Plant stem cells suggest great potential for the anti-aging cosmetics market.
Scientific studies have paid more and more attention to the capacity of plant stem cells to synthesise collagen and stimulate skin regeneration, making plant stem cell extracts a hot topic in revolutionary and innovative skincare formulations.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are found in plant and animal organisms. They differ from other cells by their abilities to continuously multiply and grow and their role in the growth and repair of damaged tissues.
PhytoCellTec™ Alp Rose came from the stem cells of alpine rose leaves.
PhytoCellTec Solar Vitis is a powder based on the stem cells of a rare red-flesh grape tolerant to solid UV radiation.
PhytoCellTec Argan is a powder based on the argan tree stem cells, one of the oldest tree species in the world.
Plant stem cells are often found in shoots and roots. These stem cells divide throughout the plant's life, forming the connective tissues that makeup leaves, stems, flowers and seeds.
Plant stem cells are reproduced in vitro (in glass in a lab) for cosmetic purposes. Technicians select the plant part, cut the plant and move stem cells to plates. These cells then grow in a liquid environment and controlled conditions. This produces stem cell extracts that are safe for the human body, environmentally friendly and significantly do not interfere with the natural habitats of plants.
Plant stem cells are susceptible to light and temperature. In cosmetic products, stem cells are used as oil-soluble and water-soluble extracts, powdered extracts or suspensions.
What do plant stem cell extracts do in cosmetics?
Plant stem cell extracts contribute to several cosmetic effects, such as:
extending the life of the connective tissue cells that produce the structural framework for skin and muscle
increasing skin flexibility and suppleness
regulating cell division for smoother complexions
rebuilding damaged skin
activating DNA repair of the cells when cells are exposed to UV or oxidative stress
protecting against UV radiation
Which plant stem cells have anti-aging effects?
The best stem cell extracts are obtained from plants that produce seeds or fruit that stay fresh for a long time. Scientists also consider a plant's ability to heal itself or other plants in challenging environmental situations.
Apple stem cell extracts have shown significant anti-wrinkle effects, with wrinkles being shallowed by 8% after two weeks and 15% after four weeks of use on 20 people. Similar results have been seen in argan stem cell extracts.
Glycerin extracts from ginger stem cells have also demonstrated remarkable effects in clinical studies. Twenty-two women used ginger leaf stem cell extracts and recorded pore reduction by 50% and mattifying (reduction of skin oils and sebum) by 19% after 28 days.
One of the most potent aging process inhibitors is kinetin, a plant hormone central to plant growth. Kinetin occurs in the stem cells of many plants, including the Australian pine tree, ginger grass, lemon and raspberry. Kinetin is a potent natural antioxidant that enables cells to remove excess free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative stress.