INTRODUCTION
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles released by cells that transfer proteins, lipids, mRNAs, and microRNAs to recipient cells playing a role in intercellular communication.1 Recent studies have highlighted exosomes' role in medical and aesthetic dermatology, where they might contribute to wound healing, pigmentation regulation, scar remodeling, and skin rejuvenation through paracrine signaling and regenerative mechanisms.2
To date, the literature on exosome-based therapies has focused on pre-clinical and animal-based studies, and clinical outcomes in humans are limited. This scoping review hopes to address this knowledge gap by evaluating studies that applied exosome-based treatments in humans. By restricting our focus to human studies, we aim to highlight the current clinical landscape, assess therapeutic efficacy, and summarize safety considerations of current exosome preparations.
To date, the literature on exosome-based therapies has focused on pre-clinical and animal-based studies, and clinical outcomes in humans are limited. This scoping review hopes to address this knowledge gap by evaluating studies that applied exosome-based treatments in humans. By restricting our focus to human studies, we aim to highlight the current clinical landscape, assess therapeutic efficacy, and summarize safety considerations of current exosome preparations.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Protocol and Design
The reporting of this scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items For Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) statement.3
Data Sources and Search Strategy
A comprehensive literature search was conducted on Dec 21st, 2024, across MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL to identify studies evaluating exosome-based therapies for skin rejuvenation, pigmentation, and scar management (Figure 1). The search strategy included a combination of MeSH terms and keywords related to exosomes and extracellular vesicles, skin aging, and dermal remodeling. In June 2025, the search was updated to include studies published between Dec 21st, 2024, and June 22nd, 2025, and expanded to include case series, case reports, and grey literature sources. Two reviewers independently evaluated titles and abstracts to identify relevant studies (B.B., E.W.) on Covidence. Disagreements were resolved through a consensus process.
Grey Literature and Trial Registry Search To capture translational data and to reduce publication bias, we conducted a targeted search of grey literature and clinical trial registries. On June 22, 2025, we queried all entries on ClinicalTrials.gov containing the term "exosomes" and manually
The reporting of this scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items For Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) statement.3
Data Sources and Search Strategy
A comprehensive literature search was conducted on Dec 21st, 2024, across MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL to identify studies evaluating exosome-based therapies for skin rejuvenation, pigmentation, and scar management (Figure 1). The search strategy included a combination of MeSH terms and keywords related to exosomes and extracellular vesicles, skin aging, and dermal remodeling. In June 2025, the search was updated to include studies published between Dec 21st, 2024, and June 22nd, 2025, and expanded to include case series, case reports, and grey literature sources. Two reviewers independently evaluated titles and abstracts to identify relevant studies (B.B., E.W.) on Covidence. Disagreements were resolved through a consensus process.
Grey Literature and Trial Registry Search To capture translational data and to reduce publication bias, we conducted a targeted search of grey literature and clinical trial registries. On June 22, 2025, we queried all entries on ClinicalTrials.gov containing the term "exosomes" and manually
