The topic of stem cells has generated a lot of buzz.  That is why I was not surprised to get this interesting question from a Vitali customer.

"Is the Vitali Skin Cell Restorative Serum ‘plant-stem,’ and if not, what kind of stem is it?"

Rather than introducing stem cells from other sources, Vitali’s Skin Cell Restorative Serum formulated with GHK-Cu (Copper Peptides)  rejuvenates and optimizes your body’s own stem cells to produce new collagen and elastin in the skin.

Unlike most skincare ingredients, these powerful blue peptides absorb deep into the skin. They penetrate the epidermis and directly induce skin-derived human fibroblasts to increase collagen synthesis and secretion, promote blood vessel growth and increase production of new skin cells. They work to assist your own body in the restoration of your skin.

More about skin care products using stem cells   Stem cells are sold over the counter in creams, serums, and other skincare products. Stem cells for skincare are primarily derived from plants (or occasionally animals).

Stem Cell products can be Allogenic, stem cells of human or animal origin cultivated in a laboratory for the mass production of stem cell-derived active ingredients. These sell as off-the-shelf topical products or intradermal clinical injectables.  

Skincare products with actual human (or, in some cases, animal) cell materials could pose risks. Human or animal cell-conditioned media in a skincare product likely makes it a drug. These could potentially hurt your skin, so talk to your doctor first.

Allogenic stem cells are not to be confused with Autologous stem cells which are follicular and adipose tissue stem cells for hair loss and tissue regeneration and augmentation. These stem cells are collected from the patient and re-administered in a clinical setting.

Plant stem cell-based skincare products are isolated from the stem of certain plants, and their cellular extracts are used as active ingredients in off-the-shelf skin/hair care products. (Resource 1)

Plant stem cells are undifferentiated cells found in the meristems of plants. They can divide to produce more stem cells and become specialized cells. After an injury, these stem cells help to stimulate and regenerate tissue to repair damage in a plant.

In skincare products, an extract of the plant stem cells is used, rather than the actual cells, as the cells would be dead by the time they hit the skin and have no effect. Professional skincare products consist of active derivatives of extracts from plant stem cells and not live plant stem cells.  

While plant stem cell extracts may be effective in fighting the signs of aging, it is important to note that the benefits of plant stem cells come from the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in the extracts – not because plant stem cells are regenerative. Even if active plant stem cells were directly applied to the skin, they would not be able to repair and regenerate human skin like in plants. (Resource 2)  (Resource 3)

On labels, plant stem cells may be called phyto cells, plant extracts, or fruit extracts. Since not all plants have proven efficacy with their stem cells, it is essential to look at where a brand sources its stem cells and if they have clinical trials to back up their claims.

We at Vitali Skin Care believe that the body has an extraordinary ability to heal and that skin can be vibrant and healthy when you provide it with the key ingredients it needs. Through our personal journey in regenerative medicine, we achieved impressive results using safe active ingredients like peptides.