Taraxacum Coreanum Phytoplacenta Culture 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 30, 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 Taraxacum Coreanum Phytoplacenta Culture Extract?

Taraxacum Coreanum Phytoplacenta Culture Extract comes from the cultured “phytoplacenta” tissue of Taraxacum coreanum, a dandelion variety native to Korea known for its resilient nature and rich nutrient profile. The plant cells are placed in a controlled growth medium where they multiply and form a dense mass of stem-cell-like material. This material is then broken down, filtered and concentrated into a water-soluble extract that can be blended into cosmetic formulas.

Because the culture process keeps the cells in a youthful state, the final extract is packed with peptides, amino acids, sugars and natural antioxidants that the original plant uses for growth and defense. Modern cosmetic labs began exploring phytoplacenta cultures in the early 2000s as a plant-based alternative to animal placenta, and Taraxacum coreanum quickly stood out thanks to its strong antioxidant capacity and gentle profile.

You will usually spot this ingredient in sheet masks, hydrating serums, anti-aging creams, soothing gels, scalp tonics and leave-in hair treatments where brands want an all-round boost of moisture, protection and conditioning.

Taraxacum Coreanum Phytoplacenta Culture Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This multifaceted ingredient offers several functions that can elevate skin and hair formulas:

  • Antimicrobial: Helps limit the growth of odor-causing or breakout-triggering microbes which supports cleaner skin and longer product shelf life
  • Antioxidant: Supplies natural compounds that fight free radicals helping to reduce the look of premature aging caused by environmental stress
  • Hair Conditioning: Smooths the hair cuticle and adds light moisture which can enhance softness and shine without heavy buildup
  • Humectant: Draws water into the outer layers of skin keeping it plump and comfortable while reducing the feeling of tightness
  • Skin Conditioning: Delivers amino acids and sugars that leave skin feeling soft supple and revitalized improving overall texture

Who Can Use Taraxacum Coreanum Phytoplacenta Culture Extract

Thanks to its lightweight water-based nature and soothing nutrient profile, Taraxacum Coreanum Phytoplacenta Culture Extract is generally well tolerated by all skin types. Dry and mature skin benefit from its humectant and antioxidant punch, oily and combination skin appreciate the non-greasy hydration while sensitive skin often finds it calming rather than irritating. Only those who know they react to dandelion or ragweed family plants should proceed with added caution because of possible cross-reactivity.

The extract is produced entirely from plant cell cultures with no animal-derived inputs, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

No data point to specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically at cosmetic levels. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should still clear new products with their physician to be safe.

The extract does not increase photosensitivity so there is no special need for added sun precautions beyond your usual daily SPF.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Individual responses can differ. The following are potential side effects that could arise even though most users will not encounter them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Mild redness or stinging
  • Itchiness in those allergic to dandelion or related plants
  • Rare clogging or breakouts if layered with very occlusive products on oily skin
  • Contact dermatitis triggered by a preservative or other co-ingredient in the finished formula rather than the extract itself

If any discomfort or irritation develops discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Taraxacum Coreanum Phytoplacenta Culture Extract is a water-soluble material rich in lightweight peptides, amino acids and sugars rather than fatty oils or waxes that can block pores. Its molecules sit on skin without forming a heavy film which keeps it from trapping sebum or dead cells. For that reason it is considered non-comedogenic and is generally suitable for people prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

Keep in mind that the finished product’s full recipe matters. If the extract is blended into a thick balm loaded with occlusive butters the overall formula could still clog pores even though the extract itself will not.

Summary

Taraxacum Coreanum Phytoplacenta Culture Extract offers five main perks: it delivers antioxidant protection, curbs unwanted microbes, pulls water into skin for lasting hydration, smooths and softens both skin and hair and improves overall texture. These benefits come from its naturally occurring peptides, sugars and plant antioxidants that remain potent thanks to the controlled cell-culture process.

The ingredient is still niche outside of Korean beauty circles but its plant-based credentials and gentle multitasking nature are pushing it into more serums, sheet masks and scalp treatments each year.

Safety data show a low irritation profile with the main caution being possible allergy for those sensitive to dandelion relatives. Even so it is wise to patch test any new product first to rule out personal reactions before slathering it on daily.

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