Defined Cell Culture Media 17: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 27, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Defined Cell Culture Media 17?

Defined Cell Culture Media 17 is a carefully balanced blend of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, nucleosides and supportive nutrients that was first designed to keep living cells healthy in laboratory dishes. Scientists noticed that the same nourishing mix that helps cells thrive under a microscope could also give skin and hair formulas an extra boost, so cosmetic chemists began adapting it for topical use. Each component—such as vitamin C, glutathione and essential amino acids—is sourced in high purity form, then weighed, dissolved and blended under sterile conditions to create a uniform solution or powder that meets cosmetic grade standards. After filtration and quality checks the finished media is added in small percentages to products like sheet masks, anti aging serums, moisturizers, soothing gels, leave-in scalp treatments and hair masks.

Defined Cell Culture Media 17’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

When this ingredient shows up on a label it can support a formula in several practical ways:

  • Buffering – Helps keep the product’s pH stable so it feels comfortable on skin and maintains its shelf life
  • Hair conditioning – Coats strands with lightweight nutrients that soften and improve manageability
  • Humectant – Draws water from the air into the upper layers of skin for a plumper smoother look
  • Skin conditioning – Supplies vitamins amino acids and antioxidants that can leave skin feeling supple and refreshed
  • Emollient – Adds a silky finish that reduces roughness and helps seal in moisture
  • Viscosity controlling – Fine-tunes thickness so lotions spread easily and serums stay drip free

Who Can Use Defined Cell Culture Media 17

Because the blend is water based and balanced to a skin friendly pH it is generally well tolerated by dry, oily, combination and even sensitive skin. The lightweight texture and non occlusive humectants suit acne prone complexions too, although extremely reactive skin should introduce any new formula slowly. All components are produced synthetically or fermented without animal derived substances so the ingredient is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No parts of the mix are known endocrine disruptors and the vitamins are present in low cosmetic doses, so products containing Defined Cell Culture Media 17 are usually viewed as compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding; this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask a doctor before adding new skincare. The ingredient does not make skin more prone to sunburn and can be used day or night without changing your normal sunscreen habits. It also layers well with common actives like niacinamide and peptides, making it a flexible choice for most routines.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Defined Cell Culture Media 17 vary from person to person. The points below describe potential issues that could occur, though they are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is formulated correctly.

  • Temporary redness or mild stinging in very sensitive skin
  • Rare allergic contact dermatitis to a specific amino acid, vitamin or preservative in the finished product
  • Occasional breakouts in users whose pores clog easily when a formula pairs the media with heavier oils or silicones
  • Increased dryness or irritation if layered immediately with high strength acids or prescription retinoids

If any discomfort, rash or other adverse effect appears stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance

Comedogenic Rating

Comedogenic rating: 0 / 5. Defined Cell Culture Media 17 is made up almost entirely of water-soluble amino acids, vitamins and mineral salts that rinse cleanly from the skin and do not form an occlusive film. It contains no heavy oils or waxes that typically trap dead cells inside pores so the risk of clogged pores is considered negligible. This makes the ingredient generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

The final product formula still matters. If the media is blended with rich butters or high-level silicones the overall product could feel heavier and behave differently on very oily skin, so always check the full ingredient list when pore congestion is a concern.

Summary

Defined Cell Culture Media 17 acts as a multitasking booster that stabilises pH, quenches skin with humectant hydration, smooths texture through mild emolliency, supports overall skin and hair health with a supply of vitamins and amino acids and helps chemists fine-tune the thickness of gels or lotions. Each benefit stems from its nutrient rich yet water-light composition: the salts buffer acidity, sugars and amino acids grab water, vitamins deliver antioxidant support and the balanced electrolyte profile keeps the formula fluid yet stable.

Although not a headline ingredient on mainstream beauty shelves yet, it is gaining traction in science led brands that want to showcase lab inspired actives. You are most likely to spot it in Korean essence masks, professional spa serums or innovative scalp sprays.

Current safety data and practical experience show it is low irritation and non sensitising for most skin types. Still, every complexion is unique so it is smart to carry out a quick patch test when you try any new product that features Defined Cell Culture Media 17.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search