From Biogenesis to Bedside: Sources, Isolation and Detection, Formulation Purity, and the Current Limits of Exosome‑Based Drug Delivery

ABSTRACT Background Exosome‐based skin boosters are increasingly recognized in aesthetic dermatology, yet consolidated evidence on their safety and effectiveness remains limited. This scoping review aimed to synthesize available evidence on the clinical safety, efficacy, and practical application of exosome‐based skin boosters for facial rejuvenation in aesthetic medicine settings. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase (2015–2025) was conducted following PRISMA‐ScR guidelines. Inclusion criteria focused on clinical trials or observational studies evaluating exosome‐based products for facial skin rejuvenation. Primary outcomes assessed were adverse events and clinical efficacy measures (skin texture, wrinkles, pigmentation, and global aesthetic improvement). Results Eight studies ( n = 20–60 participants per study, predominantly female, age range 18–80 years) met inclusion criteria. Exosomes from platelets, stem cells, adipose tissue, and bovine milk were delivered topically, via microneedling, or with laser assistance. All products demonstrated favorable tolerability; mild, transient adverse effects (erythema, dryness, petechiae) resolved within 2–14 days without serious complications. Efficacy improvements were reported across studies: skin texture enhancement (76.8%–90.9%), wrinkle reduction (5‐85.5% improvement), and melasma clearance (up to 99% melanin index reduction). Conclusion Exosome‐based skin boosters appear safe and effective for facial rejuvenation with minimal adverse effects. However, heterogeneous study designs, small sample sizes, and short follow‐up periods necessitate larger, standardized clinical trials with extended monitoring to validate long‐term safety and establish treatment protocols for broader clinical application.

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Publication Details

Journal
Dermatological Reviews
Published
2026-04-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/der2.70065
Primary Topic
Dermatologic Treatments and Research
Type
article
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0.00
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article

From Biogenesis to Bedside: Sources, Isolation and Detection, Formulation Purity, and the Current Limits of Exosome‑Based Drug Delivery

Mohammed Salim Karattuthodi, S P Srinivas Nayak, Aseem Sharma, Sohil Khan et al.
Dermatological Reviews
Dermatologic Treatments and Research
article

From Biogenesis to Bedside: Sources, Isolation and Detection, Formulation Purity, and the Current Limits of Exosome‑Based Drug Delivery

Mohammed Salim Karattuthodi, S P Srinivas Nayak, Aseem Sharma, Sohil Khan, Neha Akhoon, Guhaneshram V., Rachel Sharon Dias
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Exosome‐based skin boosters are increasingly recognized in aesthetic dermatology, yet consolidated evidence on their safety and effectiveness remains limited. This scoping review aimed to synthesize available evidence on the clinical safety, efficacy, and practical application of exosome‐based skin boosters for facial rejuvenation in aesthetic medicine settings. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase (2015–2025) was conducted following PRISMA‐ScR guidelines. Inclusion criteria focused on clinical trials or observational studies evaluating exosome‐based products for facial skin rejuvenation. Primary outcomes assessed were adverse events and clinical efficacy measures (skin texture, wrinkles, pigmentation, and global aesthetic improvement). Results Eight studies ( n = 20–60 participants per study, predominantly female, age range 18–80 years) met inclusion criteria. Exosomes from platelets, stem cells, adipose tissue, and bovine milk were delivered topically, via microneedling, or with laser assistance. All products demonstrated favorable tolerability; mild, transient adverse effects (erythema, dryness, petechiae) resolved within 2–14 days without serious complications. Efficacy improvements were reported across studies: skin texture enhancement (76.8%–90.9%), wrinkle reduction (5‐85.5% improvement), and melasma clearance (up to 99% melanin index reduction). Conclusion Exosome‐based skin boosters appear safe and effective for facial rejuvenation with minimal adverse effects. However, heterogeneous study designs, small sample sizes, and short follow‐up periods necessitate larger, standardized clinical trials with extended monitoring to validate long‐term safety and establish treatment protocols for broader clinical application.

Dermatological ReviewsVol. 7(2)
Griffith University (AU), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (IN), University College of Medical Sciences (IN), SKiN Health (CA)
Openalex Percentile: Top 21%
Dermatologic Treatments and Research
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