Phytocell Tec Malus Domestica Apple Stem Cells

What Is PhytoCellTec Malus Domestica?

PhytoCellTec Malus Domestica is a plant stem cell extract made by Mibelle Biochemistry in Switzerland from the Uttwiler Spätlauber, a rare Swiss apple variety prized for keeping fresh long after picking. The apple's stem cells are grown in cell culture, then broken open and packaged in a liposome (a tiny lecithin sphere). In skincare it is used at 2 to 5% to help the look of crow's feet and fine lines and to support the look of firmer, fresher skin, especially around the eyes.

PhytoCellTec Quick Facts

How PhytoCellTec Works on the Skin

Plant stem cells do not turn into human skin cells. What the extract delivers is the mix of compounds the apple's stem cells use to stay vital, packaged in liposomes so it spreads evenly into the outer skin. Mibelle's research focused on the skin's own stem cells in the lower epidermis, which help keep the skin surface renewed and smooth over time.

Lab findings (supplier data)

In a 2009 article, Daniel Schmid of Mibelle Biochemistry reported lab tests on human epidermal progenitor cells (the young cells that renew the skin's surface). Adding just 0.04% of the apple stem cell ingredient increased the cells' colony-forming ability by up to 100% compared with cells grown without it. Mibelle also lists lab findings on maintaining 3D skin models and on fibroblast vitality. These are supplier lab results, not results on faces.

Human study (supplier data)

In the same supplier study, 20 women aged 37 to 64 applied a cream with 2% PhytoCellTec Malus Domestica to the crow's feet area twice a day for 4 weeks. Wrinkle depth, measured with a PRIMOS 3D skin imaging system, was 8% lower at 2 weeks and 15% lower at 4 weeks. It was run and published by the supplier rather than in an independent peer-reviewed journal, so read it as supplier data.

How to Use PhytoCellTec

• Usage rate: 2 to 5%. For most skin, use the top of the range: 5%, or 45 drops in 1 fluid ounce (30 ml), using the house rate of 9 drops = 1% per fluid ounce.
• When to add: add to the water phase of a serum or to a lotion or cream after it has cooled below 40°C (104°F). Liposomes do not like high heat or strong shear, so stir gently rather than high-speed blending.
• pH: keep the finished product in a skin-friendly range of about pH 5 to 7.
• Pairings: works well with hyaluronic acid, amino acid sequences such as Argireline and Matrixyl, and antioxidants. Avoid mixing it straight into high-alcohol toners, which can break down liposomes.
• Storage: cap tightly and keep refrigerated after opening, in the blue glass bottle away from light.

Simple apple stem cell serum boost

1. Pour 1 fluid ounce (30 ml) of your favorite unscented water-based serum or lotion into a clean bowl or bottle.
2. Add 45 drops (5%) of PhytoCellTec Malus Domestica.
3. Stir or shake gently until even. Apply morning and night to the face, neck, and the outer eye area.
4. Use within the shelf life of the base product and keep it cool.

Our video guide on how to add a serum booster shows the method step by step.

Who PhytoCellTec Suits

PhytoCellTec is a good fit for mature skin, for crow's feet and the eye area, and for anyone who wants a gentle, plant-based ingredient for the look of fine lines. It is well tolerated by most skin types.

Sensitive skin: patch test on the inner arm for 24 hours and start at the lowest rate, 2% (18 drops per fluid ounce), then work up to 5% over a few weeks. The standard version contains lecithin; a lecithin-free version exists for people who avoid it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do apple stem cells work on human skin?

The apple cells do not become human cells. The extract supplies compounds that, in supplier lab tests, supported the vitality of human skin progenitor cells. In a 20-person supplier study, a 2% cream was linked to 15% lower crow's feet wrinkle depth after 4 weeks.

How much apple stem cell extract should I use?

Mibelle recommends 2 to 5%. That is 18 to 45 drops per fluid ounce at the house rate of 9 drops = 1%. Use 5% for most skin and start at 2% for sensitive skin.

How long does it take to see results from apple stem cells?

In the supplier study, measured wrinkle depth was 8% lower at 2 weeks and 15% lower at 4 weeks of twice-daily use. Consistent daily use matters more than a high single dose.

Can I use PhytoCellTec with retinol or peptides?

Yes. It pairs well with amino acid sequences and with retinol or bakuchiol products. Add it to the water-based product rather than to an oil.

Can I use apple stem cells around the eyes?

Yes. The supplier's human study measured results on crow's feet, the outer eye area. Keep products out of the eyes themselves.

Why does PhytoCellTec need refrigeration?

Cooling helps keep the liposomes and the active compounds stable and fresh after the bottle is opened. Store it capped, in its blue glass bottle, away from light.

Shop PhytoCellTec Apple Stem Cells

Add PhytoCellTec Malus Domestica Apple Stem Cells to your own serum, or try it ready-made in the Wrinkle Eraser Supercharged Peptide Serum and the other products in this collection below. For the bigger picture on plant stem cells, see our plant stem cells glossary and plant stem cells for skin guide.

Sources

• Schmid D. Stimuli for skin stem cells for real skin rejuvenation. Household and Personal Care Today. 2009;(1):26-28. Mibelle Biochemistry (supplier data). PDF
• Mibelle Biochemistry, PhytoCellTec Malus Domestica Skin product page: INCI, usage level 2 to 5%, versions (supplier data). mibellebiochemistry.com

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About the Author
Written by Kari Thomas, cosmetic formulator and founder of Skin Perfection.