Exosomes in Dermatology: Emerging Roles in Skin Health and Disease
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Exosome Biogenesis and Function in Skin and Other Tissues
3. Exosome Composition
4. Mechanisms of Exosome Uptake
5. Skin Homeostasis
6. Dermatological Conditions
7. Exosome-Based Therapies
8. Methods of Exosome Preparation and Commercial Applications
9. Genetic Transfection Using Exosomes vs. Traditional Methods
10. Patent Landscape of Exosome-Based Products
11. Future Directions
12. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Condition | Description | Causes and Risk Factors |
---|---|---|
Acne Vulgaris [27] | Characterized by comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts, predominantly affecting the face, chest, and back. | Excess sebum production, follicular clogging, bacterial overgrowth (C. acnes), and inflammation. |
Eczema (Dermatitis) [28] | A group of inflammatory skin disorders causing redness, itching, and irritation, including atopic, contact, and seborrheic dermatitis. | Genetic predisposition, immune system dysregulation, and environmental triggers (allergens, irritants). |
Psoriasis [28] | A chronic autoimmune condition causing rapid skin cell buildup, leading to scales and erythematous plaques, often on the elbows, knees, and scalp. | Genetic susceptibility, immune system dysfunction, and environmental triggers (stress, infections). |
Rosacea [29] | A chronic inflammatory skin disorder causing persistent facial redness, visible blood vessels, papules, and ocular symptoms. | Genetic factors, immune dysregulation, and environmental triggers (heat, alcohol, spicy food). |
Skin Cancer [30] | Includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, presenting as abnormal moles, sores, or growths. | UV radiation exposure, genetic mutations, and immunosuppression. |
Vitiligo [31] | Characterized by depigmented patches due to melanocyte loss. | Autoimmune attack on melanocytes and genetic predisposition. |
Urticaria (Hives) [32] | Raised, itchy welts appearing suddenly, often as an allergic reaction. | Allergies (foods, medications), infections, stress, or idiopathic causes. |
Fungal Infections [33] | Includes athlete’s foot, ringworm, and onychomycosis, causing skin peeling, itching, and nail discoloration. | Dermatophytes (T. rubrum, M. canis), yeast (Candida spp.), and warm and humid environments. |
Hair Disorders [34] | Includes alopecia areata, hirsutism, and male-pattern baldness, leading to hair loss or excessive hair growth. | Autoimmune reactions, hormonal imbalances, and genetic factors. |
Nail Disorders [35] | Involves nail discoloration, thickening, and deformities due to infections or systemic diseases. | Fungal infections, trauma, psoriasis, and systemic illnesses. |
Contact Dermatitis [28] | Skin inflammation triggered by irritants or allergens, causing redness and itching. | Direct exposure to irritants (chemicals, detergents) or allergens (nickel, latex). |
Pruritus (Itchy Skin) [28] | Persistent itching due to underlying skin conditions or systemic diseases. | Dermatitis, kidney disease, liver dysfunction, and neuropathic causes. |
Product Name | Company | Source of Exosomes | Clinical Application | Key Benefits |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plated Intense Serum | Rion Aesthetics | Platelet-derived exosomes | Anti-aging, skin rejuvenation | Reduces facial redness, improves skin tone and texture |
Renewosome™ Exosome Serums | (plated)™ Skin Science | Platelet-derived exosomes | Skin and hair rejuvenation | Promotes youthful appearance, supports skin and hair health |
ELEVAI enfinity | ELEVAI Skincare | Not specified | Professional-grade skin treatment at home | Combines high-quality exosomes with potent ingredients for enhanced results |
EXO-SKIN™ Exosome Serum | Dp Dermaceuticals | Wharton’s Jelly-derived MSC exosomes | Wound healing, skin rejuvenation | Accelerates wound closure, reduces scar formation |
Cellese Exosome Products | Cellese | Not specified | Skin rejuvenation | Supports skin longevity, suitable for all skin types |
Licorice Exosome Brightening Treatment Orbs | Snow Fox Skincare | Plant-derived exosomes (licorice root) | Hyperpigmentation, skin brightening | Lightens dark spots, evens out skin tone |
CICA Exosome Replenishing Treatment Orbs | Snow Fox Skincare | Plant-derived exosomes (Centella Asiatica) | Post-treatment skin recovery, hydration | Soothes redness, enhances skin hydration |
Feature | Exosome-Mediated Transfection | Viral Transfection (e.g., Lentivirus, AAV) | Non-Viral Transfection (e.g., Liposomes, Electroporation) |
---|---|---|---|
Biocompatibility [45] | High; derived from host cells, reducing toxicity | Moderate; potential cytotoxicity due to viral components | Moderate to low; chemical agents may cause toxicity |
Immunogenicity [49] | Low; minimal immune response | High; risk of immune activation and inflammation | Low to moderate; dependent on delivery system |
Targeting Efficiency [50] | High; natural ability to target specific cells | Moderate; depends on viral vector engineering | Variable; depends on chemical modifications |
Genetic Cargo Capacity [51] | Moderate; limited by exosome size (30–150 nm) | High; large DNA/RNA payload capacity | High; but may require complex formulations |
Risk of Genomic Integration [52] | None; does not alter host genome | High; may integrate into the host genome, causing mutations | None; transient gene expression |
Stability in Circulation [53] | High; stable in biological fluids and resistant to degradation | Moderate; may require modification for prolonged stability | Low to moderate; prone to enzymatic degradation |
Production Scalability [54] | Challenging; requires optimized isolation techniques | High; well-established large-scale production | High; scalable for clinical applications |
Regulatory Approval Complexity [55] | Lower; naturally derived, fewer safety concerns | High; stringent regulations due to genomic integration risk | Moderate; dependent on chemical formulation and safety profile |
Patent Number | Title | Assignee/Inventor | Focus Area | Key Innovations |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20200331271A1 | Compositions and Methods for Treating Skin Aging | Kimera Labs Inc. | Anti-aging and skin regeneration | Exosome-based formulations for collagen synthesis and wrinkle reduction |
US10576136B2 | Exosome-Based Drug Delivery System | Codiak Biosciences Inc. | Targeted drug delivery | Engineering exosomes for precise therapeutic payload delivery |
US11324768B2 | Methods for Enhancing Wound Healing | RoosterBio Inc. | Wound healing and tissue regeneration | Exosome compositions promoting faster tissue repair |
EP3567892A1 | Exosome-Based Cosmetic Composition | Medytox Inc. | Skincare and dermatology | Exosome-derived skincare formulations for hydration and elasticity improvement |
WO2019229865A1 | Method for Large-Scale Exosome Production | Exopharm Ltd. | Exosome isolation and purification | Scalable techniques for producing exosomes at high purity |
CN110857767A | Exosome-Based Anti-Inflammatory Therapy | Ever Supreme Bio Technology | Dermatological inflammation | Exosome therapy for reducing inflammation in conditions like psoriasis |
JP2020035462A | Nanovesicle Composition for Skin Rejuvenation | ExoCoBio Inc. | Anti-aging and pigmentation | Exosome-infused skincare formulations for anti-aging and skin brightening |
US20210263159A1 | Exosome Therapy for Hair Growth Stimulation | Direct Biologics LLC | Hair regeneration | Exosome compositions promoting follicular growth and hair restoration |
Future Directions | Description |
---|---|
Standardization of Exosome Isolation and Characterization | Establishing standardized protocols for the isolation and characterization of exosomes is crucial. This will ensure consistent quality and safety in exosome-based products, making them more accessible for clinical use. |
Optimization of Exosome Cargo Loading | Research on enhancing the loading of exosomes with specific therapeutic cargo, such as nucleic acids or proteins, will allow for more targeted and effective treatments. |
Personalized Treatment Approaches | Tailoring exosome-based therapies to individual patient profiles is a promising direction. Treatments can be optimized for each patient’s unique needs by considering genetic variations, skin types, and specific dermatological conditions. |
Combination Therapies | Exploring the synergistic effects of exosome-based therapies with other dermatological treatments, such as laser therapy, microneedling, or traditional pharmaceuticals, can lead to more comprehensive and effective regimens for specific conditions. |
Long-Term Safety Studies | Comprehensive, long-term safety studies are necessary to assess the impact of repeated exosome treatments on skin health, especially for chronic dermatological conditions and aesthetic procedures with extended regimens. |
Regulatory Frameworks and Approvals | Collaborations between researchers, clinicians, and regulatory bodies are essential for establishing clear guidelines and approvals for exosome-based dermatological therapies, promoting patient safety and treatment efficacy. |
Patient Education and Informed Consent | As exosome-based therapies gain traction, patient education and informed consent are paramount. Patients must understand the nature of these treatments, potential outcomes, and any associated risks. |
Cost-Efficiency and Accessibility | Addressing the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of exosome-based therapies is crucial. Research into more economical production methods and insurance coverage for treatments can help make these therapies widely available. |
Ethical Considerations | Ethical concerns surrounding the sourcing of exosomes, especially those derived from stem cells, require ongoing attention. Establishing ethical standards for exosome production is integral. |
Collaboration and Multidisciplinary Research | Collaborative efforts between dermatologists, cell biologists, material scientists, and bioengineers can lead to breakthroughs in exosome-based therapies. A multidisciplinary approach fosters innovation and holistic understanding. |
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Bin Dayel, S.; Hussein, R.S. Exosomes in Dermatology: Emerging Roles in Skin Health and Disease. Pharmaceutics 2025, 17, 600. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17050600
Bin Dayel S, Hussein RS. Exosomes in Dermatology: Emerging Roles in Skin Health and Disease. Pharmaceutics. 2025; 17(5):600. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17050600
Chicago/Turabian StyleBin Dayel, Salman, and Ramadan S. Hussein. 2025. "Exosomes in Dermatology: Emerging Roles in Skin Health and Disease" Pharmaceutics 17, no. 5: 600. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17050600
APA StyleBin Dayel, S., & Hussein, R. S. (2025). Exosomes in Dermatology: Emerging Roles in Skin Health and Disease. Pharmaceutics, 17(5), 600. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17050600