Over the last few years, there has been an extraordinary amount of controversy and ongoing debate on TIA regarding the efficacy of stem cells, both human and plant derived. However, successful results from use of certain products have earned stem cells enough credibility to prompt a Five Best stem cell serums from Marta. Amongst plant stem cells, the Swiss apple has emerged as the trendiest in anti-aging skincare as the alternative to human conditioned media. Known as malus domestica, the apple extract is derived from the rare species, Uttwiler Spätlauber.

A quick search on TIA revealed that malus domestica is included in formulations even when it is not claimed to be the star of the product. However, in Lather’s Swiss Apple Wrinkle Remedy ($62 in the shop), malus domestica is indeed the star ingredient. According to Lather, a study performed by Mibelle Biochemistry, makers of PhytoCellTec Malus Domestica, a 2% topical application of the apple extract reduced wrinkle depth by 15% in 100% of the subjects after four weeks of daily use. By stimulating aging human stem cells, the extract increased the longevity of skin cells and decreased the signs of aging. Lather’s serum is formulated with 5% of the apple extract, versus the study’s 2%.

Moreover, an article published in the International Journal for Applied Science demonstrated increased viability of cells cultured with the apple extract when exposed to UV radiation. Hence, not only do apple stem cells preserve skin vitality, they also purport to protect from sun damage! Interestingly, according to Cosmetics Design Europe, Mibelle Biochemistry conducted both in vitro and in vivo tests of the ingredient, which are cultured in a laboratory as the trees that yield the fruit are so rare. As a fascinating aside, another application of malus domestica is its apparent ability to delay the aging of hair follicles.

Lather’s Swiss Apple Wrinkle Remedy is a light serum comprised of only thirteen ingredients. But it gets better – I happened to note that the formulation is remarkably similar to the formulation used in the clinical study. Soybean oil, a natural emollient and moisturizer is used as a phospholipid in Lather’s formulation. However, as many people experience soy allergies, use of any soy product should be used with caution if there are known allergies. Lather’s serum also includes niacinamide which, when applied topically, has been shown to decrease hyperpigmentation and prevent skin from losing water content. There is also moisture-locking sodium hyaluronate. I rather like the packaging for Wrinkle Remedy as well. The serum comes in a pump with a twist top – no cap to lose! I keep the pump in the refrigerator and it feels light and refreshing upon application without any stickiness.

From what I understand, Mibelle Biochemistry is the sole manufacturer of PhytoCellTec Malus Domestica. Hence, any skincare company using Swiss apple stem cells is likely using the exact same ingredient found in Lather’s Swiss Apple Wrinkle Remedy. Many apple stem cell products can easily run over $300; thus, Lather’s Wrinkle Remedy, at $62, is an excellent buy!

Ingredients: purified water (aqua), soja glycine (phospholipids), malus domestica fruit cell culture, sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide, glycerine, lecithin, xanthan gum, phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, ethylhexylglycerin, alanine, proline.