I don’t know about you, but my bullsh*t detector just exploded. Plant stem cells as age-defying makeup creams? Seriously? Have we reached the point where we’re so enraptured with the possibility of human stem cell technologies that we’ll buy anything with ‘stem cells’ in the product name? Look below for some pics, video, and plenty discussion about the outrageous hype surrounding these ‘miracle products.’
.Human stem cell treatments already have socio-political turmoil surrounding them, we don’t really need more. Along with the original debate surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells, there’s controversy surrounding access to experimental new stem cell therapies. Every day there’s a publication containing promising new information on stem cell treatments for illnesses and injuries. Unsurprisingly the promise surrounding the blossoming science has fueled demand for such treatments to be available as soon as possible. Some can’t wait for regulatory agencies (like the FDA) to approve these technologies so they pursue them in unregulated locations around the globe via medical tourism. That is a trend that many in the field of stem cell research oppose. It’s a mess.
And now we have to add cosmetics into the fray. Companies like Eclos claim that using plant stem cell extracts will stimulate the growth of human skin stem cells, leading to a reduction in wrinkle depth, and healthier appearance. In short, they are selling you stem cells (plant stem cells, mind you!) as a cure for aging. Eclos is far from alone, there are many more doing much the same: Lancome/Nordstrom, Lather, Dr. Brandt Skincare,Emerge StemCell Skincare…the list goes on and on.
[image credits: Eclos, Lather]
[sources: SOFW, websites as linked in text]
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