Five Best with Plant Stem Cells 2015

Plant stem cells never age — they are immortal in the sense that they beget new cells (both specialized and unspecialized ones). This is why they are increasingly being used in anti-aging beauty products. Apple stem cells are becoming ubiquitous in serums and newer ones are sprouting up (so to speak) — enough to create a whole new ingredient category and to be featured in some of the most cutting-edge new serums. So here are my picks for the Five Best with plant stem cells.

  • Lumavera Glycolic Night Cream

    Lumavera Glycolic Night Cream ($80 in the shop). This night cream refines pores and exfoliates away fine lines with a 10% glycolic acid base. The secret sauce is Phytocelltec Argan, a plant stem cell derived from the hardy and resistant argan tree. According to the manufacturer, these argan plant stem cells have been shown to protect dermal cells. Expect to find here Lumavera's signature "veggie" blend of plant extracts as well.

    Read the full review and learn about the ingredients

  • BRAD Biophotonic Sublime Gel Cream

    BRAD Biophotonic Sublime Gel Cream ($245 in the shop). The standout is a plant stem cell, but don't expect the ubiquitous apple stem cell here. BRAD's is Globularia Cordifolia Stem Cell Extract, from a kind of daisy. Sederma (the company that makes Matrixyl and other cutting edge anti-aging ingredients) markets this stem cell extract under the name of Resistem and says that it mimics the body's defense produced by "hormesis." This unusual product has retinol, Matrixyl 3000, a tripeptide and amino acids.

    Read the full review and learn about the ingredients

  • Sciote Omni Phyto-Cell Serum

    Sciote Omni Phyto-Cell Serum ($125 in the shop). Sciote combines Resistem, a stem cell from a member of the daisy family (see more above), with Matrixyl 3000. There's also a slew of amino acids. This serum with mostly natural ingredients has reviewers raving about a notable impact on crow's feet, forehead and marionette lines. There's also Sciote's signature Hyalurosmooth, a botanical alternative to hyaluronic acid.

    Read the full review and learn about the ingredients

  • Innarah Line Smoothing Treatment Serum

    Innarah Line Smoothing Treatment Serum ($175 in the shop). This serum actually does what it says on the tin. Apple stem cells are the key feature. As is Innarah's signature ingredient, apolactoferrin a kind of pack mule that carries vital minerals to cells and is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

    Read the full review and learn about the ingredients

  • Juice Beauty's Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer

    Juice Beauty's Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer ($65 in the shop). This anti-aging moisturizer uses stem cells taken from apple and grape buds and lemon bark, and apple in a base of grape and lemon juices. There is plenty of shea butter and jojoba. Aging skin will appreciate the essential fatty acids from evening primrose, linseed (flax) and borage.

    Read the full review and learn about the ingredients