Ingredient

Placental Extract

Placental Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, PCOS, postpartum and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is hormone disruptor and absorbed into the body.

By Team TruvaLast checked

Verdict by profile

Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.

Strongest verdict
Not Recommended
Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
Profiles flagged
6 of 6
Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
Irritancy
2 of 5
Higher means more likely to sting or redden
PregnancyAVOID

Placental Extract and pregnancy

Not Recommended

Placental extract is derived from mammalian placental tissue and contains a complex mixture of proteins, growth factors, hormones (including estrogen and progesterone), and other bioactive compounds. It's promoted in some skincare products for anti-aging and regenerative properties. The major concern during pregnancy is the presence of hormones in placental extract that can be absorbed through the skin and affect the delicate hormonal balance necessary for healthy fetal development. Pregnancy requires precise hormonal regulation, and introducing exogenous hormones, even in small amounts from topical sources, could theoretically disrupt this balance. Studies on oral hormone exposure during pregnancy show clear risks to fetal development, particularly in the first trimester. While topical absorption is lower than oral intake, the bioactive nature of placental hormones and growth factors creates significant uncertainty about safety. Most obstetricians and dermatologists strongly advise avoiding placental extract products during pregnancy. ACOG guidelines recommend against use of hormone-containing cosmetics during pregnancy. The theoretical risks combined with lack of safety data make this an ingredient to avoid throughout all trimesters. The EU has restricted certain placental materials in cosmetics due to safety concerns.

BreastfeedingAVOID

Placental Extract and breastfeeding

Not Recommended

Placental extract contains estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones that can be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. The concern during breastfeeding is that these hormones could transfer into breast milk and potentially affect infant hormone development and health. Hormones are lipophilic (fat-soluble) and can accumulate in breast milk. Even small amounts of exogenous hormones could theoretically affect an infant's developing endocrine system. The AAP and lactation medicine experts recommend avoiding hormone-containing products during breastfeeding. Growth factors in placental extract, while beneficial for adult skin, have unknown effects on infant development when ingested through breast milk. Pediatricians and lactation consultants advise against using placental extract products while breastfeeding. The lack of safety data combined with the known presence of bioactive hormones creates unacceptable risks. Many safer alternatives exist for addressing postpartum skin concerns without hormone exposure.

PostpartumCAUTION

Placental Extract and postpartum

Caution Advised

For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, the primary concerns with placental extract are the hormonal content and potential for allergic reactions. The postpartum period is already a time of significant hormonal fluctuation, and introducing exogenous hormones through skincare could theoretically interfere with the body's natural hormone regulation. While some women may seek out placental extract for its purported anti-aging benefits, the uncertainty about how these hormones interact with postpartum hormone recovery suggests caution. Women with a history of hormone-sensitive conditions, thyroid issues, or those planning to conceive again soon should particularly avoid this ingredient. Those who choose to use products containing placental extract should select high-quality formulations from reputable manufacturers and monitor for any adverse reactions.

Trying to ConceiveAVOID

Placental Extract and trying to conceive

Not Recommended

Women trying to conceive should avoid placental extract because it contains hormones that could interfere with natural fertility cycles and early pregnancy. Conception requires precise hormonal timing, and introducing exogenous hormones through skincare could theoretically disrupt ovulation, implantation, or early embryonic development. Reproductive endocrinologists recommend that women trying to conceive avoid all hormone-containing products, including cosmetics with placental extract. The concern is both interference with conception itself and potential exposure during the first critical weeks of pregnancy before a woman knows she's pregnant. Since many pregnancies are unplanned or conception timing is uncertain, the safest approach is to discontinue use of hormonal ingredients when beginning to try to conceive.

PCOSAVOID

Placental Extract and PCOS

Not Recommended

Women with PCOS should avoid placental extract due to its hormone content. PCOS is fundamentally a hormonal disorder characterized by androgen excess and often estrogen imbalance. Introducing exogenous hormones through skincare products can potentially interfere with the already disrupted hormonal balance in PCOS. Placental extract contains estrogen, progesterone, and various growth factors. While the intent may be anti-aging benefits, these hormones could exacerbate hormonal imbalances in women with PCOS. The condition often involves insulin resistance and metabolic issues that are interconnected with hormone regulation. Adding external hormones, even topically, could theoretically worsen symptoms or interfere with PCOS treatments. Endocrinologists and dermatologists specializing in PCOS universally recommend avoiding hormone-containing cosmetic ingredients. Women with PCOS should focus on hormone-neutral or hormone-balancing skincare ingredients rather than products containing bioactive hormones like those in placental extract.

General UseCAUTION

Placental Extract and general use

Caution Advised

Placental extract is a controversial cosmetic ingredient that contains proteins, growth factors, and hormones derived from mammalian placental tissue. Proponents claim it offers anti-aging and skin regeneration benefits, citing its rich nutritional content. It's more commonly used in Asian skincare markets than in Western products. For healthy adults without hormone-sensitive conditions or reproductive concerns, the risks are primarily related to potential allergic reactions and the theoretical impact of hormone absorption. Some individuals may be sensitive to the proteins in placental extract. The endocrine-disrupting potential exists due to the presence of estrogen and progesterone, though the clinical significance of topical absorption is debated. Many dermatologists and health organizations question the necessity and safety of placental extract in cosmetics, noting that safer alternatives exist for achieving similar benefits. The EU has restricted its use, and consumer advocacy groups often recommend avoiding it. People with hormone-sensitive conditions (breast cancer, endometriosis, thyroid disorders) should definitely avoid this ingredient. For healthy individuals considering products with placental extract, choosing high-quality formulations from reputable manufacturers that ensure proper sourcing and processing is essential.

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Provenance

Where this came from

Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.

Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .

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