Cilantro could become the next star ingredient in skin care. Shiseido has announced the discovery of an extract obtained from the fruit of this plant capable of acting on one of the most studied processes currently in the field of skin aging: the accumulation of so-called senescent cells, also known as "zombie cells".
As years pass, some cells stop functioning correctly. Although they do not die, they remain in the skin and release substances that accelerate the aging of the surrounding cells, promoting the loss of firmness, elasticity, and luminosity.
According to the Japanese company, cilantro fruit extract selectively eliminates these aged cells without affecting healthy ones. They have also indicated that they have observed that it promotes the growth of functional cells, which translates into greater collagen production, a key protein for keeping the skin firm.
A new generation of anti-aging ingredients
This finding is part of one of the major research lines in current cosmetics: developing ingredients capable of acting on the causes of aging and not just on its visible effects.
In recent years, the concept of senolytic ingredients, which are those that help eliminate aged cells, has aroused growing interest in both medical research and the cosmetic industry. The goal is to promote a healthier cellular environment so that the skin maintains its natural regeneration capacity for longer.
Shiseido explains that this discovery is the result of more than 20 years of research in regenerative medicine applied to skin and hair. In fact, the company had previously studied the properties of cilantro in hair treatments and has now confirmed that some of its compounds can also provide benefits for skin care. The results come from laboratory research, so it will still be necessary to continue evaluating its effectiveness before this technology reaches the market in the form of new cosmetic products. However, the discovery confirms the sector's growing commitment to active ingredients backed by biotechnology and to treatments that seek to preserve skin health from the origin of aging, instead of merely correcting its visible signs.