Placental Protein

Benefits
LiftingSoothingMoisturizing

What is Placental Protein?

Placental Protein consists of a complex mixture of water-soluble glycoproteins and other proteins extracted from the placentas of animals such as sheep or pigs. In cosmetics, it falls under conditioning agents, primarily used in moisturizers, creams, serums, and hair products. It functions by forming a protective film on the skin and hair shafts, which helps retain moisture and reduces friction between strands or skin cells. This humectant property allows it to attract water from the environment into the upper skin layers, promoting a smoother texture. The proteins also contribute to skin barrier support by enhancing flexibility and suppleness. Typically processed through hydrolysis to make it suitable for topical application, it is incorporated at low levels in formulations targeting dry or mature skin concerns.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 5 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Hair conditioning
Improves softness, shine, and manageability by reducing friction and static; commonly achieved with cationic agents, silicones, oils, or conditioning polymers.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.
Humectant
Attracts and holds water in the stratum corneum, boosting hydration and plumpness; commonly used in moisturizers, cleansers, and hair conditioners.

Benefits

• Supports skin hydration by attracting and binding moisture.

• Enhances skin and hair softness and smoothness.

• May provide a soothing sensation on application.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
• Individuals with dry or dehydrated skin seeking conditioning effects.
• Those with known allergies to animal-derived proteins.
• Those looking for humectant properties in moisturizers.
• Vegans or individuals preferring plant-based ingredients.
• People aiming to improve hair manageability and shine.
• People sensitive to biological extracts in cosmetics.

Safety Notes

  • • Rated with moderate concerns for potential immunotoxicity by some databases.
  • • Generally considered safe for cosmetic use by regulatory reviews, with low comedogenic potential.

Frequently Asked Questions about Placental Protein

What is Placental Protein derived from?

It comes from animal placentas, like those of sheep or pigs, processed into soluble proteins for cosmetics.

Is Placental Protein comedogenic?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low likelihood of pore clogging.

What are common uses of Placental Protein?

Primarily as a skin and hair conditioning agent and humectant in creams, lotions, and conditioners.