A trial of sheep placenta oil, the science behind its appeal, and what it may signal for the future of skin wellness.

When a bottle of Sheep Placenta Oil from the wildly controversial Deluxe Skin UK landed on our desk, mild shockwaves moved across the office. 

Sheep. Placenta. Oil…What? 

Three words we have never used in the same sentence, and never expected to in fact. Our first reaction was equal parts horror and intrigue, and the second was a firm internal ‘absolutely not’. And yet, curiosity has a way of softening even the strongest skepticism.

Placenta-based skincare is not new, particularly in parts of Asia and New Zealand, but it’s only now beginning to creep into Western conversations around skin wellness rather than beauty alone. 

Sheep placenta extract, we’re told, is rich in amino acids, peptides, proteins and growth factors that may support skin regeneration, hydration and firmness. Still, theory and practice are two very different things so our editor Jen took one for the team.

She said: “Tentatively, I patch-tested. Then I tried it again. And again.

“What surprised me most wasn’t just that my skin didn’t react negatively, it was that it responded. Within days, my complexion looked noticeably more hydrated and plumper. Fine lines appeared softened, my skin felt resilient rather than tight, and there was an unmistakable glow, the kind you usually associate with either a very good facial or a very good night’s sleep.

“The oil itself is lightweight, absorbs quickly and layers well under moisturiser. There’s no heaviness, no lingering residue and, thankfully, no scent that reminds you of its origin story. Instead, it feels like a genuinely well-formulated product, calming, nourishing and quietly effective.”

According to DeLuxe Skin Care, the formula is infused with high-grade sheep placenta extract alongside potent active ingredients, designed to deeply hydrate, firm and refine skin texture while restoring youthful radiance. “And, in my experience, it did exactly that. My skin looked healthier, more vibrant and noticeably more comfortable, particularly during colder days when dehydration usually takes hold.

“That said, the science behind placenta stem cells remains a point of debate. Some dermatology experts argue that the visible benefits attributed to stem cell products may, in fact, come from supporting actives such as peptides, antioxidants and emollients rather than the stem cells themselves. In other words, the placenta may be part of the story, but not necessarily the sole hero. Does that matter? Possibly less than you’d think.

What feels significant here is the shift in how we talk about skincare. This isn’t about miracle cures or extreme beauty trends,  it’s about skin wellness, nourishment, resilience and long-term health. The idea that skincare should work with the skin, not aggressively against it, is gaining momentum, and products like this sit squarely within that conversation.”

So, is sheep placenta oil the future of skincare? Jen adds: “It might not be for everyone and it certainly won’t win over the squeamish overnight. But for those willing to look beyond the initial shock factor, it raises an interesting question: are we entering a new era where unconventional ingredients, backed by thoughtful formulation, redefine what effective skin wellness looks like?

“All I know is this: my skin was promised plump, glowing results, and it delivered. And that’s something I never expected to say about…sheep placenta!”