Exosomes for Cosmetics
The small extracellular nanovesicles exosomes, released by cells, are now gaining attention for cosmetics, skin care, tissue regeneration, and treatment of dermatological diseases. Exosomes for cosmetics function by changing the cellular microenvironment, gene expression, and cell differentiation. Therefore, they can be used to reduce wrinkles, soften and moisturize the skin, increase elasticity, and reduce inflammation and UV damage.
Creative Biostructure provides cosmetic grade exosomes from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) (CosExo™ Exosome-hMSC) and milk exosomes (CosExo™ Exosome-Milk) for cosmetic applications. hMSC-derived exosomes contain growth factors, cytokines, and microRNAs that can rejuvenate aging skin. These exosomes increase collagen production, which is necessary to keep skin elastic and reduce wrinkles. They also tone and smooth the skin, lighten dark spots and promote skin wellness. Similarly, milk exosomes possess many cosmetic effects ranging from fighting the signs of aging, smoothing skin texture, protecting skin barrier and soothing the skin. Both exosomes can be added to creams, serums, masks and lotions.
Product List
Background
Exosomes are increasingly recognized in cosmetics as potent therapeutic and anti-aging agents, and are therefore sought-after constituents in topical creams, serums and masks. These small vesicles contain proteins, lipids and bioactive molecules that play a crucial role in promoting skin healing, hydration and protection, making them a versatile addition to skin care. Through their activation of collagen, anti-inflammatory activity, and environmental stress-reducing properties, exosomes help maintain healthy skin.
In addition to their own properties as delivery carriers, exosomes can also help other active components (e.g., hyaluronic acid and antioxidants), absorb better into the skin and work better. Exosomes from adipose and bone marrow stem cells can significantly reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory markers, as well as improve collagen production and skin elasticity.
Further, exosomes were reported to repair sunburn and acne scars, repopulate skin cells and even out the complexion. Because they maintain skin barrier repair and hydrate the skin, they're an innovative wrinkle fighter. And since exosomes are so versatile, they can be very useful for a range of sophisticated, targeted skin care products that can address various areas of skin health and aging.
Figure 1. Role of exosomes for anti-aging treatment. The administration of Adipose stem cell derived-condition media (ASC-CM) and Bone marrow stem cell derived exosomes (BMSC-exos) had the effect of decreasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to a low level, decreasing the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) but increasing the expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), leading to an increase in the production of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and pro-collagen type I, which ultimately enhanced the synthesis of collagen in the skin, improving its elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles, making it an effective anti-aging therapy. (Thakur A, et al., 2023)
Applications of Exosomes for Cosmetics
Anti-Aging Effect
Exosomes derived from hMSC rejuvenate the skin by stimulating cell proliferative and migration, healing wounds and repairing tissue. They are enriched with growth factors and bioactive molecules that help in the production of collagen, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. On the other hand, milk exosomes have antioxidant effects to fight against aging, protecting against oxidative damage and inflammation, further contributing to a youthful appearance.
Protection on the Skin Barrier
For skin barrier-protection, exosomes from hMSC and milk have proven effective. These exosomes upregulate tight junction proteins, promoting skin resilience, reducing permeability, and protecting the skin from environmental damage. They're highly antioxidant to fight oxidative stress and protect skin cells from environmental stressors and ROS. Moreover, exosomes support cell repair and also help the skin defend itself from pathogens and irritations.
Skin Lightening
Some exosomes—hMSC-derived exosomes and milk-derived exosomes, for example—may be able to suppress tyrosinase, the enzyme primarily responsible for melanin formation, which helps prevent hyperpigmentation. Combining this with their ability to turnover and regenerate the skin cells, results in evener skin and fewer dark spots. The activity of exosomes in reducing melanin levels has been shown to be effective in skin lightening formulations and in the treatment of hyperpigmentation.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Skin Brightening Potential of Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Exosomes: Inhibitory Effects on Melanin and Clinical Efficacy
The skin whitening capabilities of exosomes from human adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells (ASC-exosomes) are explored. Exosomes purified by tangential flow filtration reduced melanin in melanoma cells and were used in a placebo-controlled split-face experiment with hyperpigmented volunteers. Results showed a significant decrease in melanin content compared to placebo, though effects decreased over time, suggesting a need for improved delivery methods. Findings support ASC-exosomes as promising cosmeceuticals for skin brightening applications.
Figure 2. The anti-pigmentation effect of ASC-exosomes in the absence and presence of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). The melanin levels in B16F10 melanoma cells were measured after treatment with ASC-exosomes in the (A) absence or (B) presence of α-MSH for 48 h. Representative data are presented as the mean ± SD from multiple experiments performed in triplicate. (A) * p < 0.05 and ** p < 0.01 vs. the negative control group were considered statistically significant. (B) # p < 0.05 and ## p < 0.01 vs. the α-MSH control group were considered statistically significant. Arb: arbutin. (Cho BS, et al., 2020)
Case Study 2: Enhancing Peptide Skin Care with NanoGlow: Plant-Derived Exosomes for Superior Skin Penetration
Peptides are valuable for skin care, but often face challenges with stability and skin absorption. The NanoGlow technique addresses these limitations by encapsulating peptides in engineered nano-sized plant-derived exosomes (pExo) to enhance skin penetration and efficacy. Acting as carriers, pExo facilitate the delivery of peptides across the skin barrier, thereby improving their bioavailability. In vitro and in vivo studies show that pExo significantly outperform free peptides in reaching the dermis and promoting skin health. NanoGlow offers a scalable, stable solution for advanced peptide delivery with potential for both cosmetic and medical applications.
Figure 3. Evaluation of skin permeation potential for acetyl hexapeptide-8 (AH-8), LeoExo@AH-8, and milkExo@AH-8 in vitro and in vivo. (A) Fluorescent microscopy images of HaCaT cells following 1, 2, 4, and 6 h of incubation with free FITC-AH-8, LeoExo@FITC-AH-8, and milkExo@FITC-AH-8. Scale bar: 100 μm. (B) FL intensity corresponds to the absorption of various substances. (C) Schematic diagram of the in vivo test of the skin permeation ability using mouse back skin. (Hou J, et al., 2024)
Product Advantages
- Improved Penetration and Efficacy: Exosomes are natural carriers that transport vital ingredients deep down into the skin, at the subcutaneous layer where skin restructure occurs. Its new delivery technology significant increases the potency of anti-aging, brightening and rejuvenating ingredients to leave the skin visibly tighter, smoother and more radiant.
- Bio-compatible and Natural Ingredients: Our exosomes are naturally biocompatible and mimic the body's own biological processes. This prevents irritation and helps keep skin healthy with high-performing active ingredients that help regenerate and revitalize.
- Customizable and Scalable Solutions: Leveraging exosomes as effective carriers for active ingredients, we provide exosome isolation services tailored to enhance your cosmetic formulations. Address targeted skin concerns, from anti-aging and hydration to repair and rejuvenation, with precision-engineered exosomes.
Resources
Download Now
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Are your exosomes derived from natural or synthetic sources?
Our exosomes are derived from natural sources, such as human stem cell derivatives and milk, to ensure skin care compatibility and efficacy. We prioritize natural, biocompatible sources to align with the body's cellular processes, minimize irritation and promote optimal skin health.
-
How can exosomes be introduced to existing product lines?
Exosomes are adaptable, they can be added to creams, serums, masks and lotions. They are nanosized and therefore easy to incorporate into other formulations. We provide customized exosomes that can be fit into your existing line and deliver performance without compromising the stability of the formulation.
-
Is your exosome for cosmetics safe and compliant with industry standards?
Absolutely. Creative Biostructure makes sure all exosome products comply with cosmetics regulations. Our products are safe, highly purified, and non-toxic. We are GMP compliant and have stability and safety testing to ensure that the product we provided is safe and potent for cosmetic application.
Experience the skin care revolution of tomorrow with Creative Biostructure today and experience the shift toward smoother, brighter, and healthier skin. Contact us now!
References
- Cho BS, Lee J, Won Y, et al. Skin brightening efficacy of exosomes derived from human adipose tissue-derived stem/stromal cells: a prospective, split-face, randomized placebo-controlled study. Cosmetics. 2020;7(4):90.
- Hou J, Wei W, Geng Z, et al. Developing plant exosomes as an advanced delivery system for cosmetic peptide. ACS Appl Bio Mater. 2024;7(5):3050-3060.
- Thakur A, Shah D, Rai D, et al. Therapeutic values of exosomes in cosmetics, skin care, tissue regeneration, and dermatological diseases. Cosmetics. 2023;10(2):65.
- Wu X, Shen J, Zhong Y, et al. Large-scale isolation of milk exosomes for skincare. Pharmaceutics. 2024;16(7):930.
