Understanding Placenta Extract in Cosmetics

Thank you for providing the research links and your question regarding Placenta extract, its reliability, Quasi-Drug status, and market potential.

While I cannot access external websites or the specific content of the links you provided to evaluate the reliability of those particular studies, I can offer information based on the general understanding of Placenta extract as a cosmetic ingredient and its status as a Quasi-Drug in Japan.

What is a Quasi-Drug?

In Japan, "Quasi-Drug" (医薬部外品 - Iyakubugaihin) is a product category that falls between general cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. These products contain certain active ingredients at specific concentrations that have been approved by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for having a recognized efficacy for particular purposes, such as whitening, preventing acne, or preventing body odor. Placenta extract is indeed one of the ingredients recognized in Japan for its properties related to whitening and moisturizing, qualifying it for use in Quasi-Drug skincare products.

Placenta Extracts Available

Based on our database, we have different types of Placenta extract available:

• Sheep Placenta (Hydrolyzed Placental Extract, Powder 99% Purity): This is a hydrolyzed form of sheep placenta extract in powder form with high purity. It is protein-based and certified to be free from hormones prohibited by the FDA, making it safe for users of all genders and ages. It is used in skincare products and should be mixed in water, avoiding heat. Due to its animal protein nature, adequate preservatives are required in formulations.
• Horse Placenta: This is a liquid extract from special grade New Zealand horses, containing a full level of beneficial protein for the skin. Like the sheep placenta extract, it is free from prohibited hormones and safe for all users. It is used in skincare and mixed in water.
• Pep-Marine Placenta™ (Salmon Ovary Peptide): This ingredient is derived from salmon ovary peptides. Research suggests it offers several topical benefits, including enhanced skin hydration and barrier function, increased collagen production and skin elasticity, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and support for wound healing. It is typically used in anti-aging cosmetics, dissolved in water (avoiding heat), and stored in the refrigerator for long-term preservation.

Reliability and Market Potential

The fact that Placenta extract is recognized as an active ingredient in Japan's Quasi-Drug category for whitening and moisturizing suggests a level of established efficacy and reliability within that regulatory framework. Its widespread use as a cosmetic ingredient globally also indicates perceived benefits by formulators and consumers, particularly in the anti-aging and skin brightening segments.

Different sources like sheep, horse, and marine (salmon ovary peptide) offer variations in composition and potential benefits, catering to diverse product development needs.

Regarding whether it is interesting enough to import and sell, its status as a recognized Quasi-Drug ingredient in a major market like Japan, coupled with the potential benefits highlighted in product descriptions (hydration, elasticity, whitening, anti-aging), suggests there is market interest. However, the decision to import and sell should also consider factors such as sourcing quality material, complying with local regulations (e.g., Thai FDA requirements), and ensuring proper formulation practices, especially concerning preservation for animal-derived ingredients.

In summary, while specific study reliability cannot be assessed here, Placenta extract is a well-known cosmetic ingredient with recognized benefits and market potential, particularly supported by its Quasi-Drug status in Japan for whitening and moisturizing.