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Viral trend on social media

It’s sometimes uncertain what will become a trend on social media. Recently, a new claim has come to light regarding period blood. Influencers say that this blood contains stem cells, cytokines and proteins, which help in reviving the skin and making it glow. It seems like a type of body-recycling therapy, but is there any scientific evidence behind it, or is it just a social media fad?

Menstrual masking: a new trend

The trend started on TikTok, where hashtags like #periodfacemask and #menstrualmasking have garnered millions of views. People apply period blood collected from menstrual cups on their face for some time and after washing it off, they report experiencing a ‘natural glow’. Some consider it a spiritual ritual, ‘moon masking’ or a way to connect with your body. However, dermatologists consider this DIY trend dangerous.

Composition of period blood

It is important to know that period blood is not just blood, but it is a mixture of many elements. These include:

Blood (RBCs, WBCs)
fragments of the lining of the uterus
Vaginal and cervical fluid
This means that it is not cleaned or sterilized. Applying it directly on the face can cause bacteria, inflammation and spread of infection in the skin.

Treatments such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) are performed in a medical setting after sterilization and processing. Whereas period blood is raw, unfiltered and untested. Till now no scientific study has been able to prove that there is any benefit in applying period blood on the face.

Stem cells claim

Period blood contains MenSCs (menstrual blood-derived stem cells), but it is important that these are not used directly from raw blood. These are isolated, purified, and used in a controlled laboratory environment. Several studies in 2019 and 2021 show that these stem cells can help with wound healing in mice and rats. A study in 2025 found that extracellular vesicles released from these can reduce inflammation. But all of these studies were based on purified stem cells, not raw blood taken from menstrual cups.

Due to viral trend

Why does this trend go viral? Some of the reasons behind this are bold and taboo-breaking content, statements like “the body can heal itself”, and cheap, at-home beauty hacks. But whatever goes viral is not always beneficial.

Health agencies warn

Global health agencies like CDC, WHO and UKHSA have already clarified that there is a risk of infection from human blood. It may contain blood-borne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. According to WHO, handling blood and body fluids requires medical-grade sterilization, which face masks made in bathrooms can never achieve. The Dermatology and Surgery Organization in the UK also warns that uncertified beauty practices can lead to serious bacterial infections. Period blood face masks fall directly into this category of danger.