Exosomes

Exosomes are microscopic, nano-sized vesicles that cells release to communicate with one another. They are not cells themselves, but carry a cargo of proteins, lipids, growth factors and genetic messages such as RNA from one cell to another. In aesthetics they are applied after treatments such as microneedling, to help calm the look of redness and, over a course of treatments, support the look of smoother, more even-toned and firmer skin.

Exosomes work best where they can reach deeper layers, which is why they are applied straight after microneedling, into the freshly created micro-channels. There they are used to support the look of healthy, resilient skin as it settles after treatment. This is a young, fast-moving field: exosomes can come from human, animal or plant cells, quality varies widely, and much of the research is still early. The exosome-rich concentrate in Augustinus Bader's The Elixir, for example, is plant-derived.