A new vision on skin aging
The skincare industry is increasingly shifting from the term anti-aging to well-aging or healthy aging. Instead of "fighting" skin aging, the focus today is 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. While chronological aging cannot be stopped, biological skin aging can be slowed down 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 significant 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 barely produce collagen and elastin, but they 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 are 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 allows the skin to renew and repair itself again.
ETERWELL™ YOUTH: science-based senolytic skincare
ETERWELL™ YOUTH is a patented extract of the rare alpine plant Epilobium fleischeri. The extract is standardized in myricitrin, a powerful flavonoid with proven senolytic activity.
The ingredient has been extensively studied through in vitro, ex vivo, and clinical studies.
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 additional collagen production
These results demonstrate that the ingredient actively helps to remove aged skin cells while simultaneously supporting the production of new collagen.
Figure 1: ETERWELL™ YOUTH significantly improved skin texture by 24% after only 2 weeks of use, resulting in visibly smoother skin compared to placebo.
After 2 weeks, the skin appeared an average of 6 years younger. After 3 months of use, this increased to skin that appeared an average of 9 years younger, corresponding to a 35% improvement.
In addition, the skin looked visibly more even, radiant, and smooth.
Ex vivo results on human skin
Tests on human skin explants showed clear improvements in markers associated with skin aging:
- 46% reduction of p21
- 62% reduction of IL-1
- 44% more collagen expression
- Strong reduction of epidermal markers p16 and p21
This indicates that ETERWELL™ YOUTH not only reduces visible signs of skin aging but also influences biological processes in the skin related to cellular aging.
Figure 2: After 4 weeks, a significant reduction in crow's feet was observed. The skin around the eyes appeared 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 aged between 45 and 60, ETERWELL™ YOUTH was tested for 3 months.
Results after only 2 weeks:
- 24% improvement in skin texture
- Skin appeared an average of 6 years younger
- Skin looked smoother, more even, and more radiant
Results after 3 months:
- Skin appeared 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 observed in several proteins 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.
It also has a low CO₂ footprint of only 2.9 kg CO₂ per kilogram of ingredient and is 100% 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 appear visibly smoother, firmer, and younger.
The combination of scientifically proven senolytic action, visible clinical results, and sustainable origin makes ETERWELL™ YOUTH an innovative ingredient in modern skincare.
Source references
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].
