FSS Phyto-Biotics Saffron

INCI: Aqua & Crocus Sativus Meristem Cell Extract & Lactobacillus Ferment

Use Levels: 1.0% - 10.0%

Solubility: Water Soluble 

Appearance: Clear to Slightly Hazy Liquid

pH: 3.5 - 5.5

BACKGROUND

The demand for stem cell technologies has grown exponentially in the last decade. Trending specifically in the cosmetic market, current stem cell technologies utilize Meristematic cells, non-differentiating plant stem cells from simple cell extract, with no specific activity. To propel beyond the current offering on the market, we opted to use biotic stress to promote the formation of secondary metabolites. This novel approach induces cellular differentiation and provides formulators with the ability to finely customize formulations, specify activity and skin benefits while offering brand distinction.

Saffron-themed personal care products capitalize on the specific activity of the phenolic compounds, such as Gallic Acid, which are naturally present in the spice. These compounds provide the cosmetic market with a plant- derived, stem cell ingredient designed to provide antioxidant, moisturising, and anti-inflammatory activity in formulations.

Saffron has been widely used as a spice, medicinal plant and food additive in Mediterranean and Subtropical regions of the world. Recently, however, attention in the nutritional industry has shifted, and this spice is now in the spotlight for its antioxidant properties. Saffron survives in a harsh environment of dry, hot summers, and mild, wet winters, which has prompted the plant to produce secondary metabolites to survive and thrive in these conditions. Through natural selection, organisms have learned to adapt to unfavorable conditions to survive in their environment. Crocus sativus, the flower from which we create saffron, has developed a tolerance to environmental and moisture fluctuations. Organisms may need to withstand searing heat from the sun during the summer, and have an extreme threshold for moisture levels in the winter. The saffron flower has adapted to thrive in such circumstances. In order to survive the summer, saffron flowers have adapted to retain moisture from the winter months to last through the dry, hot summer months.

SCIENCE

Research shows that plant stem cells can slow skin aging by defending against extrinsic stress, keeping skin looking youthful, longer. This discovery opened the door in cosmetic stem cell research and provided technological advances in the cosmetic industry. Phenolic, or secondary metabolites, are essential for the plant to interact with its environment, allowing for adaptation, defense and ultimately the ability to survive in less than ideal conditions.

Plants produce a variety of secondary metabolites, such as a plant’s floral scent and pigment that have evolved to attract pollinators, enhancing fertilization rates. Some plants are able to synthesize toxic chemicals to ward off pathogens, herbivores, or to suppress the growth of neighboring plants. Of particular interest, the phenolic compound, Gallic Acid has demonstrated wound healing, moisturising, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

BENEFITS

The destruction of plants continues to pose a major threat to the plant species. Commercially, the medicinal and cosmetic use of plant secondary metabolites involves isolating these organic compounds through solvent extraction of the naturally grown, whole plant. By using cell cultures, industries can grow numerous plants, creating a sustainable source of plant extracts without disrupting the environment. Crocus sativus is grown in cell culture to maintain sustainable sourcing. FSS Phyto-Biotics Saffron may capitalize on the benefits associated with saffron in a variety of cosmetic applications while also offering antioxidant, moisturising, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing capabilities.

Storage: Protected from direct light and humidity at a temperature of 50°-77°F (10°-25°C) 

Shelf life: 12 months, properly stored, in sealed container. 

This product should be added to a formulation at the recommended usage rated.