Plant-Based Exosomes for Your Skin: Everything To Know

Plants contain numerous compounds, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and vitamins, that can help reduce inflammation and oxidation and potentially slow aging processes. Special structures called exosomes deliver these molecules, along with fats and proteins, to other target cells. Skin care professionals harness the benefits of plant-based exosomes for skin in natural and effective therapies.  

What Are Plant-Based Exosomes for Skincare?

Exosomes act as messengers between cells. They carry waste products, including lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, from cellular processes. They also carry small bits of RNA. Current research shows this ability can be harnessed to help deliver treatments to targeted areas. 

It may help to think of exosomes as carriers, delivering packages to different addresses throughout the body. For example, they can deliver antioxidants to the skin or cancer therapies to affected organs. 

Skincare products using plant-based exosomes frequently target healing and cellular regeneration. They are also highly moisturizing, helping to reduce irritation and dryness associated with environmental or certain dermatological conditions.  

What Plants Do Exosomes Come From?

Exosomes are in all plants, but only some produce beneficial properties. Many fruits and vegetables have exosomes that promote healthy and firm skin. Some of the most commonly used plant-based exosomes for skin come from foods that are regarded as healthy. 

Berries

Many people recognize the health benefits of berries. It is widely accepted that these vibrant fruits contain beneficial compounds that reduce oxidative stress and swelling. These benefits translate well to skincare applications. Blueberries and strawberries are commonly used in plant-based exosomes for skin.

With strong antioxidant properties, blueberry exosomes help slow signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, by combating free radical damage. They also help regulate the inflammatory response to soothe damaged and irritated skin. Another antioxidant, strawberry exosomes, are especially effective at combating oxidation when combined with vitamin C.

Do you need help determining which vitamin C product is right for you? Take our quiz to find out. 

Broccoli

It may not be your favorite vegetable, but broccoli exosomes are a favorite for skincare products. They are highly biocompatible and penetrate deeply into the skin’s layers. This makes them an excellent delivery vehicle for skincare compounds.  

Centella Asiatica

This vegetable, also known as spadeleaf, coinwort, and Indian or Asiatic pennywort, activates genes within the skin that stop aging processes. It can support skin structure, which improves the skin barrier and boosts hydration levels. 

Grapes

Researchers exploring grape exosome-like nanoparticles have shown them to be highly effective at reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This makes them a valuable asset for developing plant-based exosome skin care products. 

Turmeric

Turmeric helps to improve skin hydration and regeneration. It is also a common ingredient in hair-density treatments. Turmeric exosomes contain curcumin, quercetin, and sulforaphane, widely regarded as key ingredients to reduce inflammation and combat free radicals. 

Do Plant-Based Exosomes Work?

Plant-based exosomes for skincare can be very effective. There is significant research supporting their use for medical applications. Skincare products can harness their therapeutic properties to promote hydration and soothe irritated or inflamed skin. 

Tip: Take our hydration quiz to find the right moisturizer for your skin. 

Exosomes rival platelet-rich plasma treatments in effectiveness. However, products using them are non-invasive and more affordable than PRP therapy. Additionally, you can use exosome-containing skincare products such as our Plant XO gift set daily in the comfort of your own home. These features make them an attractive option for many people who want a natural and effective skincare regime. 

How Do They Work?

The easiest way to understand how exosomes work is by thinking of them as couriers. They carry fats, proteins, and other molecular compounds to specific body areas. Because they can enter cells easily, they deliver those compounds directly to the cells’ core, where they are best utilized. 

Are Plant Exosomes Safe for Skin?

Yes, plant exosomes in skincare products are generally considered safe. Because they are so gentle, skincare companies frequently use them in products designed for sensitive, inflamed, or irritated skin. Plant-derived exosomes have several properties that make them especially safe. Specifically, they are:

• Biocompatible: Their natural source and makeup of lipids and proteins means that plant-based exosomes are highly biocompatible. As a result, they are readily accepted by and absorbed into the skin. 
• Natural: Because they are sourced from plants, these compounds do not have any potentially harmful synthetic chemicals or toxins.  
• Non-allergenic: The compounds within exosomes used for skin care do not contain common allergens. People with known allergies to certain plants should use caution when purchasing natural products. Read labels and be aware of any ingredients that may cause you to have a reaction. 

It is a good idea to take precautions when using a new skincare product; for example, look for products recommended by dermatologists or produced in certified laboratories. Performing a patch test on a small area can help reassure you and ensure a product is safe for wider use. 

What Are the Benefits of Plant Exosomes for Skincare?

Plant exosomes have a unique structure that lets them penetrate the skin at a cellular level to provide deeper, more effective therapies. They act as natural delivery systems for beneficial molecules that can help promote healthy skin. Their properties include:

• Anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce inflammation. This helps to soothe irritation from conditions such as acne, rosacea, and allergies and promotes a calmer complexion. 
• Antioxidant benefits from flavonoids and polyphenols help reduce oxidative stress from UV radiation, air pollution, foods, and other environmental and lifestyle factors. This may help slow the aging process to support younger, healthier-looking skin. 
• Collagen support and improved cellular turnover may also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In doing so, plant exosomes for skin care products promote firmer, youthful-looking skin. 
• Hydrophilic molecules in plant exosomes promote hydration and help strengthen the skin barrier. This locks in moisture and reduces dryness. 

The many bioactive compounds in exosomes help skin cells repair and regenerate. This makes them ideal for supporting wound healing and reducing scarring. They may also improve skin texture. Products containing plant exosomes are especially helpful for people with sensitive or damaged skin. 

Explore Dermatologist-Approved Plant-Based Exosomes for Skin