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