What is Exosomes?
Exosomes are tiny membrane-bound sacs, 30 to 150 nanometres across, released by cells. They carry proteins, lipids and RNA and play a part in communication between cells. Exosomes in cosmetics can come from plants (for example centella or rose), milk or microorganisms. EU cosmetics law, and Turkish law aligned with it, bans cells, tissues and products of human origin in cosmetics. In 2025 Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) also added terms such as "exosome" that suggest human-derived ingredients to its list of prohibited expressions for cosmetic labels and ads. Human studies on topical exosome products are still very few.
How it works
In lab studies, the molecules exosomes carry could steer cells towards repair and collagen production. How far these sacs reach into living skin layers when applied, and whether plant-derived exosomes have the same effect on human cells, is not yet clear.
Frequently asked questions
Are exosomes stem cells?
No. Exosomes are sacs released by cells; they contain no cells.
Do topical exosome products work?
Lab results are interesting, but controlled studies in people are very few. It is too early to talk about a proven effect.
Why are they expensive?
Isolating and purifying exosomes is laborious and costly. Part of the price also reflects how new and popular the ingredient is.
Can cosmetics contain human-derived exosomes?
In the EU and under Turkish law aligned with it, cells, tissues and products of human origin are banned in cosmetics. Products in these markets therefore usually contain plant- or milk-derived exosomes.
Are they used for hair loss?
Some clinics offer exosome injections for hair loss, but this is not an approved treatment and its effectiveness is unproven. See a dermatologist first.