How do exosomes work?

At a high level, exosomes are part of the cell’s endosomal system. Endosomes bud inside cells as multivesicular bodies and are secreted to the extracellular space as exosomes. They can then be taken up by neighbouring cells via membrane fusion or receptor-mediated engulfment called endocytosis. Once inside the recipient cell, their cargo can influence gene expression and protein synthesis pathways relevant to collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid and other essential ECM components that are vital for skin firmness, elasticity and deep hydration. 

In practical skincare terms, it helps to use a simple analogy. Imagine renovating a house. Classic topical actives are skilled tradespeople who provide all the elements to do the job well. Exosomes behave more like the project manager: delivering precise instructions to the various trades that make the plumbing, wiring and painting coordinate and provide the optimal final result. Both roles matter; they’re complementary. Exosomes do not replace your daily active serums or sunscreen. Rather, they can optimise results from your skincare actives by sending signals to the skin to coordinate repair and support resilience while topicals continue to provide specific and targeted benefits. In short, exosomes make the skin function optimally, so your skin can utilise topicals even more effectively.

Why exosomes are important for skin

Exosomes are relevant in two major areas when it comes to skincare.

1) Pro-ageing and Photoageing defence and recovery
UV exposure accelerates collagen breakdown, increases inflammatory cytokines, and drives fibroblast senescence: factors that map directly to wrinkling, uneven tone, and loss of elasticity. Preclinical and early clinical evidence indicate that exosomes can reduce ROS-related stress, modulate inflammatory signalling, and upregulate pathways associated with collagen and elastin synthesis. Several studies reviewed in dermatology literature report improvements in dermal matrix quality and skin elasticity when exosomes are delivered topically or via assisted techniques (e.g., micro-needling). 

2) Regenerative cell-to-cell signalling 
A key shift in aesthetics is moving towards biologically intelligent skincare by supporting the skin’s own communication systems. Exosomes are compelling here because they are native signalling packages. Reviews conclude they can encourage fibroblast synthesis of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, soothe oxidative stress, and help normalise cellular crosstalk disrupted by age and UV. While further large, controlled human trials are needed, the biological rationale and growing body of early evidence underpin their increasing use in exosome treatment strategies. 

Choosing the Right Exosome Skin Booster

• Think “communication plus care.” Continue your proven fundamentals: Vitamin A as your evening skin regulator, Vitamin B for barrier resilience, Vitamin C as a daily fortifier, and of course, a zinc-based sunscreen. Layer an exosome skin booster before, or mixed with your serums if you’re seeking support for firmness, elasticity, hydration, and recovery.
• Choose transparency. Ask how the exosomes are sourced, whether they’re biomimetic (i.e., engineered to emulate your skin-relevant signalling), and if the brand declares a meaningful vesicle count per bottle. Reviews highlight variability in sourcing, isolation methods, and dose. Clarity helps you compare like-for-like. 
• Pair with professional guidance. Clinics can advise on combining exosome-led care with in-clinic therapies and recovery protocols partnered with home care and tailored to your skin goals.

Why do we focus on algal-derived biomimetic exosomes?

The field includes human-derived, animal, plant or microalgal-derived vesicles. There are ethical, legal, and consistency considerations with human and animal material. Plant vesicles, whilst providing numerous skin benefits, are often not true exosomes. Recent product innovation by Synergie Skin has explored vegan, biomimetic vesicles—engineered from microalgae—to mimic youthful fibroblast exosome signalling while avoiding human or animal cell derivatives. This approach aims to balance efficacy with traceability, dose transparency, and everyday compatibility in topical skincare. Industry reviews acknowledge that while exosomes are extremely promising in regenerative medicine and clinical skincare, robust standards and consistent dosing remain essential for credibility, hence the emphasis on sourcing and vesicle dosage. 

For readers who want to see how this thinking translates into a finished formula, explore our pro-ageing booster AlgiZome: a biomimetic, vegan approach designed to work with your existing routine:

https://synergieskin.com/products/algizome

The value of exosomes lies in their targeted communication that supports the skin’s own biology, particularly relevant for those seeking pro-ageing solutions, photoageing concerns, barrier resilience, skin recovery and visible firmness over time. As the category matures, look for rigorous sourcing, ethical engineering, and transparent dosing. Pair an exosome serum with your evidence-based essentials and sun protection, and give your skin the tools it needs to communicate, repair, and thrive.

References 

Bai, Ge, Thu Minh Truong, Gaurav N. Pathak, Lora Benoit, and Babar Rao. “Clinical Applications of Exosomes in Cosmetic Dermatology.” Skin Health and Disease 4 (2024): e348. https://doi.org/10.1002/ski2.348. 

Hajialiasgary Najafabadi, Amirhossein, Mohammad Hasan Soheilifar, and Nastaran Masoudi-Khoram. “Exosomes in Skin Photoageing: Biological Functions and Therapeutic Opportunity.” Cell Communication and Signaling 22 (2024): 32. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12964-023-01451-3.