Dendropanax Morbiferus Phytoplacenta Extract: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 27, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Dendropanax Morbiferus Phytoplacenta Extract?

Dendropanax Morbiferus Phytoplacenta Extract comes from the cultured “plant placenta” of Dendropanax morbiferus, a tree native to Korea and belonging to the ginseng family (Araliaceae). Researchers discovered that the nutrient-rich tissue formed around developing plant seeds is loaded with peptides, amino acids, vitamins and natural antioxidants that help the plant grow strong. By placing bits of leaf or stem in a sterile growth medium, scientists can prompt the plant to form this placenta-like tissue in large amounts. The tissue is then filtered, purified and concentrated into a water-based extract suitable for skin and hair formulas.

The ingredient gained attention in the early 2010s when Korean beauty brands started exploring forest botanicals for gentler, more sustainable actives. Because the extract can be produced year-round in a lab rather than harvested from wild trees, it fits well with eco-minded product lines.

Today you will most often see Dendropanax Morbiferus Phytoplacenta Extract in soothing sheet masks, anti-aging serums, lightweight moisturizers, scalp tonics and leave-on hair treatments where its multitasking profile can replace several separate additives.

Dendropanax Morbiferus Phytoplacenta Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This botanical delivers a range of helpful actions for both skin and hair.

  • Antimicrobial: Helps keep formulas fresher for longer and supports a cleaner skin environment, which may reduce the chance of blemishes caused by surface bacteria
  • Antioxidant: Supplies natural compounds that fight everyday free-radical damage, helping skin look brighter and more resilient while also protecting delicate hair fiber
  • Hair Conditioning: Smooths the cuticle, boosts shine and improves manageability so hair feels softer without added heaviness
  • Skin Protecting: Forms a light, breathable shield that locks in moisture and calms the look of irritation from pollution or weather stress

Who Can Use Dendropanax Morbiferus Phytoplacenta Extract

This extract is gentle enough for most skin types, including dry, balanced, oily and mature skin. Its light texture and non greasy finish also make it a good match for combination or blemish-prone skin because it conditions without clogging pores. Highly reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin might still want to check the full ingredient list, as plant compounds can sometimes trigger irritation in very sensitive users.

The material is 100 percent plant derived. No animal tissue or by-products are used in the culture process, so formulations containing it are usually suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.

No specific warnings flag the extract for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the full product list to a qualified health professional before adding a new cosmetic step.

The extract is not known to increase skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Normal daily SPF habits remain the best practice for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Dendropanax Morbiferus Phytoplacenta Extract can differ from person to person. The points below cover possible issues, but most users experience no problems when the ingredient is included at standard levels in a well-made product.

  • Mild redness or warmth shortly after application
  • Temporary itching or tingling in sensitive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to Araliaceae family plants
  • Eye stinging if the product drips or is rubbed into the eye area
  • Scalp flaking or tightness when used in leave-on hair tonics on very dry scalps
  • Interaction with strong exfoliating acids or retinoids that may heighten overall irritation levels

If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5

Dendropanax Morbiferus Phytoplacenta Extract is a lightweight, water-based botanical with no heavy oils or waxes that typically plug pores. Its molecules are mostly small peptides, sugars and antioxidants that rinse clean and do not linger in follicular openings. Because of this profile it earns a very low comedogenic score of 1, meaning it is unlikely to cause blackheads or breakouts for most users.

Acne-prone skin should find the ingredient generally safe to use, especially within well-formulated products that also avoid other pore-clogging additives.

As with any plant extract, the final formula matters: thick creams rich in butters or silicone occlusives could still trigger congestion even if this extract by itself is non-comedogenic.

Summary

Dendropanax Morbiferus Phytoplacenta Extract acts as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, skin protector and hair conditioner. Its naturally occurring peptides and amino acids help curb surface bacteria, the polyphenols neutralize free radicals and the lightweight film it forms reinforces the skin and hair barrier while adding softness and shine.

The extract enjoys niche popularity in Korean beauty circles but has yet to become a mainstream staple elsewhere, partly because it is newer and not many brands have tapped into forest-derived actives.

Overall safety data are favorable with only rare reports of irritation or allergy. While most people tolerate it well, it is always smart to patch test any new product to make sure your own skin agrees.

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