Science
Mechanism of Action
Human placental extracts, which contain these enzymes, function via a complex array of bioactive compounds including growth factors, peptides, and the enzymes themselves. The enzymes facilitate mild exfoliation by assisting in the breakdown of dead skin cells. Growth factors stimulate dermal fibroblasts, enhancing the synthesis of structural proteins like type I collagen and elastin, thereby improving skin elasticity and firmness. Placental extract also boosts proteoglycan and hyaluronan levels, contributing to improved skin moisture and reduced trans-epidermal water loss. Furthermore, it regulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) to minimize collagen degradation, supports keratinocyte proliferation, and exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offering comprehensive skin support.
Research
Clinical Evidence
Medium confidenceN/A
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
No data is available regarding typical efficacious topical concentrations for human placental enzymes specifically, nor common 'dusting' practices in formulations. Clinical studies predominantly evaluate broader placenta extracts, often via oral intake or without specified topical concentrations.
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
Enzymatic activity is generally sensitive to extreme pH levels and high temperatures, which can lead to denaturation and loss of efficacy. Rigorous processing is essential to ensure the extract is free of pathogenic viruses or infectious agents and does not exert metabolic or endocrine activity.
Conflicts
- Substances with estrogenic or other potent biological activity, due to regulatory concerns and potential hormonal effects.
- Pathogenic viruses or infectious agents, as the ingredient must be entirely free of these for safety.
- Extreme pH levels and high temperatures, which can lead to enzyme denaturation and loss of activity.
Safety
Safety Profile
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that existing data are insufficient to support the safety of human placental enzymes in cosmetics, requiring further studies on skin sensitization, various toxicities, and photosensitization. Crucially, human-derived ingredients, including Human Placental Enzymes, are prohibited from use in cosmetics under the European Union (Regulation no. 1223/2009/entry 419/Annex II) due to concerns about the transmission of human spongiform encephalopathies and viral diseases (e.g., HIV). The FDA has also expressed concerns regarding placental extracts in cosmetics if they contain estrogenic hormones or other biologically active substances, emphasizing the necessity for products to be free of detectable pathogenic agents and to exhibit no metabolic/endocrine activity.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
Due to explicit regulatory prohibition in the European Union, the U.S. Cosmetic Ingredient Review's assessment of insufficient safety data, and FDA concerns regarding potential hormonal activity and pathogen transmission, Human Placental Enzymes are considered an ingredient to avoid in precision skincare formulations.
Related
Similar Ingredients
Finding similar ingredients…