You never know what will go viral on social media. One such claim is being made about period blood. Influencers are claiming that period blood contains stem cells, cytokines and proteins that repair the skin and give it glow. It sounds like a kind of body-recycling therapy, but is there any scientific basis for it, or is it just social media hype?
What is menstrual masking and why are people doing it?
The trend started on TikTok, where hashtags like #periodfacemask and #menstrualmasking have received millions of views. People apply period blood collected from menstrual cups to their faces for a few minutes and then wash it off, claiming it gives a “natural glow”, and it’s going viral. Some people are also calling it a spiritual ritual, “moon masking,” or a way to connect with your body. But skin experts are calling this DIY trend dangerous.
What is in period blood?
It is important to understand that period blood is not just blood; This is a mixture. It contains:
Blood (RBCs, WBCs)
fragments of the lining of the uterus
Vaginal and cervical fluid
This means that it is not sterilized or cleaned. Applying it directly on the face means spreading bacteria, inflammation and infection in the skin.
Treatments such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) are performed in a medical setting after sterilization and processing. Period blood is completely different – raw, unfiltered and untested. Till date, no scientific study has been able to prove that there is any benefit in applying period blood on the face.
How true are the claims about stem cells?
Period blood contains MenSCs (menstrual blood-derived stem cells), but it is important to note that these stem cells are not used directly from raw period blood, but are isolated, purified, and used in a controlled environment in the lab. Several studies in 2019 and 2021 found that these stem cells can help in wound healing in mice and rats. A 2025 study found that the extracellular vesicles released from them can reduce inflammation. But all of these studies were conducted in a lab setting on purified stem cells, not on raw blood drawn from menstrual cups.
Why does this trend go viral? Bold, taboo-breaking content
Things like “the body can heal itself”
Inexpensive, Homemade Beauty Hacks
But not everything that goes viral is beneficial
Warning from health agencies
Global health agencies like CDC, WHO and UKHSA have already made it clear that there is a risk of infection from human blood. It may contain blood-borne pathogens like HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. According to WHO, handling blood and body fluids requires medical-grade sterilization, which a face mask made in a bathroom can never achieve. Dermatology and Surgery organizations in the UK also warn that uncertified beauty practices can lead to serious bacterial infections. Period blood face mask falls directly into this category of danger.
