Gemmo Extracts: the beautifying power of nature

Last updated: 9 October 2026

Gemmo extracts are made from the youngest parts of a plant: fresh buds, young shoots and root tips. At this early stage of growth a plant concentrates everything it needs to develop, from vitamins and minerals to enzymes and amino acids. Gemmo extracts capture that young plant energy in a form your skin can use. In this article you read what gemmo extracts are, how they are made and why we use them in our Supreme Skin Elixir.

What are gemmo extracts?

The word gemmo comes from the Latin gemma, meaning bud. Gemmo extracts are rooted in gemmotherapy, a branch of phytotherapy (herbal medicine) that works with the embryonic tissues of plants. Where regular plant extracts are usually made from mature leaves, flowers or seeds, gemmo extracts use the plant at the very start of its life cycle, when its tissues are at their most active.

How are gemmo extracts made?

The buds and young shoots are harvested by hand in spring, during the short window in which they are most vital. The fresh plant material is then macerated (soaked) in a mixture of water, glycerin and sometimes alcohol. This slow, gentle process draws the active compounds out of the plant and preserves them in a concentrated form, without high heat.

What do gemmo extracts do for your skin?

Concentrated nutrients

Young plant tissue is rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids. Applied to the skin, these nutrients help keep it nourished, supple and healthy-looking.

Support for skin renewal

Gemmo extracts support the skin's natural renewal process. With regular use this helps the skin look smoother and firmer, with fine lines appearing softer.

Calming and soothing

Many gemmo extracts have a soothing effect. They help calm skin that feels irritated or looks red, which makes them a good fit for sensitive skin.

Moisture and a strong skin barrier

Thanks to their rich composition, gemmo extracts help the skin hold on to moisture and support the skin barrier, so your skin looks plumper and feels more comfortable.

Resilience against daily stress

Some gemmo extracts have adaptogenic properties: they help the skin cope with daily stressors such as pollution, sun and changing temperatures.

Gemmo extracts versus regular plant extracts

• Plant part: gemmo extracts use buds and young shoots, regular extracts mostly use mature leaves, flowers or seeds.
• Timing: gemmo material is harvested in a short window in spring, when growth is at its peak.
• Concentration: because young tissue contains everything the plant needs to grow, gemmo extracts are especially rich in active compounds.

Gemmo extracts in Abloom skincare

We use gemmo extract in our Organic Supreme Skin Elixir, a lightweight serum that supports collagen and helps soften fine lines. Like all Abloom products it is made with organic aloe vera juice instead of water and gently processed to keep the plant actives intact. Read more about why we cold-process our ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

Are gemmo extracts suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, in general gemmo extracts are gentle and soothing. If your skin is very reactive, always do a patch test first.

What is the difference between gemmo extracts and plant stem cells?

Both come from young, actively growing plant tissue. Gemmo extracts are made by macerating the whole fresh bud or shoot, so you get the full spectrum of compounds the young plant contains.

How long before I see results?

Skin renews itself in roughly four weeks. Use a gemmo serum morning and evening for at least four to six weeks to see the full effect.

Curious which routine suits your skin? Take the skin test.