Placenta in Skincare: What It Is, How It Works, and Why Korean Beauty Has Used It for Decades

Jaimee Munoz
2026-01-22T12:01:20-05:00

Placenta extract has been used in Korean and Japanese skincare for decades. Here is a clear, education-first look at what it is, why it works, and how to choose wisely.

More

Placenta-based skincare has been a long-standing beauty secret in advanced skincare markets—especially in South Korea and Japan. While the ingredient can sound surprising at first, placenta extracts have been studied and used for decades for their skin-conditioning and revitalizing properties.

At Glow Unique, we believe in education-first beauty. Here’s a clear, science-informed look at placenta in skincare: what it is, why brands use it, and how to choose products wisely.

What Is Placenta in Skincare?

In cosmetics, placenta extract refers to a purified, processed extract derived from mammalian placenta—most commonly sheep (ovine) or porcine sources. It is carefully hydrolyzed and filtered so that only beneficial bioactive components remain.

Modern cosmetic placenta extracts typically contain:

Amino acids

Peptides

Growth-factor–like proteins

Vitamins and minerals

Nucleic acids

Importantly, cosmetic placenta is not raw tissue and does not contain hormones in active or pharmacologic amounts when properly manufactured.

Why Is Placenta Used in Skincare?

Placenta plays a biological role in growth, nourishment, and cellular communication. When refined for topical skincare use, these same supportive elements are valued for their ability to help improve overall skin quality.

Common cosmetic goals include:

Supporting skin renewal and vitality

Improving the look of dull or tired skin

Enhancing hydration and softness

Supporting the appearance of firmness and elasticity

Helping skin look smoother and more resilient

Because of this, placenta extracts are often found in anti-aging serums, ampoules, masks, and professional treatments.

Placenta vs. Stem Cells vs. Exosomes

Placenta is sometimes confused with stem cell or exosome technology, but they are not the same:

Placenta extract: A nutrient-rich cosmetic ingredient containing amino acids, peptides, and bioactive compounds

Plant stem cells: Antioxidant and protective extracts derived from plants

Exosomes: Advanced cell-communication vesicles used primarily in clinical or medical aesthetics

Placenta sits between traditional actives and advanced regenerative skincare—making it a bridge ingredient with a long history of use.

Is Placenta Safe for Skincare?

When sourced responsibly and manufactured to cosmetic standards, placenta extract is considered safe for topical use.

Reputable products:

Use pharmaceutical- or cosmetic-grade processing

Are hormone-free or contain only trace, inactive amounts

Are tested for purity and safety

As with any skincare ingredient, those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or highly sensitive should consult a professional before use.

Why Placenta Is Popular in Korean & Japanese Skincare

Asian beauty markets prioritize:

Skin regeneration

Long-term skin health

Ingredient efficacy backed by tradition and research

Placenta-based skincare fits well within this philosophy and has been used in luxury and professional-grade formulas for decades—long before it became a topic of Western curiosity.

Who Might Benefit Most From Placenta Skincare?

Placenta-based products are often chosen by those who:

Notice loss of vitality or glow

Want a more nourished, plump skin appearance

Are exploring advanced skincare beyond basic actives

Prefer time-tested ingredients used in professional aesthetics

Placenta Skincare at Glow Unique

We carry several placenta-based formulas we stand behind:

Tom-Tit-Tot Placenta V15 Shiny Ampoule — a brightening ampoule combining phyto placenta with Vitamin C, niacinamide, and peptides for a more radiant, even-looking complexion.

Tom-Tit-Tot Placenta 2X Intensive Cream Mask — a rich treatment mask featuring a concentrated placenta complex designed to visibly support skin renewal and a more nourished-looking complexion.

Explore the full placenta skincare collection at Glow Unique.

Final Thoughts

Placenta in skincare is not a trend—it’s a heritage ingredient with a long-standing place in advanced beauty formulations. When properly processed and thoughtfully formulated, it can be a powerful addition to a results-driven skincare routine.

At Glow Unique, we focus on education, transparency, and quality so you can make informed decisions about what you put on your skin.

✨ Luxury skincare starts with understanding your ingredients.

This content is for educational and cosmetic-use purposes only and does not claim to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition.