Plant stem cells: Beauty science inspired by nature

Plant stem cells stand at the center of many of the most exciting developments in advanced cosmetic science. Today, cutting-edge biotechnology initiatives looking at plant stem cells are unveiling new opportunities for increasing the sustainability and efficacy of natural cosmetic ingredients, building an eternal source of active molecules due to the self-renewal power of the dedifferentiated cells (stem cells) inside the suspension culture. 

Stem cells are found in all multicellular organisms. However, plant regeneration at the cellular and tissue level is a unique process, which involves the stem cells in plants stimulating and regenerating plants after injury. This represents an extraordinary process that allows plants to reproduce through self-renewal and also have the ability to generate differentiated cells. 

The unique properties of plant stem cells have recently been of interest and focus of scientific research, and cosmetic science is no exception. While some breakthrough papers are opening new doors for advancing agriculture processes thanks to them, research for employing plant stem cells in skin care is unveiling exciting new developments, including the first plant stem cells collection of natural ingredients by Provital.

Plant stem cells and biocosmetics: a new era for  natural skin care

Plant stem cells are the source of the organism’s growth and development, an understanding that is leading the way of today’s most promising biocosmetics and biotechnology initiatives. 

This aligns with new movements in consumer demands. As new types of more conscious and informed consumers emerge, beauty brands and cosmetic science are responding with more transparency and claims related to sustainability. 

For instance, a key finding from Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD) is that “between January to July 2023, ethical and environmental claims featured on over half of UK BPC product launches”, as published by the specialist market intelligence agency. Along the same lines, the Clean Beauty Survey 2023 by CleanHub discovered that 63% of respondents look for “products with natural ingredients that are good for their skin and the planet.”

In this context, plant stem cells and nature itself are providing some crucial answers thanks to advanced cosmetic science developments that put sustainability at the forefront. This is the case of research initiatives looking at how plant stem cells facilitate the use of by-products and facilitate the increase in diversity for new natural ingredients that go beyond conventional formulations.

Plant stem cells and skin engineering: the rise of hi-tech beauty for well-aging

Skin or tissue engineering is a biomedical engineering discipline that has advanced greatly over the last 30 years. It uses a combination of cell research, engineering, material methods and biochemical factors to restore, maintain, improve, or replace different types of biological tissues.

An example within the well-aging movement provides a glimpse in the areas where plant stem cells research is proving extraordinarily revolutionary.

The biological processes of our body slow down as we age, and our skin is not an exception. Over time, the skin loses its smoothness and silkiness. Signs of aging, such as diminishing elasticity, wrinkles and the structure of the microrelief that becomes anisotropic, make the dermis lose density. Fibroblasts lose part of their functionality by reducing their capacity to proliferate and collagen and elastin fibers become scarce and disordered. The consequence of this is that the extracellular matrix becomes disorganized and unstable, which is the main cause behind visible aging signs.

This is where plant stem cells come in. More specifically, orange stem cells have been found to be able to play a role in organizing, restoring and redensifying the inner structure of skin, making it look younger. 

These cells are the components of Citrustem™. Obtained from orange stem cells, the ingredient pushes sustainability to the front, as it relies on generating suspension cultures that transform into an eternal source of active molecules used for the generation of this biotechnological ingredient. As such, Citrustem™ represents a key ally for meeting current consumer preoccupations, as it doesn’t depend on orange natural availability and greatly reduces water consumption related to the ingredient’s production.

In vitro tests show that Citrustem™ increases the synthesis of key genes which improve extracellular matrix structure: collagen VI, elastin and ADAMTS2. It also boosts the proliferation of fibroblasts and thus keeps the dermal integrity on a high level.

After using Citrustem for only 2 months, the dermis looks more organized and the skin looks younger. The ingredient thus presents a global anti-aging effect, where the skin is firmer and softer, wrinkles are less visible. The result is the overall appearance is renewed so that skin has elasticity levels that can go back 12 years. 

Citrustem™ is just one of the revolutionary CareActives™ developed by Provital and based on the self-renewal power of plant stem cells. A key movement for cosmetic science that helps brands meet conscious consumers where they are and initiate a new era for sustainable beauty.