, improving smoothness and suppleness.
- Brighter Complexion: Some formulations claim to even out skin tone and support healthy radiance by promoting new skin cell growth.
- Soothing Effect: Placenta’s natural nutrients may calm redness or irritation, making it popular in recovery creams and post-treatment serums.
While these effects sound appealing, it’s worth noting that much of the evidence supporting them is anecdotal or based on small, manufacturer-funded studies. More independent research is needed to confirm how effective placenta extract truly is when used topically.
FDA and Safety Considerations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised safety concerns about the use of human-derived placenta in skincare and supplements. The agency does not recognize placenta extract as an approved cosmetic ingredient when sourced from humans, primarily due to the potential risk of disease transmission, contamination, and allergic reactions.
Animal-derived placenta extracts, such as sheep placenta, are more commonly used in cosmetic products. These formulations are regulated under general cosmetic safety standards but do not undergo premarket FDA approval. This means manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their products, and oversight can vary depending on the brand and country of origin.
Because placenta extract is a biologically active substance, the FDA has warned that it may contain hormones or growth factors that could have unpredictable effects when applied to human skin. Some tests have found traces of estrogen and progesterone, which can potentially disrupt hormonal balance in sensitive individuals.
Potential Risks of Placenta Skincare
While many users experience no adverse effects, there are several potential risks associated with placenta-based skincare. Understanding these risks helps consumers make informed decisions about whether such products are suitable for their skin type and health needs.
Hormonal Activity
Placenta extract naturally contains hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, even after processing. Though levels are typically low, repeated exposure through daily use could influence hormone-sensitive conditions, such as acne, melasma, or certain reproductive disorders. Individuals who are pregnant, nursing, or have hormone-related medical conditions should avoid placenta-based products.
Allergic Reactions
As with any biologically derived ingredient, there is a risk of allergic reactions, including redness, itching, or swelling. Those with sensitive or reactive skin should perform a patch test before applying placenta products to the face or body.
Contamination Risk
If placenta extracts are not properly sterilized or sourced from reputable suppliers, they can carry microorganisms or impurities. This is a concern, particularly with unregulated imports or small-scale brands that may not adhere to strict quality control standards.
Ethical and Sourcing Concerns
Animal welfare and sourcing transparency are important ethical issues in the use of placenta skincare. Most companies use sheep placenta from animals bred for medical or cosmetic use, but labeling practices can be vague. For consumers who prefer vegan or cruelty-free products, placenta extract would not align with those values.
Who Might Benefit from Placenta Skincare
Despite the risks, placenta skincare may appeal to people seeking rejuvenation or recovery benefits, especially those with mature, dry, or dull skin. It may also be used as part of a short-term treatment plan to support skin healing after procedures such as microneedling or laser therapy, under professional supervision.
If someone chooses to use placenta-based products, it’s important to:
- Verify that the placenta extract is animal-derived and properly sterilized, not human-sourced.
- Choose reputable brands that publish safety and sourcing information.
- Monitor skin response and discontinue use if irritation or hormonal side effects occur.
Alternatives to Placenta Extract
For those who like the concept of skin regeneration but prefer safer or vegan-friendly options, there are effective alternatives that provide similar benefits without the same risks.
- Peptides: Synthetic peptides mimic growth factors found in placenta, stimulating collagen production and improving firmness.
- Amino Acids: These are building blocks of protein that hydrate and support repair without hormonal concerns.
- Niacinamide: Helps brighten skin, improve elasticity, and strengthen the barrier.
- Plant Stem Cells: Derived from botanicals such as apples or edelweiss, they offer antioxidant and regenerative effects similar to placenta.
- Growth Factor Serums: Lab-formulated bioidentical growth factors replicate the structure of natural ones without involving animal or human tissue.
These alternatives are well-researched, widely available, and regulated under safer cosmetic standards.
How to Use Placenta Skincare Safely
If you choose to incorporate placenta-based products into your routine, take precautions to ensure proper and safe use:
- Start Slowly: Apply a small amount two to three times per week at first.
- Avoid Mixing with Strong Actives: Since placenta contains biologically active compounds, avoid combining it with retinoids or exfoliating acids in the same routine.
- Store Properly: Keep products sealed and stored away from heat and sunlight, as natural extracts can degrade quickly.
- Consult a Professional: If you have skin sensitivities, hormone imbalances, or are pregnant, check with a dermatologist before use.
Final Thoughts
Placenta in skincare is a fascinating example of how science and nature intersect in beauty innovation. It contains powerful nutrients and growth factors that may support collagen formation and regeneration, which explains its enduring appeal. However, the same biological activity that makes it effective also raises valid safety and ethical questions.
Placenta extract is usually derived from animal sources and must be processed carefully to be safe for use. The FDA has expressed concerns about certain formulations, especially those containing human placenta or hormonal residues.
For those who want the regenerative benefits without potential risks, alternatives such as peptides, amino acids, or plant stem cells can offer similar results in a safer, more controlled manner.
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