There seems to be a new bizarre beauty trend online every week. One day it’s people eating tissue paper to ‘lose weight,’ and the next, it’s something even more unusual. The latest trend taking over Instagram and TikTok is called ‘menstrual masking’ and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like.
Influencers are applying their own period blood on their faces as a DIY face mask, claiming it gives them glowing, healthy skin. They say menstrual blood is packed with stem cells, proteins, and cytokines that help repair skin and calm inflammation. Some even call it “nature’s retinol.” Videos of people swiping period blood across their cheeks and letting it dry like a regular face mask have gone viral, drawing millions of views.
But as with most viral beauty hacks, the reality is much more complicated than what shows up on your feed.
What the science actually says about menstrual masking
There is scientific research on menstrual blood, just not in the way social media claims. A study published by the National Library of Medicine found that menstrual fluid–derived plasma can help with tissue repair and wound healing. In the study, scientists tested menstrual blood–derived stem cells on wounds and found impressive results. The wounds healed faster, developed new blood vessels, and even showed healthier collagen.
But here’s the part TikTok skips. These stem cells were purified, processed, and used in a sterile medical environment. Researchers used controlled methods, special equipment, and strict procedures.
Nothing about the process was DIY. Nothing involved scooping blood out of a menstrual cup and rubbing it on someone’s face. So yes, menstrual blood has biological properties. But that doesn’t make it a safe or effective skincare ingredient at home.
The real risks of menstrual masking no one talks about
Period blood is not sterile. It contains blood, uterine tissue, vaginal fluids, hormones and microorganisms. As the fluid travels through the vaginal canal, it can pick up bacteria and fungi such as Staphylococcus aureus. On the skin, especially skin with active acne, cuts, or tiny micro-tears from exfoliating, this can cause infections.
Doctors warn that using raw menstrual blood can lead to bacterial infections, breakouts, irritation, dermatitis, and even a disrupted skin barrier.
Dr. Melissa Hartwell, a New York–based board-certified dermatologist, says,“Menstrual blood is not sterile. When you apply it directly to your face, you’re exposing your skin to bacteria and microorganisms that can irritate or infect the skin. It’s simply not designed to be used as skincare.”
And because there’s no medical guideline for menstrual masking, people don’t know how much to use, how long to leave it on, or how often to repeat it. That makes the trend even riskier.
‘It’s not the same as a vampire facial’
Influencers who are following the menstrual masking trend, often compare it to the famous “vampire facial,” the cosmetic treatment celebrities like Kim Kardashian made popular. But the two procedures are completely different.
A vampire facial uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is drawn from a patient’s own blood and processed in a sterile environment. The plasma is then injected into the skin using fine needles. The procedure is safe because it’s done by trained professionals under medical-grade conditions.
Menstrual blood, on the other hand, is a mix of blood, tissue, and vaginal secretions. It is not processed or sterilised. It can carry bacteria or even sexually transmitted infections. Dermatologists say comparing PRP to menstrual blood is misleading and potentially dangerous.
One is a clinical treatment. The other is a social media DIY trend.
Body-based beauty isn’t always safe
Menstrual masking is not the only beauty trend involving body fluids. There’s also “urine therapy,” which some people swear by for acne or rashes. This idea has roots in old Ayurvedic practices, but modern dermatology does not support it. While urine contains urea, an ingredient in moisturisers, the amount in raw urine is very low and not the same as the purified version used in skincare.
These trends often sit at the crossroads of cultural beliefs, personal rituals, and internet pseudoscience. For some, using period blood feels empowering and symbolic. But symbolism and safety aren’t the same thing.
There is no denying that menstrual blood contains biologically rich ingredients. Science has shown that menstrual stem cells can promote healing — but only when purified and used in controlled medical settings.
Using raw period blood as a face mask is not something dermatologists support. It can be all about following a trend and gaining followers but it can also expose the skin to harmful bacteria and lead to irritation or infections.
As with most viral trends, it’s important to separate what feels meaningful from what is medically safe. Menstrual masking may be trending today, but from a health perspective, it’s a beauty experiment better avoided and definitely not something to try in your bathroom.