
Plants have existed for centuries. They are a crucial part to the ecosystem. We rely on plants as much as they rely on us. We need them to survive and thrive, whether by ingesting them or by using them topically, because before there were skin care products there were plants. When naturally grown in their original habitat or habitat of origin, during the appropriate seasons, climate and under the right conditions plants contain a wealth of nutrients that benefit the skin. Which brings us to the reason we are here: plant stem cells.
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Plants have existed for centuries. They are a crucial part to the ecosystem. We rely on plants as much as they rely on us. We need them to survive and thrive, whether by ingesting them or by using them topically, because before there were skin care products there were plants. When naturally grown in their original habitat or habitat of origin, during the appropriate seasons, climate and under the right conditions plants contain a wealth of nutrients that benefit the skin. Which brings us to the reason we are here: plant stem cells.
The botanical name for plant stem cells is meristematic cells, which are extracted from the explant and used for cosmetic applications. Explants are a fragment of plant tissue that is used as a "starting" material for plant tissue culture. These can be petals, roots, leaf, or shoot fragments. The shoot fragment is the most exposed part of a plant, and it holds the most concentrated, potent nutrients, which is the reason that is it most popular explant to extract. In skin care, meristematic culture is used for many benefits including, but not limited to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging.
Plant stem cells are celebrated for their regenerative capabilities. They are activated in response to an injury, a wound or trauma and are involved in growth and repair processes in the skin. They serve as the origin of plant vitality and can create all differentiated types of cells, and have the super power to propagate or self-renew.
Plant stem cells also promote cross-communication between cells, which increases antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and cell preservation benefits.
Related: Talking Stem Cells
Good Manufacturing Practices
The best results in skin care products will come from sourcing meristematic cells from high quality manufacturers in the world. Reputable manufacturers have developed and mastered plant stem cell technology. These cosmetic active ingredients must also be used at recommended concentration levels for optimum efficacy in the skin.
The manufacturing process of plant stem cells is intricate to ensure that the integrity of the end-product is intact and of the highest quality. Plant stem cells also need to be cultivated in the appropriate medium under the right conditions. The manufacturing process undergoes many steps. The journey begins with wounding the plant material, harvesting, cultivating, transferring into a suspension, cultivating all the way through to packaging and quality control.
Factors That Affect the Quality of Plant Stem Cells:
- The health of the explant
- The type of manufacturing processes
- Absence of pathogenic germs
- Absence of, or unavoidable traces of heavy metals
- No polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are used in the production process or expected to form during the manufacturing process
- No phthalates are present
- Pesticide-free
- No contaminants, impurities or biproducts that can cause cancer or reproductive toxicity, unless non-intended technically unavoidable traces regarding good manufacturing processes
- Contains no preservatives
- Storage
Key Plant Stem Cells and Their Benefits
- Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract (Apple). UV protection and anti-aging properties; promotes longevity of skin stem cells; improves fine lines and wrinkles.
- Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture (Edelweiss). Strengthening and healing to the skin’s barrier; protects and regenerates skin tissue; promotes collagen production; an antioxidant to protect against free radical damage.
- Eryngium Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate (Sea Holly). Fortifies the extracellular matrix for firmer skin; regulates epidermal growth; reduces inflammation.
- Jasminoides Meristem Cell Culture (Gardenia). Anti-aging properties that inhibit the degradation of collagen; boosts the synthesis of collage; improves elasticity and minimizes wrinkles.
- Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Callus Culture Extract (Orange). Inhibits the breakdown of collagen; boosts cellular structure, improving elasticity; minimizes wrinkles.
- Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate (Sea Fennel). Skin lightening properties to brighten skin and promote even complexion; promotes deep hydration; wound healing prosperities.
- Rhododendron Ferrugineum Leaf Cell Culture Extract (Alpine Rose). Increases the vitality of epidermal stem cells and protects them against UV-induced stress; reduction of trans epidermal water loss (TEWL); has anti-wrinkle effects; protects skin stem cells; helps the skin to cope with climate changes.
- Lilium Candidum Leaf Cell Extract (Madonna Lilly). Impedes the transfer of melanin from melanocyte to the keratinocyte; brightens and evens out skin tone; absorbs UV rays in a similar fashion as a chemical sunscreen.
- Syringa Vulgaris Leaf Cell Culture Extract (Lilac). Protects the skin from environmental and microbial damage; anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness and acne-causing bacteria.
- Buddleja Davidii Meristem Cell Culture (Butterfly Bush). Builds and repairs damaged tissue; promotes a sturdy collagen network by strengthening peptide bonds for firmness; a potent antioxidant to protect against free radical damage; antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe the skin; stimulates lipid growth promoting healthy skin.
Getting Results From Plant Stem Cells
For optimum results, plant stem cells need to be encapsulated and transported to their designated destination using delivery systems to effectively penetrate the skin at maximum concentrations. Delivery systems protect active ingredients, such as plant stem cells, from degrading and keep them stable in route to their targeted site in the deeper layers of the skin. Once they reach the site, they are released to do the work that they were created for. Some delivery systems have time-release capabilities for sustained results.
Prior to incorporating products with plant stem cells in the treatment room, it is important to consider contraindications, allergies and sensitivities that clients and patients might have. When in doubt, conduct a patch test before recommending products for home care or for professional use.
Plant stem cells have incredible benefits in the skin care industry to promote healthy skin. They are known not to cause irritation and are safe for all skin types, skin conditions and Fitzpatrick skin types when used at recommended concentrations in formulations.
Sam Dhatt is a world-renowned chemist, as well as the founder, CEO and lead chemist of DermaQuest Clinical. He has been at the vanguard of skin chemistry for decades. Dhatt graduated with an MS in Chemistry from GND University in Amritsar, India and an MBA in Marketing and Finance from Poona University in India.