Exosomes

INCI: EXOSOMES

CAS Number
None
Function
Nano-sized extracellular vesicles (30–150 nm) carrying proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids (mRNA, miRNA, signalling molecules). In cosmetic context: exosomes from plant or stem cell sources deliver growth factors, peptides, and signalling RNA to target skin cells. Proposed mechanisms: stimulate fibroblast collagen and elastin production, modulate inflammatory signalling, support cellular repair and turnover, enhance epidermal-dermal communication.
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes FDA guidance for exosomes as medical devices/biologics in clinical settings is evolving — cosmetic topical use at current concentrations is distinct from injectable exosome therapies. No specific cosmetic regulatory restrictions. Research is early-stage for cosmetic use. MoCRA safety substantiation required. Sourcing transparency (plant vs stem cell vs microbial origin) important for claims and safety dossier.

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
high
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

Exosomes are a promising but early-stage cosmetic ingredient with high market demand; proposed mechanisms for collagen and elastin stimulation are biologically plausible, but robust independent clinical skincare trials remain limited. Brands should be transparent about research stage, source origin, and avoid overclaiming pending publication of peer-reviewed trials.

⚠️
Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

biotech-derived early-stage-research high-consumer-interest #1-searched-2025 collagen-synthesis claims-substantiation-required nano-ingredient regulatory-evolving

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Exosomes safe in cosmetics?

Exosomes are a promising but early-stage cosmetic ingredient with high market demand; proposed mechanisms for collagen and elastin stimulation are biologically plausible, but robust independent clinical skincare trials remain limited. Brands should be transparent about research stage, source origin, and avoid overclaiming pending publication of peer-reviewed trials. The EU classifies Exosomes as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD.

Is Exosomes allowed in the EU?

Exosomes EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Exosomes do in cosmetics?

Exosomes functions as: Nano-sized extracellular vesicles (30–150 nm) carrying proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids (mRNA, miRNA, signalling molecules). In cosmetic context: exosomes from plant or stem cell sources deliver growth factors, peptides, and signalling RNA to target skin cells. Proposed mechanisms: stimulate fibroblast collagen and elastin production, modulate inflammatory signalling, support cellular repair and turnover, enhance epidermal-dermal communication.. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: None.

What is the Margin of Safety for Exosomes?

not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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