Lagerstroemia Indica 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: July 1, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

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 Lagerstroemia Indica Phytoplacenta Extract?

Lagerstroemia Indica Phytoplacenta Extract comes from the tiny plant cells that give life to new tissues inside the crepe myrtle tree, known to botanists as Lagerstroemia indica. These “phytoplacenta” cells are packed with amino acids, natural sugars, antioxidants and small peptides that help the plant grow and heal. Scientists noticed that the same compounds could also support skin health, so they began to isolate the cells for cosmetic use.

The first step is collecting healthy leaf or flower tissue from the tree. In a sterile lab the cells are placed in a nutrient-rich liquid where they multiply quickly. After several weeks the cell mass is filtered, broken down and gently extracted with water or a mild solvent. The result is a concentrated liquid filled with the plant’s own protective molecules. Because the cells are grown in controlled conditions the extract is consistent and free from farm contaminants.

Brands add Lagerstroemia Indica Phytoplacenta Extract to products that focus on skin renewal and protection. You will often see it in anti-aging serums, lightweight moisturizers, sheet masks, soothing gels and leave-on treatments aimed at brightening tired skin or defending it from daily stress.

Lagerstroemia Indica Phytoplacenta Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This multitasking ingredient brings several advantages to topical formulas:

  • Antimicrobial: Helps keep the product fresh by limiting the growth of unwanted microbes on the skin which can reduce the chance of breakouts and irritation
  • Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals produced by pollution or UV light supporting a smoother brighter look over time
  • Skin Conditioning: Supplies moisture friendly sugars and amino acids that soften the surface layer leaving skin feeling supple and comfortable
  • Skin Protecting: Forms a light shield that helps the skin cope with environmental stress like wind and dry indoor air which can prevent early signs of aging

Who Can Use Lagerstroemia Indica Phytoplacenta Extract

This extract is lightweight and water based, so it suits almost every skin type including dry, normal, combination and oily. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well thanks to its gentle makeup, though anyone with a known allergy to crepe myrtle or related plants should proceed carefully. There are no elements that would clog pores which makes it a comfortable choice for acne prone skin too.

Because the ingredient is sourced from plant cell cultures and contains no animal by-products, it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.

No published data links Lagerstroemia Indica Phytoplacenta Extract to problems during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The molecules are large and stay on the surface, so absorption is minimal. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full product label to a healthcare professional before use just to be safe.

The extract does not cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more vulnerable to sunburn. Standard daytime sunscreen usage is still recommended for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Lagerstroemia Indica Phytoplacenta Extract differ from person to person. The points below outline possible but unlikely effects when the ingredient is included at normal cosmetic levels and manufactured correctly. Most users will experience none of these issues.

  • Temporary redness or mild warmth right after application
  • Itching or tingling in individuals with very reactive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in the rare case of a specific plant allergy
  • Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
  • Breakouts triggered by another comedogenic component in the same formula rather than the extract itself

If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for tailored advice.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0–1 (virtually non-comedogenic)

Lagerstroemia Indica Phytoplacenta Extract is water based, contains no heavy oils or waxes and has molecules that sit on the skin surface instead of plugging pores. Lab studies and real-world product feedback have shown no pore-clogging tendency, so it earns a score between 0 and 1.

That makes it suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

Keep in mind the overall formula matters more than a single ingredient. If the finished product also contains rich butters or thick silicones the risk of congestion can rise even if this extract itself is clean.

Summary

Lagerstroemia Indica Phytoplacenta Extract works as an antimicrobial agent that helps curb surface bacteria, an antioxidant that mops up free radicals, a skin conditioner that delivers light hydration, and a skin protectant that supports the barrier against wind and pollution. These benefits come from its natural mix of peptides, sugars and polyphenols cultivated in controlled plant cell cultures.

While the extract is not yet as famous as staples like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid it is gaining traction in K-beauty serums and spa sheet masks where gentle, multitasking botanicals are prized.

Current data shows it is low risk for irritation, non-comedogenic and vegan friendly, making it a safe choice for most routines. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product that features this ingredient before using it all over the face.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search