Stemuderm
Is the fountain of youth actually an apple?
Stemuderm Overview
Solvaderm, the self-proclaimed skin science company, says their new product, Stemuderm, offers professional-strength anti-wrinkle treatment at a fraction of the cost of prescription or surgical solutions.
Stemuderm is a concentrated formula crafted to improve the skin’s elasticity, improving the visible signs of aging over 12 weeks. It harnesses the power of stem cells, specifically those from a rare Swiss apple, prized for its rejuvenative powers. Stemuderm combines those stem cells with peptides and moisturizers for a revolutionary new approach to fighting wrinkles.
A Closer Look at Stemuderm
Can this be the solution we have been looking for all this time? While Solvaderm is nothing but positive about their proclamations, a discerning eye can see that there are a few questions left unanswered. While Stemuderm has been clinically tested, those tests were conducted in-house by maker, Solvaderm, which leaves room for bias. Also, Solvaderm notes in fine print on the website that their key ingredient has not been tested by the FDA for efficacy, so the only information we have to rely on it that which comes directly from the company manufacturing and selling the product.
There are other wrinkle-fighters listed in the ingredients too, namely a handful of peptides and hyaluronic acid, which will help with skin smoothness and plumpness. There’s also Jojoba oil, which is known for its moisturizing power, along with other natural fruit and nut extracts. But with all of these excellent ingredients, why does it take three entire months to see results? Particularly when there are products on the shelves which claim to do the same thing in two weeks or less?
Positives
- Paraben free
- Perfume free
- Can reduce wrinkle depth
- May help firm skin and discourage sagging
Negatives
- FDA has not tested key ingredients for efficacy
- Some ingredients are not ecologically sustainable
- Questionable quality of some ingredients
- No outside testing completed
- Much slower acting than much of the market products
Stemuderm Ingredients
Stemuderm has a relatively short ingredient list when compared to other similar products. It focuses and relies mostly on the key ingredient for which is it named, Malus Domestica Apple Stem Cell Cultures. However, upon inspecting the label, this touted ingredient is almost last on the list, meaning it makes up one of the smallest percentages of the final product. That means this serum is chock full of other stuff that makes up the majority. Some of it is complimentary, while other ingredients are questionable, especially in larger amounts.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
This oily wax from the Jojoba shrub is incredibly similar to the protective layer of human skin. It is hypoallergenic and noninflammatory, as well as readily absorbable, making it an ideal choice for dry, cracked skin. It is often made into a butter or cream, or included as an additive to such products, thanks to its natural properties of healing and rejuvenation. It’s shelf stable without a need for preservatives, and an all-around fantastic ingredient for any number of applications. 1
Squalane
Not to be confused from Squalene, from which it is derived, Squalane is a lab-created, shelf-stable version of the former. Squalene is produced naturally by our sebaceous glands, the little oil-makers tucked beside every hair on our skin. Squalene is responsible for creating the skin’s natural barrier against the outside world, and Squalane has been created to mimic and enhance that barrier. Squalene can be found in large amounts in shark livers, and many cosmetic companies harvest their sources from there, though a shift towards plant-based Squalene alternatives is on the rise. 2
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Derived from petroleum, this mix of mineral oils (hydrocarbons) is used mostly as an emollient and thickening agent in beauty products. There is little other information required to be provided about C13-14 Isoparaffin, which can be concerning considering the petroleum it is derived from can have impurities which could lead the end product to have carcinogen properties. As long as manufacturers use high-quality petroleum in the refining process, the result is safe and nontoxic, but there is no way to know as the petroleum purity is not a requirement on the label.
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture
This fruit cell is a bit different from most other extracts commonly found in beauty and wrinkle-prevention products. It comes from a rare Swiss apple with an extraordinarily long life span and powerful rejuvenative properties. These stem cells help preserve a youthful appearance and combat common aging signs. It protects the stem cells in human skin while encouraging new cell growth as well.
Full List of Ingredients
Purified Water (Aqua), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, Laureth-7, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Polyacrylamide, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-3, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-1, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide -7, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Directions: How to Use Stemuderm
Solvaderm recommends using this product alongside the rest of their skincare system for best results. To use, first wash and cleanse face with warm water and mild soap. Pump a small amount of product onto fingertips and massage into the skin of the face, neck, and décolleté, taking care to avoid contact with eyes. This product is to be used twice daily, though Solvaderm advises that those with more sensitive skin may need to begin with once every other day applications and slowly build usage.
The Final Word on Stemuderm
While this product has excellent ingredients and a solid scientific foundation, there are a few additives which make it shy of perfect. The research on their alleged key ingredient is not yet entirely proven to work, and may not be any time soon. Their backup ingredients are solid, but consumers could pay less for a different product with the same ingredients, without the apple flavor. Stemuderm might be the apple of Solaverm’s eye, but it would be wise to consider taking another walk around the garden before getting a bite for yourself.
If you are interested in more beauty and skin care tips and tricks, take a look at our other reviews! To see what skin care products we recommend, see the chart below.
References:
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