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Feb 13, 2008 5:58 pm US/Eastern
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Beauty Industry Embraces Stem Cell Technology
Many In Medical Fields Skeptical Over New Product Claims
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
In the never-ending fight against wrinkles, the beauty industry claims to have a new weapon. And while it doesn't require going under the knife, the product is controversial for its so-called use of stem cell technology.
It's being called the holy grail of skincare.
It's the latest beauty catch phrase for the 21st century. Stem cells are the building blocks of all the body's tissues. They have been the topic of much political and ethical debate because of groundbreaking medical research. Now, stem cell technology is being embraced by the beauty industry.
"I noticed a difference at about a week," said Seton Melvin, who has been using the product, ReVive, for about eight months. At a whopping $1,500 for the full line, the product promises to make you look five years younger.
"It was different than a lot of the very, very good products that I tried," said Melvin.
Then there's Amatokin. Manufactured in a Russian lab for about $200, the makers say it was first developed to help heal burn victims and surgical patients.
But if you read between the marketing lines, you'll find none of these new products actually contain stem cells.
So we took an undercover camera to a cosmetics counter for some more explanation as to how this new technology works. Unlike traditional creams that target skin cells, Amatokin, claimed the saleswoman, "reactivates" old stem cells, which then repair wrinkles.
It's similar, she says, to how your body would repair a wound.
"We're tricking the skin into believing you've gotten burned or you've gotten cut," the saleswoman explained.
But some in the medical community are skeptical.
"There is not yet any substantial scientific proof to say stem cells in your skin can be affected by cream," said Mt. Sinai dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur.
She is concerned and says a long-term study is needed.
"Theoretically, if you are stimulating a stem cell in your body to rapidly become more cells, you are also increasing your chances of that cell making a mistake and that is the whole basis for cancer," said Dr. Marmur.
While neither manufacturer would do an on-camera interview, both adamantly said their products have been tested extensively and are safe. Because these products are not drugs, they are not regulated by the Food & Drug Administration.
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