Placenta and Beautiful Skin: Moisture, Firmness, Wrinkles, Dullness & Eye Care Explained

“You’ve probably heard that placenta is good for the skin.”

If you are interested in beauty and skincare, chances are you have come across this idea at least once.

Serums, creams, eye care products, supplements — today, the word “placenta” appears across a wide range of beauty products.

So why has the association between “placenta and beauty” remained so strong for so long?

Placenta and skin have actually been investigated in human studies measuring areas such as:

• Skin moisture
• Transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
• Skin elasticity
• Fine wrinkles around the eyes
• Pigmentation-related parameters
• Skin gloss

These are not simply subjective impressions — human studies have measured these skin parameters directly.

Laboratory research has also looked more deeply at fibroblasts in the dermis and genes associated with collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.

That naturally raises a few questions:

“How is skin moisture actually measured?”
“Are firmness and collagen really the same thing?”
“How far has placenta research gone when it comes to wrinkles?”
“Has placenta really been used in Japan’s brightening skincare history?”
“How should serums, creams, eye creams and eye gels be used differently?”

In this article, we focus entirely on placenta and skin beauty, exploring everything from the basic structure of the skin to clinical studies, cellular research and practical ways to incorporate placenta into a daily skincare routine.

What Is the Relationship Between Placenta and Beautiful Skin?

The word “placenta” originally refers to the placenta itself.

In the beauty field, placenta-derived raw materials are processed and extracted into ingredients such as placental extracts and other placenta-derived components used in cosmetics and beauty-oriented foods.

One thing that makes placenta unusual is that it is not a single chemical compound in the way that vitamin C, for example, is largely associated with ascorbic acid.

Its composition varies depending on the raw material and manufacturing process, but placental extracts have been studied for components including:

• Amino acids
• Peptides
• Protein-derived components
• Nucleic acid-related components
• Lipids
• Various trace components

In other words, placenta is a complex biological material that cannot easily be explained by saying one single component is responsible for beauty.

Skin research has therefore taken several approaches: measuring moisture, elasticity and wrinkles directly in people, while also examining what may be happening at the cellular level.

How Far Has Placenta and Skin Research Actually Gone?

In 2020, a randomised, double-blind study was conducted in 20 healthy women aged 40–59.

Participants received either 200mg of oral porcine placental extract per day or placebo for four weeks.

Researchers used specialised instruments to measure several skin parameters, and differences between the groups were reported in some skin-related measurements after four weeks.

What makes this interesting is that the study did not simply ask:

“Does your skin feel better?”

Instead, the skin itself was measured using dedicated equipment.

Beauty research can sound highly subjective, but studies like this show how researchers can use numerical measurements and imaging to examine the skin in much greater detail.

How Are Moisture, Firmness and Wrinkles Determined? Understanding the Skin

Before looking further into placenta research, it helps to understand what actually supports healthy-looking skin.

The skin is broadly made up of:

• The epidermis
• The dermis
• Subcutaneous tissue

And although dryness and loss of firmness can both affect the way skin looks and feels, they involve somewhat different structures and processes.

The Stratum Corneum — Helping Skin Hold Moisture

The outermost part of the skin is the stratum corneum.

Although extremely thin, it plays an important role in helping retain moisture within the skin and protecting it from the external environment.

Within and around the stratum corneum, factors such as:

• Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF)
• Intercellular lipids such as ceramides
• The skin’s surface lipid film

work together to support a well-moisturised skin environment.

One term worth remembering here is TEWL.

What Is TEWL? Moisture Is About More Than Water Content

TEWL stands for Transepidermal Water Loss.

Put simply, it measures how much water is escaping from the skin into the surrounding environment.

An easy way to picture it is:

Skin moisture = how much water is currently in the tank
TEWL = how quickly water is leaking out of that tank

Even if the tank contains plenty of water, it becomes difficult to maintain that state if the water escapes too quickly.

That is why skin research may examine both:

“How much moisture is present in the skin?”
and
“How much moisture is being lost?”

If you have always thought of moisturising simply as “adding water,” TEWL offers a slightly different way to understand skin hydration.

For Firmness and Elasticity, Look Deeper at the Dermis

When we talk about skin firmness and elasticity, the dermis becomes especially important.

The dermis contains structures and substances associated with:

• Collagen
• Elastin
• Hyaluronic acid and related components

A particularly important cell in this story is the fibroblast.

The name may sound technical, but one easy way to think of fibroblasts is:

“the manufacturing team responsible for many of the materials that help form the skin’s structural foundation.”

Skin structure is not created by collagen alone.

Collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid and other components interact with one another to form the environment of the dermis.

Fibroblasts are among the key cells involved in that production process.

Not All Wrinkles Develop in the Same Way

The word “wrinkle” can describe several different visible changes.

For example:

• Fine lines that become more noticeable when the skin is dry
• Wrinkles associated with UV-related photoageing
• Expression lines related to repeated facial movement
• Wrinkles associated with age-related changes in dermal structure

These differences are another reason why a good skincare approach is broader than focusing on a single ingredient.

Moisturising, UV protection and age-appropriate skincare all contribute to a thoughtful daily routine.

Placenta and Skin Research | How Far Have Moisture, Barrier Function, Elasticity and Wrinkles Been Studied?

So what has research actually looked at when investigating placenta and the skin?

This is where the subject becomes especially interesting.

A Study Measuring Moisture, TEWL, Elasticity and Skin Gloss

In 2025, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 90 adults aged 35–60 with dry skin and visible wrinkles around the eyes evaluated porcine placenta peptides over 12 weeks.

The researchers measured a surprisingly wide range of skin parameters, including:

• Wrinkle depth
• Skin moisture
• TEWL
• Skin elasticity
• Melanin-related parameters
• Redness-related parameters
• Skin gloss

After 12 weeks, between-group differences were reported across several measures, including wrinkle depth, TEWL, moisture, elasticity, gloss and pigmentation-related parameters.

What makes the research interesting is that “beauty” is not treated as a single measurement.

Researchers separately examine:

Moisture.
Water loss.
Elasticity.
Wrinkles.
Pigmentation.
Gloss.

That gives a much more detailed picture of what is happening in the skin.

This particular study used porcine placenta peptides.

When reading placenta research, checking the source of the placenta material alongside the results helps place each study in the right context.

A Japanese Study Followed Fine Lines Below the Eyes for 24 Weeks

The eye area has also been studied for many years.

In a Japanese study published in 2014, researchers first measured wrinkle width below the eyes in 185 women and then evaluated oral porcine placental extract in 44 climacteric women.

Specialised skin-analysis equipment was used to measure fine wrinkle width beneath the eyes.

After 24 weeks, differences in wrinkle width were reported between the porcine placental extract group and the comparison group.

The eye area appears constantly in beauty discussions, so it is particularly interesting to see that the area itself has also been directly measured in clinical research.

Equine Placental Extract Has Also Been Studied

Placenta research is not limited to porcine sources.

In 2022, a randomised, double-blind study involving 29 healthy women aged 30–59 evaluated 220mg of oral equine placental extract per day over four weeks.

The study measured parameters including:

• Skin moisture
• TEWL
• Melanin index

Rather than viewing every paper simply as “placenta research,” it becomes much more informative to ask:

What was the source?
How many people participated?
How long did the study last?
What exactly was measured?

Those details can completely change how a study is understood.

Fibroblasts: The Skin’s “Builders” | Taking a Closer Look at Placenta Research

While human studies measure things such as moisture and wrinkles, researchers also investigate a much smaller world.

That brings us back to fibroblasts.

COL1A1, ELN, HAS2 — Suddenly It Starts Looking Like a Secret Code

In 2022, researchers used normal human dermal fibroblasts to investigate changes in gene expression after exposure to human placental extract.

Among the genes examined were:

• COL1A1: associated with type I collagen
• COL5A3: associated with type V collagen
• ELN: associated with elastin
• HAS2: associated with hyaluronic acid synthesis

These are all related to the extracellular matrix.

You may be thinking:

“We were talking about beauty ingredients — how did we suddenly end up with something that looks like genetic code?”

And that is exactly what makes this area of research fascinating.

Researchers are not only asking whether skin looks different. They are also investigating which biological “instructions” are being read inside skin cells.

Researchers Are Looking at More Than Collagen

The study also examined substances including:

• Type I collagen
• Elastin
• Hyaluronic acid
• Proteoglycans

This highlights an important point: when we think about firmness and moisture, collagen is only one part of a much larger system.

The overall structural environment of the skin involves multiple substances working together.

This was basic laboratory research using cultured human dermal fibroblasts.

Human studies look at measurable changes on the skin, while cellular research explores the biological mechanisms behind them.

Looking at both levels makes placenta research much more three-dimensional.

The Interesting History of “Whitening” and Placenta in Japan | How Should We Think About Dullness and a Brighter Skin Appearance?

When researching placenta, you may come across the Japanese beauty term “bihaku”, commonly translated as “whitening” or “brightening.”

This has an interesting connection with the history of cosmetics in Japan.

Placental Extract Appears in the History of Japanese Whitening Quasi-Drugs

In Japan, placental extract has a long history of use as an active ingredient in quasi-drug products approved for whitening purposes.

Academic reviews have also documented the long-standing use of placental extracts in Japanese whitening quasi-drugs.

So the association between “placenta,” “beauty” and a brighter-looking complexion is connected not only with beauty trends, but also with the history of Japanese cosmetic research.

The Word “Whitening” Has a Specific Meaning in Japan

In Japan, whitening claims are used within an approved scope for authorised quasi-drug products.

A typical approved concept is helping suppress melanin production to prevent spots and freckles.

For everyday cosmetic skincare, appropriate care may focus on:

• Providing moisture to the skin
• Helping prevent dryness
• Keeping the skin smooth
• Moisturising skin that appears dull due to dryness, helping it look smoother and brighter

These everyday habits can be layered together as part of a regular skincare routine.

“Dullness” Does Not Have Just One Cause

A dull-looking complexion can arise from several different factors.

When the surface of the skin becomes dry and rough, light may reflect less evenly, making the complexion appear less bright.

Old surface keratin, UV-related pigmentation, circulation and skin texture can also influence how the complexion appears.

That is why UV protection and moisturising remain important foundations for maintaining a smooth, bright-looking skin appearance.

Incorporating Placenta into Skincare | How to Use Serums, Creams and Eye Care

So far, we have looked at skin research using human-, porcine- and equine-derived placenta materials.

Now we will shift away from research and look at placenta from a different perspective: the ingredients, textures and practical use of everyday cosmetic products.

Placenta-containing cosmetics can include:

• Serums
• Face creams
• Eye gels
• Eye creams

Even when several products contain placenta, they can differ considerably in texture, application area and accompanying beauty ingredients.

Serum | Everyday Care for the Face, Neck and Décolletage

Serums are easy to incorporate after toner or other lightweight skincare steps and often combine several beauty ingredients in one formula.

For example, Gold Placenta Serum 50ml contains New Zealand sheep placenta together with:

• Marine collagen
• Elastin
• Manuka-derived ingredients
• Evening primrose oil
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E

The formula combines several beauty ingredients and is designed for daily care that provides moisture and helps leave the skin feeling smooth.

It can be used not only on the face but also on the neck and décolletage as part of age-appropriate skincare.

View Gold Placenta Serum 50ml →

Face Cream | A Moisturising Finishing Step

As we saw earlier with TEWL, good moisturising care is about both adding moisture and helping protect the skin from dryness.

Applying a cream after a serum is therefore a simple and practical way to complete a daily skincare routine.

Placenta Cream 50g contains New Zealand sheep placenta together with:

• Propolis
• Lanolin
• Vitamins B5, C and E
• Aloe vera

It provides moisture, helps protect the skin from dryness and leaves the complexion feeling smooth and soft.

View Placenta Cream 50g →

Why Give the Eye Area a Little Extra Attention?

The eye area is often one of the first places where people think:

“Something feels a little different lately.”

It moves constantly with facial expressions and can also be prone to dryness.

As we saw earlier, wrinkles below and around the eyes have even been used as measurement targets in placenta-related skin studies.

The fact that the eye area has received so much attention in beauty research makes it a natural area to care for more thoughtfully in a daily routine.

For a Lightweight Feel: Placenta Eye Gel

Placenta Eye Gel 15g is a lightweight gel-type eye care product containing New Zealand sheep placenta.

It also contains:

• Manuka honey
• Macadamia nut oil
• Witch hazel distillate
• Cucumber extract

Its light texture makes it easy to use in the morning or before makeup.

It is a convenient option for those who want to moisturise the eye area while preferring a lighter, less heavy texture.

View Placenta Eye Gel 15g →

For a Richer Moisturising Feel: Placenta Eye Cream

Placenta Eye Cream 15g also contains New Zealand sheep placenta.

Its formula combines ingredients including:

• Shea butter
• Kiwi seed oil
• Jojoba oil
• Hyaluronic acid
• Vitamin E
• Bisabolol

It is a cream-type option suited to those who prefer a richer moisturising feel or who like to give the eye area extra attention as part of their evening skincare routine.

View Placenta Eye Cream 15g →

Eye Gel or Eye Cream — How Do You Choose?

You can also use gel in the morning and cream at night.

Season, dryness, makeup and your preferred texture can all help guide your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Placenta and Skin Beauty

Has Placenta Really Been Studied in Relation to Wrinkles?

Yes.

Studies have measured wrinkle width below the eyes after oral porcine placental extract, while more recent randomised trials using porcine placenta peptides have assessed wrinkle depth together with several other skin parameters.

Rather than relying only on personal impressions, these studies used specialised equipment to measure wrinkle width and depth.

Looking at the source of the placenta, the amount used, the study duration and the measurement method makes the research easier to interpret.

What About Dry Skin?

Human placenta-related studies have measured skin moisture and TEWL.

For everyday dry-skin care, a useful basic routine is to provide moisture with toner or serum and then use a cream to help protect the skin from further dryness.

Are Sagging and Firmness the Same Thing?

Skin appearance involves more than collagen and elastin in the dermis.

Subcutaneous fat, facial muscles, bone structure, UV exposure, dryness and other factors can all influence the way the face looks.

In everyday cosmetic care, it is useful to think in terms of providing moisture, smoothing the skin and maintaining a firm-looking appearance through age-appropriate skincare.

How Should We Think About Placenta Cosmetics and “Whitening”?

Placental extracts have a long history of use in Japanese whitening quasi-drugs.

In Japan, the term “whitening” is used within the authorised scope of approved active ingredients and quasi-drug products.

For everyday cosmetic skincare, UV protection and moisturising remain important, while providing moisture to skin that appears dull due to dryness can help it look smoother and brighter.

How Should Skincare Be Approached with Atopic Dermatitis?

With atopic dermatitis, medical treatment from a dermatologist forms the foundation, while moisturising care can be selected according to the current condition of the skin.

For dry skin, products that provide moisture and help protect against dryness may be useful as part of daily skincare.

If redness, strong itching or eczema persists, or if you are currently receiving treatment, it is sensible to discuss new skincare products with your doctor.

What About Skincare for Acne-Prone Skin?

For acne-prone skin, look at factors such as moisturising level, oil content and texture while choosing products that suit your current skin condition.

Those who prefer a lighter feel may find gels and serums easy to incorporate.

For severe inflammation or recurring acne, working with a dermatologist can help you build an appropriate skincare routine.

How Can Serums, Creams and Eye Care Be Combined?

You can select products according to your skin condition and the areas you especially want to care for.

• For lightweight care across the face → Serum
• For a moisturising finishing step → Face cream
• For lightweight morning eye care → Eye gel
• For richer moisturising eye care → Eye cream

Adjusting your routine according to season, skin condition and whether it is morning or evening can also make skincare easier to continue.

What Makes Sheep Placenta Different?

Sheep placenta is simply placenta-derived material sourced from sheep.

In Japan, porcine and equine placenta may be more familiar, which can make sheep-derived placenta feel comparatively unusual.

New Zealand is well known for its expansive pastures and long-established sheep farming culture.

Brilliant Life Products NZ carries beauty products containing New Zealand sheep placenta as one example of a beauty ingredient with a distinctly New Zealand origin.

For those who like to pay attention to the source and country of origin of cosmetic ingredients, New Zealand sheep placenta offers an interesting option.

Conclusion | Understanding Placenta Can Change the Way You Look at Skin Beauty

The more deeply you explore placenta, the more difficult it becomes to describe it simply as:

“a popular beauty ingredient.”

Research has examined it from a wide variety of angles, including:

• Skin moisture
• TEWL
• Elasticity
• Wrinkles
• Pigmentation
• Skin gloss
• Fibroblasts
• Mechanisms related to collagen and elastin

And the more we understand the skin itself, the more clearly we can see the value of simple daily habits:

Provide moisture.
Protect against dryness.
Protect the skin from UV exposure.
Give extra care to delicate areas such as the eyes.

Serums, creams, eye creams and eye gels may all contain placenta, but their textures and roles in a routine can be quite different.

Rather than choosing something simply because it contains placenta, it can be more useful to understand what your skin needs and then select the type of care that suits you.

That way of thinking can make everyday skincare a little more interesting.

※ This article provides general information about placenta and skin research and is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent disease.

※ The studies discussed in this article used placenta materials from different sources, including human, porcine and equine placenta. Research findings and the individual characteristics of the sheep placenta cosmetic products introduced in this article should be considered separately.

※ Use cosmetic products according to their individual directions and precautions. If redness, swelling, itching, irritation or other abnormalities occur, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist or other appropriate healthcare professional if necessary.

References

1. Effect of Porcine Placenta Extract Supplement on Skin Condition in Healthy Adult Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2020.
2. Efficacy of porcine placental extract on wrinkle widths below the eye in climacteric women. Climacteric. 2014.
3. Porcine placenta peptides as a complementary functional food for skin rejuvenation: A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. 2025.
4. Effects of oral administration of equine placental extract supplement on the facial skin of healthy adult women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. 2022.
5. Human placental extract activates a wide array of gene expressions related to skin functions. 2022.
6. Evaluating the Impact of a Cream Containing Horse Placental Extract on Eye Corner Wrinkles in Healthy Women: Single-Blind Comparative Study. 2023.
7. Ando H, Matsui MS, Ichihashi M. Quasi-Drugs Developed in Japan for the Prevention or Treatment of Hyperpigmentary Disorders. Int J Mol Sci. 2010.