​​Okay, I’ll be the first to admit it: placenta skin care sounds absolutely gross. However, placenta cells have been a popular ingredient in Korean skin care for years and now western skin care has finally caught up. The benefits of placenta include: increased moisture, anti-aging effects and the treatment of acne scars. Placental extracts also help soothe irritation and redness caused by dry or sensitive skin conditions such as rosacea. Let’s take a closer look at the use of placenta in skin care and how to make it a part of your routine.

How Does Placenta Skin Care Work?

Placenta creams and masks use placental extracts. They generally come from sheep placenta. The placenta contains nutrients minerals, amino acids and hormones that are beneficial to the skin.

Admittedly, there hasn’t been a ton of research into placenta skin care. Early studies show great promise, but the benefits are yet to have been conclusively proven; it’s currently all theory-based.

The Benefits of Placenta Skin Care

The placenta is rich in amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It’s also known for it’s anti-inflammatory properties which help to soothe sensitive skin conditions such as rosacea or eczema.

Placental extracts are effective at treating acne scarring because they stimulate collagen production that can reduce the appearance of scars over time. This is especially powerful in combination with derma rolling and LED therapy.

Incorporating placenta in your routine can also lead to increased moisture levels and a more youthful appearance. Placental extracts protect collagen from degradation, which makes it an anti-aging treatment that helps promote healthy skin tone and texture for both men and women.

The Best Placenta Skin Care Products

Right now, most of the top-performing placenta products hail from Korea, where placenta has been popular for many years.  Here are some of the best placenta products on the market.

JPS Labo Placenta Essence

JPS Labo placenta essence is one of the most potent placenta products on the market. It also contains glycerin which is an ultra-hydrating ingredient, so it’s super effective at plumping the skin and preventing moisture loss.

BB Laboratories PH Moist Firming Serum

This potent cream from BB Laboraties contains both placenta extract and Hyaluronic Elastin Collagen Extract for ultimate hydration.  It’s the perfect placenta skin care product for people with dry skin. It also contains Haberlea rhodopensis leaf extract, which has incredible moisture retention capabilities. On top of this, its combination of scutellaria root extract, European bilberry leaf extract and houttuynia cordata extract which are all powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental stress.

3W Fresh Placenta Sheet Mask

Who doesn’t love relaxing with a sheet mask? This placenta mask from Three Wishes is a great way to add placenta into your routine.

Placenta Alternatives

If you want the benefits of placenta skin care but don’t want to use animal products in your routine, there are some alternatives available. Ceramides strengthen the skin barrier and thus are also effective at plumping the skin, improving elasticity and minimizing fine lines over time. Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Cream is a placenta skin care alternative that contains ceramides and fatty acids to help prevent moisture loss.

For more on skin care, check out:

• What You Need to Know About Botox
• Your Guide to a 10-Step Korean Skin Care Routine
• What’s the Deal with Cryo Face Masks?
• LED Face Masks: Are They Safe and Do They Work?