Our Ingredients

① Research and Production Background

 

Regenerative Medicine Research

Regenerative medicine is a cutting-edge field of science dedicated to restoring, repairing, and enhancing the body’s natural functions that decline due to aging, environmental stress, injury, or disease. By utilizing the remarkable capabilities of stem cells, regenerative medicine works at the cellular level to support renewal and vitality.

Among the many regenerative approaches—such as stem cell transplantation and tissue engineering—mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have become a focal point of modern research. Renowned for their exceptional ability to self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell types, MSCs play a critical role in cellular communication, repair, and regeneration, making them a cornerstone of next-generation regenerative science.

 

Production of Stem Cell Conditioned Media

The stem cell conditioned media used in SORMA products is produced by a dedicated research institute within our corporate group. Through close collaboration with accredited medical institutions in Japan, umbilical cords are ethically sourced from rigorously screened Japanese female donors who meet the highest standards of safety and quality.

Production takes place in a clean, ISO-certified manufacturing environment, using SORMA’s proprietary culture medium developed in-house with a focus on purity, safety, and performance. Our manufacturing protocols are continuously optimized through joint research initiatives with academic institutions specializing in regenerative medicine.

Through this advanced process, SORMA has succeeded in creating conditioned media with a high concentration and broad spectrum of bioactive components, including cytokines and growth factors. To ensure uncompromising safety and quality, extensive testing—compliant with both domestic and international standards—is conducted on all raw materials and finished products.

 


 

② About Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Conditioned Media

(HUMSC Conditioned Media)

 

What Are Mesenchymal Stem Cells?

Stem cells are the foundational cells of the human body, possessing the ability to develop into specialized cells such as skin, blood, bone, and muscle. Mesenchymal stem cells, in particular, are essential to tissue repair and regeneration due to their high adaptability and powerful signaling capabilities.

 

What Is Stem Cell Conditioned Media?

Stem cell conditioned media is the nutrient-rich culture solution collected during the cultivation of stem cells. As stem cells grow and become active, they naturally secrete a wide range of beneficial substances—including cytokines, growth factors, exosomes, and functional proteins—into the surrounding medium.

Rather than introducing living cells into the skin, conditioned media delivers these regenerative signals safely and efficiently, making it an ideal ingredient for advanced cosmetic formulations.

 

Paracrine Signaling

Paracrine signaling is a biological communication process in which cells release bioactive molecules—such as cytokines, growth factors, and exosomes—to influence the behavior of nearby cells. These signals stimulate skin cells to initiate repair, renewal, and protective responses.

HUMSC conditioned media harnesses this powerful mechanism, ensuring that regenerative messages are delivered precisely where they are needed to support skin vitality and resilience.

 

The Unique Value of Umbilical Cord-Derived Stem Cells

The umbilical cord serves as the vital connection between mother and fetus and contains some of the youngest and most potent stem cells available. As stem cells age, both their functional capacity and quantity decline. Umbilical cord-derived stem cells, however, retain exceptional vitality and secrete a diverse and abundant range of cytokines, growth factors, and exosomes.

Due to limited availability, umbilical cord-derived stem cells were historically reserved almost exclusively for regenerative medicine research. Through SORMA’s proprietary cultivation technology and advanced culture media, this rare and powerful regenerative resource has been successfully incorporated into high-performance skincare formulations.

 

Why Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Conditioned Media Sets a New Standard in Skincare

Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell conditioned media is obtained from Wharton’s jelly, a highly regenerative tissue within the umbilical cord that is rich in mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells. These cells are distinguished by their extremely young cellular age—less than one year old—and superior regenerative potential.

In contrast, adipose-derived stem cells are harvested from adult fat tissue, often via procedures such as liposuction. Because these cells originate from mature tissue, their cellular age is significantly older, resulting in reduced regenerative capacity.

 

Why Cord-Derived Is Superior

Higher Growth Factor Content
Clinical studies and research data demonstrate that umbilical cord-derived conditioned media contains a significantly higher concentration and diversity of cytokines and growth factors—such as HGF, TGF-β, and EGF—than adipose-derived sources.

Greater Cellular Potency
Umbilical cord-derived stem cells maintain their ability to divide and differentiate for longer periods during cultivation. In comparison, adipose-derived stem cells reach cellular senescence more quickly and produce fewer beneficial signaling factors over time.

Enhanced Skin Benefits
Thanks to its rich regenerative profile, umbilical cord-derived conditioned media is particularly effective in:

  • Supporting collagen production
  • Enhancing skin elasticity and firmness
  • Reducing visible signs of aging and environmental damage

 

Rare and High-Performing

Due to the complexity of cultivation and processing, umbilical cord-derived conditioned media accounts for less than 1% of stem cell media available worldwide. Its rarity, combined with its exceptional regenerative performance, makes it a truly premium ingredient reserved for advanced, results-driven anti-aging skincare.

 


 

③ How HUMSC Conditioned Media Addresses Skin Concerns

 

Skin Benefits of Stem Cell Conditioned Media

The cytokines, growth factors, and exosomes contained in HUMSC conditioned media function as powerful cellular messengers, guiding skin cells toward optimal performance. These bioactive components help to:

  • Improve skin texture and clarity
  • Support healthy skin turnover
  • Stimulate the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin
  • Promote repair of environmentally stressed or damaged skin
  • Help regulate inflammation and immune responses within the skin

Through these synergistic mechanisms, HUMSC conditioned media offers a multi-dimensional approach to visible skin concerns, including fine lines, dullness, loss of firmness, uneven tone, and reduced elasticity.

 

For a deeper look into the mechanisms behind our formulations, please visit our “Components” page.

Reference Research Articles

Chang, L., Fan, WW., Yuan, HL. et al. Role of umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells in skin rejuvenation. npj Regen Med 9, 20 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41536-024-00363-1

Alquraisy A, Wilar G, Mohammed AFA, El-Rayyes A, Suhandi C, Wathoni N. A Comprehensive Review of Stem Cell Conditioned Media Role for Anti-Aging on Skin. Stem Cells Cloning. 2024;17:5-19. Published 2024 Sep 18. doi:10.2147/SCCAA.S480437