Why is everyone talking about exosomes in skin care?

Skin CareTrend alert: Why everyone’s talking about exosomes in skin careThey promise youthful, healthy skin by calming inflammation, repairing tissue and more. But do they actually work — and more importantly, are they safe?Updated May 17, 2026, 12:46 PM EDTMili GodioUpdates EditorSkip to table of contentsExosome serums are popping up in popular skin care brands more and more. Whether they’re actually effective depends on how you use them. KALA STUDIO / Getty ImagesThough they’re already a popular medical-grade treatment in Korea, exosomes are now quickly flooding the at-home skin care space in the United States. It’s the latest trend on what seems like every skin care brand’s radar, and because it promises youthful, glowing skin, reduced inflammation and better overall skin health, you may even be able to replace your current retinols and hyaluronic acid serums with it. “Exosomes are skin care gold for brands looking to market innovation,” says Dr. Mona Gohara, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut. Though they’re buzzy, it’s worth noting that no exosome product is currently approved for cosmetic use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “The potential is real, but regulation hasn’t caught up,” says Gohara. Wondering if exosomes are really a “cure-all”? I spoke to board-certified dermatologists to find out exactly what they can do for your skin and compiled a list of products to consider trying. Selected.Our top picksBest overall exosome serumPlated Intense Serum$undefined$258.00PlatedLearn moreBest value exosome serumThe Inkey List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex Serum$undefined$22.00SephoraLearn moreBest balm for sensitive skinSkinfix Exo + Ectoin Retinol-Alternative Intensive Skin Barrier Repair Baume$undefined$69.00SephoraLearn moreBest splurge exosome serum111Skin Exosome Face Lift$undefined$825.00111SkinLearn moreSee 1 MoreRelatedselectselectWe tested hundreds of skin care products — these are the top 100 for sensitive skinWa...