Plant Stem Cells
Plant stem cells are rich in antioxidants and can help nourish the skin and protect it against environmental damage. Plant stem cells are generally great for all skin types and aim to support overall skin wellness. This is a great protective, sustainable, and plant-based ingredient to add to your skincare routine.
What is a Plant Stem Cell?
Plant stem cells are naturally occurring unspecified cells within a plant. Just as human stem cells can aid in fighting many diseases and disorders, plant stem cells assist the plant in repairing internal damage. They are on standby, ready to morph into specialized cells as needed.
While plant stem cells cannot morph into human cells in the same way, they assist human cells in their vital processes. Plant stem cells are full of antioxidants, the compounds that protect cells from oxidating and becoming unstable. Plant stem cells also synergistically work with other ingredients to become more effective (1).
Well-known sources of valuable plant stem cells include the Swiss apple and grape, but they can also be extracted from flowers and other plants (1).
How Do Plant Stem Cells Work?
"Plant stem cells show outstanding anti-aging properties, as they can, among other activities, stimulate fibroblasts to synthesize collagen, which, in turn, stimulates skin regeneration (2)."
The potent antioxidants found in plant stem cells essentially work to prevent and heal the two prominent symptoms of skin aging, oxidation, and glycoxidation, by helping the cell remove excess free radicals (2).
Supporting skin cells in their natural process is essential to overall healthy skin. This is because our skin is the outermost organ; it's exposed to elements like UV radiation, pollution, temperature, and toxins. Our skin is highly susceptible to dehydration and diet-induced damage as well.
Applying a high dose of essential antioxidants is an excellent supportive measure. Products containing plant stem cells can benefit those exposed to air pollution and excess UV exposure.
How Are Plant Stem Cells Sustainable?
In short, these cells pack a lot of antioxidants in a tiny ecological footprint. You can make a large batch of products with little plant material.
Plant stem cells are unique because they are easily extracted from various plants (fruits, flowers, etc.) and reproduced in a lab. There is no need to exploit valuable resources like land or water for cosmetic ingredients.
Of course, for a truly “sustainable” product, you'll want to ensure the other ingredients are also low-impact!
The Benefits of Using Plant Stem Cells
It helps to heal pollution or sun-damaged skin
Boost of antioxidants
Supports the overall health of skin cells
Can fight fine lines and wrinkles
Environmentally friendly
Sustainably sourced
Plant Stem Cell Products That We Recommend
I always recommend products based on your particular skin goals and requirements, but for a general recommendation, always choose a more gentle formulation if you are prone to sensitivity, and a professional-grade product, if you're skin is more resilient.
This is great starter product with a natural and nourishing formulation. The Helios Anti-Pollution Youth Ampoule by Earth Harbor Naturals contains apple and cranberry based plant stem cells, and is supported by nourishing pumpkin based fatty acids, hydrating marula, argan and borage oils, antioxidant rich red-algae, and rejuventating calendula oil.
For a more advanced product, there are an array of PCA products that include plant stem cells. For example, the PCA Rejuvenating Serum. It includes grape derived plant stem cells and epidermal growth factor to support fine lines and wrinkles.
Aggarwal, S. 2020. Plant stem cells and their applications: special emphasis on their marketed products. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-020-02247-9
Miastkowska M, Sikora E. Anti-Aging Properties of Plant Stem Cell Extracts. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics5040055