Exosomes: What They Are and What They Are Not on a Label

Exosomes are tiny particles, wrapped in a membrane, that cells release. They carry proteins, fats and genetic material between cells.

On a skincare label the word is often used loosely, and the amount and the source are things a shopper cannot verify.

Last reviewed October 15, 2026

What an exosome is

Simplified drawing, not to scale and not a photograph of any product.

Exosomes are one kind of extracellular vesicle. Extracellular vesicles are particles enclosed in a lipid membrane that carry proteins, lipids and nucleic acids from one cell to another. (PMID 42353255) Researchers study them in many fields. This site looks only at their use on the skin for cosmetic purposes.

Why the word is used loosely

The International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) publishes guidelines for the field. In its 2023 edition it describes "exosome" as a term that points to an origin in the endosomal system, and says that unless that origin is demonstrated, a study is likely about a broad population of vesicles and not exosomes specifically. It recommends the general term "extracellular vesicle", and notes that "small extracellular vesicle" and "exosome" are not synonyms. (PMID 38326288, read in full text on Europe PMC)

The same guidelines say small vesicles are often described as under 200 nanometers across, and that there is no strict consensus on the size cut-off, because the measured size depends on the method. A nanometer is a billionth of a meter.

A 2026 review reaches the same point for aesthetic products: many products and studies call these preparations exosomes even though an exosome origin is not always shown. (PMID 42353255)

A similar word can describe a different preparation. One trial we cite used "exosome-mimetic nanovesicles", which is not the same as an exosome preparation.

Where the ones in skincare come from

Reviews describe varied biological sources. The product pages we read name three kinds:

Bacteria. Medicube lists "Lactobacillus Extracellular Vesicles" on its Zero Exosome Shot.
Milk. The same maker lists "Milk Exosomes" on some versions.
Plants. The INKEY List describes plant-derived exosomes from Centella asiatica in its serum.

See our label guide for what each page lists. We cannot verify any amount or source on a label.

What they might do on skin

That question is still open. Early studies report short-term changes in measures such as hydration, texture and wrinkle scores, and the reviews call the evidence preliminary. See the evidence guide.

What the rules say

No exosome product is approved by the FDA, according to its public safety notification of December 6, 2019. Over-the-counter skincare is judged under the rules for cosmetics, which the FDA status guide explains in full. (FDA notice)

Quick answers

What are exosomes?

Tiny particles, wrapped in a membrane, that cells release. They carry proteins, fats and genetic material.

Do exosomes in skincare work?

The evidence is preliminary. Early studies report short-term changes in some skin measures, and most are small.

Sources

This page has not yet been reviewed by a licensed clinician. Sources are listed below. Last editorial check: October 15, 2026.