A new vision of skin aging
The skincare industry is increasingly shifting from the term anti-aging to well-ageing or healthy aging. Instead of “fighting” skin aging, the focus is now on supporting healthy, strong, and vital skin at every age.
Consumers are increasingly looking for holistic skincare solutions that not only address fine lines but also contribute to firmness, elasticity, an even complexion, and a healthy glow. Although chronological aging cannot be stopped, biological skin aging can be slowed by addressing the underlying causes, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage from external factors like UV radiation and pollution.
The role of senescent (“zombie”) cells
A major cause of skin aging is the accumulation of so-called senescent cells, also known as zombie cells.
These are skin cells that no longer function properly: they no longer divide and produce very little collagen and elastin, but remain actively present in the skin. These cells secrete harmful substances, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, proteases, and free radicals. This process is also known as the SASP mechanism (Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype).
As a result, surrounding healthy skin cells become damaged and also become senescent more quickly. This chain reaction accelerates visible skin aging, including:
- fine lines and wrinkles
- loss of firmness
- skin sagging
- dull skin
- reduced elasticity
Senolytic ingredients have been developed to selectively remove these zombie cells without affecting healthy skin cells. This gives the skin room to renew and repair itself again.
ETERWELL™ YOUTH: science-based senolytic skincare
ETERWELL™ YOUTH is a patented extract from the rare alpine plant Epilobium fleischeri. The extract is standardized in myricitrin, a powerful flavonoid with proven senolytic properties.
The ingredient has been extensively studied through in vitro, ex vivo, and clinical studies such as DSM-Firmenich.
In vitro results
Laboratory research showed that ETERWELL™ YOUTH has powerful effects on senescent skin cells:
- Up to 52% fewer senescent fibroblasts at low concentrations
- Up to 200% more apoptosis (natural breakdown) of zombie cells without damaging healthy cells
- Up to 94% stimulation of collagen synthesis
- Strong synergy with retinol and TGF-ß for extra collagen production
These results show that the ingredient actively helps to remove aged skin cells while supporting the production of new collagen.
Figure 1: ETERWELL™ YOUTH significantly improved skin texture by 24% after just 2 weeks of use, resulting in visibly smoother skin compared to placebo.
After 2 weeks, the skin looked an average of 6 years younger. After 3 months of use, this increased to skin that looked an average of 9 years younger, corresponding to an improvement of 35%.
In addition, the skin looked visibly more even, radiant, and smooth.
Ex vivo results on human skin
In tests on human skin explants, clear improvements were visible in markers related to skin aging:
- 46% reduction in p21
- 62% reduction in IL-1
- 44% more collagen expression
- Strong reduction of the epidermal markers p16 and p21
This indicates that ETERWELL™ YOUTH not only reduces visible signs of skin aging but also affects biological processes in the skin that are associated with cellular aging.
Figure 2: After 4 weeks, a significant reduction in crow's feet was observed. The skin around the eyes looked smoother and firmer compared to placebo.
Figure 3: After 3 months of use, a significant reduction in wrinkles under the eyes was measured:
- 16% reduction in the circumference of under-eye wrinkles
- 11% reduction in the volume of under-eye wrinkles
In addition, skin firmness and elasticity improved by an average of 18–19%.
Clinical study: visible skin improvement
In a clinical study with 50 women between the ages of 45 and 60, ETERWELL™ YOUTH was tested for 3 months.
Results after just 2 weeks:
- 24% improvement in skin texture
- The skin looked an average of 6 years younger
- The skin looked smoother, more even, and more radiant
Results after 3 months:
- The skin looked an average of 9 years younger
- Up to 19% improvement in firmness and elasticity
- 17% reduction in crow's feet
- 16% reduction in wrinkles under the eyes
In addition, a clear decrease was seen in several proteins that are linked to cellular aging.
A sustainable origin from the Swiss Alps
ETERWELL™ YOUTH is produced through regenerative agriculture in the Swiss Alps. The ingredient is Fair Trade certified, organically grown, and fully traceable.
In addition, it has a low carbon footprint of just 2.9 kg CO₂ per kilogram of ingredient and is 100% of natural origin according to ISO 16128. No palm oil derivatives are used.
Conclusion
ETERWELL™ YOUTH represents a new generation of skincare focused on healthy aging.
By addressing the underlying cause of skin aging — senescent zombie cells — the ingredient supports natural skin renewal and helps the skin look visibly smoother, firmer, and younger.
The combination of scientifically proven senolytic properties, visible clinical results, and a sustainable origin makes ETERWELL™ YOUTH an innovative ingredient in modern skincare.
Source
DSM-Firmenich. ETERWELL™ YOUTH.
https://www.dsm-firmenich.com/nl-nl/businesses/perfumery-beauty/beauty-care/products/eterwell-youth.html
DSM-Firmenich. (2024). ETERWELL™ YOUTH master presentation without videos [Internal documentation].
