Stem cells and the pursuit of youth, a tale of limitless possibilities and commercial fraud

doi:10.4331/wjbc.v12.i4.52

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Jul 27, 2021 (publication date) through Feb 17, 2026

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World Journal of Biological Chemistry

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Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA

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World J Biol Chem. Jul 27, 2021; 12(4): 52-56
Published online Jul 27, 2021. doi: 10.4331/wjbc.v12.i4.52

Stem cells and the pursuit of youth, a tale of limitless possibilities and commercial fraud

Batla S Al-Sowayan, Alaa T Al-Shareeda

Batla S Al-Sowayan, Department of Cell Therapy and Cancer Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh 11632, Saudi Arabia

Alaa T Al-Shareeda, Department of Cell Therapy and Cancer Research and Departmebt of the Saudi Biobank, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia

Author contributions: Al-Sowayan BS was responsible for the concept and article drafting; Al-Shareeda AT carried out the revision and final approval of the manuscript.

Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare no conflict of interests.

Corresponding author: Alaa T Al-Shareeda, PhD, Research Scientist, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ali Al Arini street, Ar Rimayah, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia. al-shareedaal@ngha.med.sa

Received: February 21, 2021
Peer-review started: February 21, 2021
First decision: April 20, 2021
Revised: May 17, 2021
Accepted: July 7, 2021
Article in press: July 7, 2021
Published online: July 27, 2021
Processing time: 151 Days and 20.2 Hours

Abstract

This article examines the hype generated around the term “stem cell”, and the capitalization of the stem cell craze by the cosmetic industry. It started by introducing product lines containing active ingredients derived from plant stem cells. Then, evolved to using own cells for skin regeneration and hair loss treatment, and allogenic cells for the manufacturing of stem cell-derived products. This article also discusses the missing links for safe and reliable stem cell applications in cosmetics, and why local regulatory bodies, members of the industry and consumers must all work together to stop the illegitimate use of the “stem cell” good name in unsafe or fraudulent commercial practices.

Keywords: Stem cell; Stem cell-derived products; Cosmetics; Regulations

Core Tip: The capitalization of the stem cell craze by the cosmetic industry. Products and procedures utilizing plant stem cells-extracts, a person’s own cells or allogenic laboratory grown stem-like cells, are all being offered as direct-to-consumer options for tissue regeneration. What are the missing links for safe and reliable stem cell applications in cosmetics, and why is it important to address these issues?