Just What Are Active Plant Stem Cells? [product review]

Things were very different back in 2001, when I ditched all my toxic toiletries and cleaned up my bathroom and kitchen cupboards.  The words parabens and sodium laureth sulfate scared the crap out of me.  I stopped wearing make-up (though I didn't wear much anyhow) and started using shampoo and conditioner that never stung my eyes or smelled 'fake'.  I stopped using furniture polish and bathroom sprays that choked me.  I felt better.  I didn't feel like I was being assaulted by toxic chemicals.  It was liberating.  Back then though, packaging and luxury were not forth coming.  Now eco-friendly, green, and vegan - non-animal tested products are everywhere.  Thank God!  To see gorgeous packaging with contents promising to be 'paraben free' 'non-toxic' 'safe', is now common place. I can wear vegan non-toxic make-up (hallelujah!) and nail varnish again.  I don't feel like I'm on the margins anymore.  I look back and I feel like I was a front runner.  I'm sure my body and the environment are better for it.

The toiletries I use are mostly from the UK, as I presently spend the majority of my time here.  When I'm in the US, I stock up on Trader Joes' eye poppingly zingy shampoo & conditioner.  It's cheaper than most brands found at Whole Foods and leaves my hair nice and shiny. When my eye caught sight of Acure Organics and its beautiful packaging on a health food store shelf,  I was smitten.  Their fragrances were so natural.  I had to try them at home.

The Acure range.

Face - Sampled a few of these at Whole Foods.  Seemed good quality and smelled natural.  Didn't use over period of time so…no comment.

Body - Deliciously rich.  Soothing.  Hydrating.  Used for 2 weeks, so far, with definite improvement on skin softness. 

Body Lotion.  My favourite flavours were the Mandarin Orange & Moroccan Oil, and the Lavender & Echinacea.  Oh, and the one with Grapefruit in.

Body Wash.  The ones I tried were luxuriously thick and silky as they squeezed out of the tube. I felt like I was at a spa! The Exfoliating Mint is a smack of cool breeze mint.  Good for those who take a while to come to in the mornings.  The Coconut Pumpkin was gentler on your senses and wonderfully scented.  

Lips - No comment.  Didn't try any of products por la boca!

Hair - Didn't try any of the haircare products.  

Sun Care - I've yet to find a cream that doesn't leave your skin with and eerie white glow!  Tell us if you've found one!

The Ingredients

All products are plant based. PH balanced.  With whole food potency.  Packed with a whole list of flowers, essential oils and plants. No nasties.  (Preserved, not by chemicals but by salt, a medium our forefathers used).  Ingredients such as:

Argon oil.  Much publicised over last few years.  Proven to protect and stimulate collagen.

The science geek in me was also intrigued by ingredients called Chorella Growth Factor & Active Plant Stem Cells.  Acure's 2nd of 3 founders and husband of Kristy, Jon, a chemical biologist, studied the use of Chorella Growth Factor before launching Acure.  These ingredients sounded like little miracles whipped up into the products, but I didn't want to just take their word for it (have I become sceptical?).  So I  searched for evidence to back it up, it seems many studies have been conducted in Japan (Brendan Brazier has done lots of research on it and found NASA an advocate). Apparently, CGF is rich in nucleic acid which helps its own cells to reproduce rapidly and to help repair damaged tissue and heal wounds in humans. The Active Stem Cells are extracted from plants that have active ingredients. Acure tell me their products are skin type specific for type of PSC's used. For example: The butterfly bush has a component that treats sun exposure.  Lilac reduces acne lesions. This is what I've found written on the internet about PSC's - 

Stem cells are building blocks that play important roles in cellular renewal and regeneration. But they become less potent over time. Fortunately, fruits and plants are sources of “universal cells” that can increase the longevity of your skin’s stem cells, renew dormant cells, repair damage, and regenerate healthy cells. But was from a company I found was actively part of the cosmetic industry, I've not been able to find a peer reviewed study in my research so far that I can actually read for my self, only those mentioned by other people.

I don't know about all that (yes, I have gotten a little sceptical!) however, in my own 3 week (and ongoing) trials, I can report my skin's tone is more even and it is way softer and appears more hydrated.  I smell so good too!  I really enjoy using the products.

Please note * Not all products are vegan. (Boo!)  Night Cream.  Wrinkle…  Lip Balm & Line Eraser contain milk enzymes, beeswax or honey.  I would love to see the company adopting a fully vegan line by sourcing alternative ingredients.  It can be done.  Lets hope they do! Like, now!

About The Company

In 2010 a company grew out of a passion to make toiletries healthier.  Floridian and Co-founder Kristy Guerra was working as a designer whilst she witnessed  a heartbreaking 10 year battle her grandmother fought with cancer. She vowed to do something big in the world to make a difference and to honour her grandmother.  She believed harmful chemicals had a part to play in the disease.  She wanted to be part of the change.  Hence the name A Cure.  For the planet.  5% of profits go to Bright PInk.  A charity that offers free mama grams in the US.  Produced in their own laboratories, their products are free from animal testing, parabens, sulphates (known irritant), phthalates (endocrine disruptors), synthetic fragrances, harmful preservatives and artificial colours.  Breast Cancer Fund, University of Reading et al, report a link between the use of parabens/toxic chemicals and some cancers. 

Acure also told me they believe education is important.  They said they have a team of educators and hosts lectures for public awareness.

Currently, Acure can only be purchased in USA.  But they can purchased from an online store (www.iherb.com) and shipped to some European countries.