Exosome therapy

Exosomes belong to the extracellular vesicles – small, membrane-enclosed vesicles in the nanometre range that almost all cells of the body release to the outside. Their biological function is communication between cells: they transport messenger substances such as proteins, lipids (fats) and short RNA segments, which can influence signalling pathways in recipient cells.

The cosmetic principle of action is based on the assumption that these signalling molecules might support the skin's own regeneration and repair processes – such as the formation of structural proteins like collagen and elastin. The preparations are expressly cell-free (no living cells) and are obtained from plant sources or from cell cultures. Composition, purification and standardisation differ markedly between products; a uniform, generally recognised quality and efficacy standard is lacking, which is why results from one product cannot readily be transferred to others.

The intact skin barrier limits the penetration of large molecules. Microneedling, radiofrequency microneedling or certain laser treatments create the finest channels in a controlled manner, or temporarily make the barrier more permeable; it is in this time window that exosomes are applied. How much actually reaches which skin layers, and what effects result, has not been conclusively clarified scientifically. The well-studied mechanism of action is that of the base procedure itself; the exosomes are a complementary, regeneratively oriented care component that we describe without promises of cure.

Research into exosomes is young and rapidly developing. In basic research and preclinical investigations (cell cultures, animal models), extracellular vesicles have aroused interest as carriers of regenerative signalling molecules; such results are, however, not to be equated with a proven benefit in humans. Robust clinical studies on the cosmetic application are so far limited, mostly small and inconsistent, and the preparations are heterogeneous – no clear, generally valid proof of efficacy can be derived from this.

We therefore deliberately phrase the possible benefit cautiously: a visible skin result is attributable primarily to the better-studied base procedure; any isolated additional benefit of the exosomes is not scientifically established, and we make no binding promises of effect or success. There are also no comprehensive data on the long-term safety of cosmetic exosome preparations in humans; should the evidence or the regulatory framework change, we will adjust our approach accordingly.