EXTREMOPHILE PLANTS AND ELIXSERI MERISTEM CONCENTRATES

The cutting-edge science behind Elixseri serums is based on a very simple principle: to support the skin’s microbiome and cellular metabolism is to improve your skin’s health and performance. And at the heart of that science is the incredible power of extremophile plants.  

EXTREMOPHILE PLANTS – SOURCE OF SECONDARY METABOLITES 

Extremophile plants are plants that have evolved over millions of years to survive and thrive in the most inhospitable environments known to man. Imagine the Edelweiss flower in the extreme cold of the Alps, or Arabian Cotton in the extreme heat of the desert, or Algae in the extreme salinity of the ocean. 

The survival of these plants is thanks to powerful molecules called secondary metabolites. Secondary metabolites are compounds that help the plant survive: they defend against predators and pathogens (bacteria and fungi), they protect the plant from  physical assault such as UV rays and pollutants (free radicals), and they support cell reproduction. Secondary metabolites demonstrate significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. You may be familiar with common secondary metabolites such quercetin, capsaicin and papain. 

PLANT SECONDARY METABOLITES IN ELIXSERI’S MERISTEM CONCENTRATES 

Elixseri scientists have pioneered the use of extremophile plants and their secondary metabolites in skincare, where they mimic the action of our own cells and positively influence our skin’s functions, making skin stronger and more resistant to ageing.  

Secondary metabolites are extracted from the plant’s meristem – the part of the stem where all the growth takes place. Using cell culture biotechnology (in-vitro), secondary metabolites are encouraged to reproduce more metabolites and are ‘boosted’ to improve their effectiveness and performance. 

For example, to obtain an ingredient with a very high UV protection capacity, the cell cultures are subjected to doses of UV rays. This stimulates the production of additional UV defences. Or if an ingredient is to have an even more optimising effect on the microbiome, tiny quantities of microbes are added to the cell culture to encourage the production of a more microbiome-friendly product.  

We call these extracts Meristem Concentrates, but many brands refer to them as stem cells. We choose not to use the term stem cell because it is misleading – real stem cells are living things and they are a) not allowed in cosmetics and b) would not survive in a skincare formula.  

THE SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN BENEFITS OF MERISTEM CONCENTRATES ON THE SKIN 

Because humans share the same genetic origins as plants, the meristem concentrates are bio-identical to our own cells and are therefore highly compatible with our own skin.  

Elixseri Meristem Concentrates have a very low molecular weight and can penetrate deep into the skin where they mimic the action of amino acids, hormones and neurotransmitters. They are able to positively influence and reprogram the natural functioning of our cells, enhancing cellular life and optimising our skin’s systems so that it is stronger and more resistant to ageing.  

ELIXSERI MERISTEM CONCENTRATES:

* Are bio-identical and compatible to our own skin cells  * Enhance the functions of the skin  * Slow down the ageing process by protecting and extending cell longevity  * Slow down the breakdown of collagen and stimulate its production  * Provide superior antioxidant protection  * Provide remarkable anti-inflammatory actions  * Combats the effects of UV exposure on the skin  * Optimises the skin’s ability to regenerate

SUSTAINABLE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BIOTECHNOLOGY 

Sourcing precious secondary metabolites for our Meristem Concentrates is not that easy: there may be a low abundance of the plant in its natural habitat; variations in plant harvesting times; variations in soil conditions; the threat of contamination by environmental pollutants such as pesticides, fertiliser, and sewage leaks.  

But cell culture biotechnology is a sustainable way to ensure enough supply, while protecting the plant species. It is a perfect fusion of nature and science. 

ELIXSERI MERISTEM CONCENTRATES

CLEAN Our meristem concentrates are free chemical solvents, preservatives and environmental pollutants.  SUSTAINABLE The technology maintains biodiversity and plant populations.  PRODUCTIVE The yield of a biotechnologically produced meristem is 1,000 times that from a plant.

OUR FAVOURITE EXTRACTS FROM EXTREMOPHILE PLANTS:  

Guided by our scientists, we select plants based on their known therapeutic benefits and on their incredible ability to defend and protect themselves in harsh environments (e.g. Edelweiss and Arabian Cotton). Our chosen plants have the strongest and most active secondary metabolites, which is exactly what we want for our skin!  

Here are our favourites: