From the Vault: Review of the last decade finds biological rationale for skin and hair benefits, yet no FDA approvals and major gaps in standardization and clinical data
Dive into this article from the JDD vault, which has recently been gaining a lot of attention. This article from January 2025 is a focused literature review (56 references, 2014-2024) found that exosomes (extracellular vesicles that shuttle proteins, lipids and nucleic acids between cells) have plausible mechanisms for aesthetic applications: they may boost extracellular matrix production, inhibit matrix metalloproteinases, modulate inflammation, and stimulate follicular activity, yielding potential benefits in skin rejuvenation, hair restoration and pigmentary disorders. However, the data are largely preclinical or early‑phase, isolation and characterization methods are inconsistent, sources vary (raising potency and safety questions), and robust long‑term clinical trials are lacking. Crucially, no exosome products are FDA‑approved for cosmetic dermatology, and the evolving regulatory landscape means many commercially available preparations remain unstandardized.
Read the full review to examine the specific studies, safety signals and methodological concerns before offering exosome therapies; until standardized products and high‑quality trials exist, counsel patients cautiously, document informed consent, and consider participation in regulated clinical studies rather than routine clinical use.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(1):12-18. doi:10.36849/JDD.8872
Blog write-up assisted by AI
