There is an ingredient that until a few years ago only appeared in biomedical research reports and in advanced aesthetic medicine treatments. Today it is called "the active ingredient of the future" of skincare. It's called an exosome — and it deserves a serious explanation, without the background noise of marketing.
What is an exosome
An Exosome is an extracellular vesicle — a nanosized spherical structure that cells produce and release into their environment to communicate with each other.
In biology, Exosomes function as molecular couriers: they transport proteins, lipids, RNA and other biological signals from one cell to another. They are among the mechanisms studied in relation to the processes of repair, regeneration and immune response.
The dimensions are tiny: Exosomes have a diameter between 30 and 150 nanometres, i.e. millionths of a millimetre.
Why Exosomes are of interest to cosmetics
In cosmetics, plant exosomes are used to support the renewal of the skin's appearance, help strengthen the skin barrier and soothe the skin. Like any cosmetic ingredient, they work on the surface of the skin.
The key point is the source. The exosomes described in ELAXO cosmetics come from plant sources — and this makes a significant difference in terms of safety profile, production ethics and accessibility.
Plant exosomes vs Exosomes of biological origin
Exosomes of animal or platelet origin: mainly used in aesthetic medicine (injection treatments), not in topical cosmetics. Very high costs, complex regulatory profile.
Exosomes of plant origin: extracted from plants through biotechnological processes. They are the choice of next-generation advanced cosmetics — with safety and tolerance assessed for the intended use and the complete formula, and potential for industrial production. It is the same biotechnological world from which the ferments used in cosmetics come.
Origin, European legislation and concrete consequences on the formula: we have compared the two origins point by point in vegetable or animal exosomes, what changes really.
At ELAXO we only use plant exosomes, because it is the choice consistent with the values of the brand and with the reality of what a topical cosmetic formula can offer in a responsible way.
The Centella Asiatica Exosomes in the ELAXO Serum
The Centella Asiatica is a plant used for centuries in the cosmetic tradition for its soothing and renewing properties. The exosomes extracted from Centella Asiatica that we use in the PDRN Exosome Peptide Serum ELAXO carry with them the profile of the plant and help support the renewal of the skin's appearance.
In synergy with PDRN (in INCI Sodium DNA) and Hexapeptide-12, they form the triad active ingredient of the Serum: three ingredients with different roles, which add up with consistent use.
The Watermelon and Grapefruit Exosomes in the ELAXO Cream
The PDRN Exosome ELAXO Cream contains Exosomes extracted from Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi). These new generation plant Exosomes have an antioxidant and brightening profile, and contribute to the brightness and uniformity of the tone.
Exosomes and PDRN: why we use them together
PDRN and Exosomes are not interchangeable — they are complementary. PDRN, with consistent use, helps the skin appear more compact and elastic. Plant exosomes support the renewal of the skin's appearance and barrier. Two different roles, which work together on the visible signs of ageing.
What to expect from Exosomes in cosmetics
As with PDRN, consistency is everything. The times depend on the skin and the regularity of use: what is observed, progressively, is
- More uniform skin texture
- Brighter and more homogeneous tone
- More comfortable skin barrier (less reactivity, less redness)
- Skin that feels more comfortable during the rest of the routine
Do you want to know each active ingredient in detail? Visit the Active Ingredients page.
Serum and Cream are used one after the other and are found together in the Ritual. → Discover ELAXO products
