Exosomes Are Revolutionizing Skincare—Here’s What You Should Know About Them

      April 3, 2025

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      Source: Elevae

      Source: Elevae

      Move over, snail mucin and peptides—a new trending ingredient has arrived in the skincare world: exosomes. Previously found only in scientific and medical discussions, exosomes are now touted as beneficial for everything from enhancing skin hydration to combating hair loss. But what exactly are exosomes, and how do they function?

      Exosomes are essentially “packages” for the skin, explains Dr. Saami Khalifian, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of SŌM Aesthetics. These potent particles notably improve skin hydration, but they achieve this by working more intelligently rather than harder. Unlike hyaluronic acid, which helps retain moisture in the skin, exosomes are thought to promote cellular regeneration, enabling the skin to generate its own hydration in a natural manner. As advancements continue, we’re witnessing an influx of exosome-infused serums, creams, and even hair care items emerging in the market, positioning them as the next key element in anti-aging and skin wellness.

      Curious? Unsure where to begin? We consulted experts to gather all the knowledge about exosomes and how to easily integrate them into your skincare regimen.

      MEET THE EXPERT

      Dr. Saami Khalifian

      Dr. Saami Khalifian is a double board-certified dermatologist and the founder of SŌM Aesthetics in Encinitas, California. He studied at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and completed his residency at the Harvard Combined Dermatology Residency Program.

      MEET THE EXPERT

      Sophia Moradi

      Sophia Moradi serves as a healthcare administrator at Avalon Surgery and is the co-founder of SŌM Skin.

      What are exosomes, exactly?

      Exosomes are described as “packages” for the skin by Dr. Saami Khalifian, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SŌM Aesthetics. These naturally occurring cell vesicles contain a variety of skin-friendly ingredients, including growth factors, peptides, lipids, and RNA. "Picture a stem cell as a delivery truck, with the exosome acting as the well-packed cargo on that truck. The most important aspect is what’s inside the exosome: the signals that encourage cells to repair and regenerate," states Dr. Khalifian.

      While the technology behind exosomes may sound complex, the idea is straightforward: exosomes are minuscule particles that facilitate communication between cells and share vital nutrients, helping maintain your skin’s hydration and health.

      The recent surge in exosome-based skincare brands is also easy to explain. Advances in science and technology now allow us to collect, purify, and realize the full benefits of exosomes. Not long ago, these cellular packages were mostly viewed as waste. Fortunately, we now understand that the messages contained in exosomes are crucial for cellular communication and function, prompting beauty brands to harness this potential without looking back.

      How do exosomes benefit your skin?

      In recent years, achieving hydration has been the primary focus in skincare, with both beauty enthusiasts and dermatologists emphasizing the importance of maintaining plump, dewy skin. From hyaluronic acid serums to moisture-sealing creams, the pursuit of that healthy, hydrated glow has taken precedence. Now, as skincare continues to progress, exosomes are emerging as the next evolution of this trend.

      Should exosomes completely replace your hydrating products? While exosomes enhance hydration by working from within the skin and hair, they are not meant to replace topical hydration products, so hold off on discarding your hyaluronic acid just yet.

      Sophia Moradi, co-founder of SŌM Skin, reveals that these potent packages bolster the body's natural ability to keep moisture by "stimulating the production of essential molecules such as hyaluronic acid and lipids." These molecules are vital for drawing in and retaining moisture, allowing skin and hair to remain hydrated from the inside out. In summary, they enhance the effectiveness of your hydration products.

      Visualize hyaluronic acid as the dependable sponge that absorbs moisture to keep your skin plump and supple. Meanwhile, exosomes act as the diligent messengers that direct skin cells on how to repair, regenerate, and optimally perform their functions. Together, they form a complementary pair: hyaluronic acid provides hydration, while exosomes amplify your skin’s capacity to absorb and flourish with it. They do not replace each other; rather, they elevate each other’s function.

      How to incorporate exosomes into your skincare routine

      Adhering to product instructions is crucial when it comes to beauty products, but with exosome serums and masks, it’s essential. These tiny powerhouses may appear straightforward, but they are quite delicate and require appropriate care to be effective. Handle them carefully