An exosome face cream is a cosmetic containing plant-derived ingredients described as exosomes: very small vesicles obtained from plants or fruit. It is applied to the skin and provides cosmetic surface care, like other creams.
The word has become widespread in recent years, along with some confusion: it can refer to a procedure in a medical practice or to a jar bought online. These are different categories. Here, we discuss the cosmetic and how to assess its formula beyond its label.
First: “exosomes” is not an INCI name
Ingredients must be declared on the packaging using INCI names. “Exosomes” is not an INCI ingredient name; it is used in product descriptions. The list may declare the source plant extracts, such as Centella asiatica leaf extract, Citrullus lanatus fruit extract or Citrus paradisi fruit extract.
In practice, check that the declared ingredients are consistent with the product description. A botanical extract name does not itself prove that exosomes are present, and its position does not establish concentration or performance. Read our explanation of how to read a cosmetic INCI list.
Second: distinguish cosmetics from clinic procedures
Exosome procedures performed by medical professionals, often combined with microneedling, belong to a different category, with different costs, methods and assessments. A cream does not replace them and should not claim to do so.
For indicative clinic prices, see the public price lists discussed in how much facial biorevitalisation costs. They help explain that these are two different approaches, rather than two prices for the same product.
Third: consider the accompanying ingredients
No cosmetic ingredient explains a product's performance alone: the complete formula matters. Plant-derived exosomes in creams of this category may be combined with:
- PDRN, declared as Sodium DNA, of marine origin. Read more in salmon DNA for the face.
- Cosmetic peptides, with names such as Palmitoyl sh-pentapeptide-17. Our selection criteria are in how to choose a peptide cream.
- Emollient and soothing ingredients, such as squalane and botanical extracts, which contribute to the texture's comfort.
A very long list of active ingredients is not, by itself, evidence of quality. Equally, it cannot establish that each is present only in a token amount.
Fourth: size, usable life and the actual price
Compare unit prices rather than just the price of the jar. In Italy, volume-based cosmetic sales are generally subject to unit-pricing requirements. A 50 ml cream at €89 costs €178 per 100 ml; a 30 ml cream at the same price has a substantially higher unit cost.
Also check the PAO, the open-jar symbol indicating how many months the product can be used after opening. A larger size is not a saving if you cannot use it within that period.
Fifth: assess the promises
Cosmetic advertising claims in Europe must be supported by evidence. Be cautious about results promised within a precise number of days, improvement percentages without supporting studies, comparisons with medical procedures and medical terminology.
A responsible cosmetic description sets clear limits: it may help support skin comfort and visibly improve appearance with consistent use, where those benefits are substantiated.
Are they available in pharmacies?
Yes, some exosome creams are sold in pharmacies, others online or in beauty stores. The sales channel alone does not establish formula quality. The ingredient list remains important and must appear on the packaging regardless of where you buy.
How to use one
Apply to cleansed face and neck after any serum, morning and evening according to the directions. During the day, sunscreen remains the final step. Assess a cosmetic with consistent use over weeks, rather than judging it after three days.
Frequently asked questions
Are exosomes in creams animal-derived?
Those used in ELAXO formulas are plant-derived. However, the same formula can contain PDRN obtained from salmon. In that case, the product is not vegan.
Does an exosome cream replace a clinic procedure?
No. A clinic procedure is performed by medical professionals and is a different approach, with its own costs and methods. A cosmetic cares for the skin's surface.
How much does an exosome face cream cost?
Prices vary widely. For a useful comparison, consider the unit price, for example per 100 ml, rather than the package price alone.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
That depends on the complete formula and individual sensitivity, not one ingredient. For very reactive skin, read the INCI and test a small area first.
Read next
- Facial exosomes: what they are and how they are used
- Plant-derived or animal-derived exosomes: the differences
- Exosomes in skincare: how they work
ELAXO's N°2 PDRN Face Cream contains plant-derived exosomes from watermelon and grapefruit, marine-derived PDRN and Pentapeptide-17, with over 96% ingredients of natural origin. 50 ml, formulated and manufactured in Italy.
