In recent months, the spotlight has shifted to the origin of ingredients used in frown line treatments and cosmetic fillers, especially those containing substances derived from humans. Regulatory frameworks exist, yet Revance-an industry leader-has highlighted a major oversight: the regulatory and public knowledge gaps surrounding human-sourced components. As an inevitable result, some manufacturers promote their products without fully addressing or disclosing where these ingredients come from.
Human-Derived Ingredients: Present but Overlooked
At the Jefferies Healthcare Conference, Mark Foley, CEO of Revance, emphasized that manny consumers are unaware their wrinkle-relaxing treatments and fillers can be made with materials originally sourced from human tissue. These so-called “human-derived” or ”allogeneic” inputs are not rare in aesthetic medicine. They may appear in various injectables, including dermal fillers and neurotoxins, with components like plasma, placental tissue, or amniotic fluid, depending on the brand and product formulation.
Regulatory Standards Focus on Safety, Not Always ingredient Source
Revance points out that while U.S. (and EU) regulations mandate firm safety protocols, they often do not specify or require full disclosure of whether an ingredient is of synthetic, animal, or human origin. Foley noted that many approvals fail to address this distinction, allowing products using human tissues to pass scrutiny without detailed explanation. This regulatory blind spot makes it difficult for practitioners and buyers to track the origin of ingredients used by different brands.
Limited Awareness Among Consumers and Providers
Another concern lies in the level of details available to both patients and healthcare professionals. According to independent consumer research in 2023, less than 25% of individuals receiving cosmetic injectables had any knowledge of ingredient source. Information about human-derived content is rarely publicized in product literature, meaning clients are often not fully informed before making treatment decisions. This transparency gap limits consumers’ ability to make choices that align with their values or safety preferences.
DAXXIFY: A synthetic-Only Alternative
Revance developed DAXXIFY-a neuromodulator that stands apart by containing no animal or human-derived substances. Their formulation relies entirely on synthetic peptides and technology. This makes DAXXIFY distinct among a field where some treatments still include components from natural tissue. For individuals seeking purely vegan, synthetic, or contamination-conscious products, this option addresses a growing demand for transparency and ethical sourcing in aesthetics.
why Ingredient Transparency is Increasingly Crucial
The demand for ingredient transparency is rising as consumers pay closer attention to what goes into aesthetic treatments. Some patients want to avoid material from animal or human sources for personal, ethical, or medical reasons. Others express concern about disease transmission or religious restrictions. According to the European Medicines Agency, material tracking and clear disclosure build confidence in both patients and clinics. Open information also helps clinics fulfill their responsibilities to advise clients clearly and professionally.
Raising the Bar for Informed Choices
As the discussion around human-derived ingredients intensifies, ingredient sourcing in cosmetic injectables will likely become a more prominent topic across the industry. More brands may move toward explicit labeling and clear communication. this shift can support both consumer trust and regulatory compliance. With growing attention from companies like Revance, the days of being uncertain about what’s in cosmetic injections may soon fade, giving people a firmer grasp on what’s being placed beneath their skin.
