Cosmos Bipinnatus 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 24, 2025
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All information on this page is verified using publicly available nomenclature standards and reference materials from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and the European Commission's CosIng database. Our analyses are based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Cosmos Bipinnatus Phytoplacenta Extract?

Cosmos Bipinnatus Phytoplacenta Extract comes from the garden cosmos, a daisy-like flower native to Mexico and now grown worldwide. Inside each flower is a tiny plant “placenta” where seeds attach and draw in nutrients. Scientists harvest or grow these placenta cells in clean lab tanks, then break them open in water or a mild mix of water and glycerin. The liquid is filtered and stabilized to keep it fresh, giving a clear to pale-gold solution rich in small proteins, amino acids, sugars, trace minerals and flavonoid antioxidants.

Interest in plant placenta began in the early 2000s when brands wanted a plant-based stand-in for animal placenta, which had already shown skin-renewing effects. The cosmos variety stood out for its fast cell growth and high antioxidant level. Today the extract appears in many beauty products such as firming serums, anti-aging creams, sheet masks, soothing gels, brightening ampoules, leave-in hair sprays and scalp treatments.

Cosmos Bipinnatus Phytoplacenta Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This multitask ingredient supports both skin and hair care formulas in several ways:

  • Antimicrobial – Helps keep the formula cleaner for longer and supports a fresher surface on skin or scalp, which can reduce the chance of breakouts or odor
  • Antioxidant – Neutralizes free radicals from pollution and sun exposure, helping to slow early signs of aging like dullness and fine lines
  • Hair Conditioning – Coats strands with light proteins and sugars that smooth the cuticle, boost shine and make hair easier to detangle without weight
  • Skin Protecting – Forms a breathable film that locks in moisture, soothes stressed areas and helps defend against daily environmental stress

Who Can Use Cosmos Bipinnatus Phytoplacenta Extract

Most skin types tolerate this flower-based extract well. Its light, water-glycerin carrier absorbs quickly so it suits oily and combination skin while the humectant sugars and amino acids give welcome relief to dry or mature complexions. Sensitive skin generally responds fine because the ingredient is fragrance free and low in acids, though anyone with a known allergy to plants in the daisy family should proceed carefully.

The extract is sourced entirely from plant tissue with no animal derivatives, making it appropriate for both vegans and vegetarians. The cultivation process happens in sterile plant cell culture, keeping it free from animal by-products.

No studies have flagged specific risks during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Still this is not medical advice and women who are pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past their healthcare provider to be safe.

Cosmos Bipinnatus Phytoplacenta Extract does not increase photosensitivity so daytime use is fine with or without sunscreen, though daily SPF is always recommended for overall skin health. The ingredient layers well with common actives like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid and does not destabilize sunscreens or makeup.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Cosmos Bipinnatus Phytoplacenta Extract differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects even though most users experience none when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Allergic contact dermatitis – rare itching or rash in people sensitive to Asteraceae family plants
  • Mild stinging or redness – usually transient on very reactive skin when first applied to broken or freshly exfoliated areas
  • Eye irritation – possible if a serum or mist accidentally gets into the eyes
  • Scalp buildup – very occasional heaviness if a leave-in hair product is overused without proper cleansing

If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0–1 out of 5. Cosmos Bipinnatus Phytoplacenta Extract is water based and contains mostly small proteins, amino acids and sugars rather than heavy lipids that could clog pores. It is therefore considered non comedogenic or at most very low on the scale when blended with richer oils in a finished formula. This makes it generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. The only caveat is that the overall product recipe matters; if the extract sits inside a thick balm or mineral oil base the end product could still feel occlusive.

Summary

Cosmos Bipinnatus Phytoplacenta Extract offers four main perks: it guards against microbes, mops up free radicals, smooths hair strands and forms a light protective film over skin. Antioxidant flavonoids tackle pollution stress, bioactive peptides coax surface repair and humectant sugars pull in moisture for a fresh feel. Its flower origin also delivers a mild antimicrobial boost that helps formulas stay cleaner.

While not as famous as vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, the extract is gaining quiet traction in Korean and European skin care labs, especially in firming serums and soothing sheet masks. Most users tolerate it well because it is plant derived, fragrance free and low in acids, with only daisy family allergies posing a concern.

Overall safety is high with minimal reports of irritation. As with any new cosmetic ingredient it is smart to perform a simple patch test before diving into full-face or full-scalp use, just to be certain your skin plays nicely with it.

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