What Is Placental Enzymes?
Placental enzymes are bioactive proteins and peptides extracted from the placenta of mammals, most often porcine or ovine sources obtained from regulated farming. The placenta is rich in amino acids, vitamins and growth factors, and the enzymatic fraction is valued for its ability to interact gently with skin and hair. Interest in placental extracts began in the 1940s when European aestheticians noticed that topical preparations helped improve skin texture. Over the decades the crude extracts were refined, separating the enzyme portion to reduce impurities and odor while keeping the performance benefits.
Modern production starts with careful screening of placental tissue that would otherwise become waste. The material is cleaned, flash frozen then treated with food grade solvents and filtration steps to isolate the water-soluble enzymes. Further purification uses membrane technology to remove larger proteins, leaving smaller enzymatic peptides that are less likely to trigger a response. The final concentrate is deodorized and standardized for activity before being dried or kept as a liquid.
Because placental enzymes are compatible with both water and oil phases, formulators add them to a range of leave-on and rinse-off products. Common placements include anti-aging creams, hydrating serums, sheet masks, scalp tonics, lash and brow conditioners, as well as intensive hair masks aimed at brittle or chemically treated hair.
Placental Enzymes’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Placental enzymes offer two main functions in personal care products, each bringing a specific set of advantages.
- Hair Conditioning — The enzymatic peptides coat the hair shaft, smoothing lifted cuticles and reducing static. This helps hair feel softer, look shinier and resist breakage from brushing or heat styling
- Skin Conditioning — On skin, the enzymes support natural exfoliation and improve moisture retention. Users often notice a more even tone, a subtle plumping effect and less visible fine lines due to better hydration
Who Can Use Placental Enzymes
Placental enzymes are generally suitable for normal, dry, combination and mature skin as well as most hair types. They are light in texture so they rarely weigh down oily strands or clog pores, though very acne-prone or hypersensitive users may want to monitor how their skin responds since the ingredient is animal derived and contains small peptide fragments that could trigger a reaction in those with protein sensitivities.
Because the source material comes from mammalian placenta, products containing placental enzymes are not appropriate for vegans or strict vegetarians. People who follow certain religious or cultural dietary laws may also choose to avoid them unless the brand can document compliant sourcing.
There is limited research on topical placental enzymes during pregnancy or breastfeeding. No systemic absorption issues have been reported from cosmetic use, yet out of an abundance of caution anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the ingredient list to their healthcare provider before using the product. This is not medical advice and individual guidance is always best.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and there is no evidence it interferes with sunscreen performance. It is also color stable so it will not tint hair or skin. Those with a history of reactions to animal proteins or who follow plant-only personal care routines should weigh these factors when deciding whether to try products featuring placental enzymes.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical placental enzymes vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects but most users who apply a well-formulated product will not experience them.
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Localized redness or stinging upon application
- Mild itching or flaking on the scalp when used in haircare
- Swelling in people with known sensitivities to animal proteins
- Very rare risk of microbial contamination if manufacturing standards are poor
Should any irritation or unexpected reaction occur stop using the product immediately and consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Placental enzymes are largely water soluble peptides that do not form an occlusive film on skin or hair. They sit lightly on the surface and rinse away easily so the likelihood of blocking pores is very low. This makes the ingredient generally acceptable for those prone to acne or breakouts. Because placental extracts can be combined with heavier oils or butters in a finished formula, pore-clogging risk depends more on the overall product base than on the enzymes themselves.
Summary
Placental enzymes condition skin and hair by supporting gentle exfoliation, boosting moisture retention and smoothing the hair cuticle. These benefits stem from their small peptide structure which can interact with keratin and attract water without leaving a greasy residue.
The ingredient has a niche following; it appears in select anti-aging creams, sheet masks and strengthening hair treatments but is far from mainstream due to sourcing concerns and the rise of vegan preferences.
Safety data and decades of cosmetic use show a low rate of adverse reactions, though anyone with animal protein allergies or ethical reservations should skip it. As with any new skincare or haircare product, patch test before full use to confirm personal compatibility.