Anyone tapped into the skin-care conversation right now has surely heard about exosomes, the regenerative ingredient that changes the way cells react to aging. When we published our first story about its growing presence in topical serums and creams in March 2025, it was still a burgeoning category; 17 months later, exosome skincare continues to expand.
“Exosomes sit at the intersection of several important shifts in aesthetics: regenerative medicine, cellular signaling, and a more sophisticated understanding of skin as a living organ rather than simply a surface to be treated,” board-certified plastic & reconstructive surgeon and Vogue Beauty Board member Lara Devgan, MD explains. She says to think of them as “microscopic extracellular vesicles” that facilitate communication between cells; instead of just delivering a single ingredient into the skin, exosomes influence the way cells communicate and respond to aging.
Because of its reparative abilities, it plays a major role in the ongoing regenerative skincare movement. However, Dr. Devgan thinks it is premature to consider them a foundational category in the same way we think about retinoids, antioxidants, or peptides.
As someone who has had a few life-changing experiences with exosome microneedling (more about my experience here), I’m really excited to see how the ingredient evolves. That said, while the next generation of exosome products are unveiling, we’re most interested in formulas that can deliver “clinically meaningful results,” as Dr. Devgan puts it; products that feature the ingredient alongside others already trusted for their efficacy—and, best case scenario, also feel like a treat to apply.
With that, we tapped Neada Deters and Sean Garrette to test some of the latest exosome launches. Below, they share their honest thoughts from their trials. Read on to learn what’s worth trying for yourself.
Eighth Day The Overnight Eye Cream Treatment
Eighth Day
The Overnight Eye Cream Treatment
- Why We Love It: Eighth Day’s eye cream is packed with a trio of peptides, John’s wort acid, and botanical extracts that work in tandem to boost skin elasticity and brighten dark circles. Peptides, in particular, are the star ingredient, and this one in particular is bioidentical to the protein found in snake venom—which sounds scary, but in reality, it helps to relax fine lines. “Certain peptides also help with dark circles by improving microcirculation and reducing hemoglobin breakdown beneath the surface. The result over time is a more rested, lifted appearance,” Antony Nakhla, MD, double-board-certified dermatologist and founder of Eighth Day, previously told Vogue.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptide blend, kojic acid, goji berry extract, bilberry extract, arnica, sodium hyaluronate, biotin, allantoin, tocopherol
Size: 5 fl oz / 15 mL
This eye cream has a thick, almost balm-like texture, making it deeply nourishing and best suited for dry, mature skin. Although studies show growth factors are too large to enter the epidermis and take effect, the retinal and cosmetic peptides in the formula should reduce puffiness and fine lines with nightly use—making this a great two-in-one treatment for tired or aging eyes.
The texture of this eye treatment really intrigued me. It’s a thick balm texture that melts into a smooth cream as you work it into the eye. I have dry skin, particularly dry under-eyes. This treatment helped soothe that dryness without irritation.
Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ Serum
Medik8
Exo-PDRN Primastic+ Serum
Gorgeous, thick, gel texture that melts into the skin effortlessly. This serum floods the skin with hydration and has an immediate plumping effect. I love the mix of peptides and hyaluronic acid. This gives the skin immediate hydration that’s visible on the skin, and the peptides helps to plump, soothe, and calm the complexion.
Naturopathica Gotu Kola + Fruit Exosome Gel Moisturizer
Naturopathica
Gotu Kola + Fruit Exosome Gel Moisturizer
- Why We Love It: Naturopathica’s gel moisturizer is packed with fruit-derived extracts—including exosomes. Here, exosomes are derived from a trio of fruits (papaya, apples, and tangerines) that work together to support skin elasticity. Meanwhile, the other star of the formula, gotu kola, is just another name for tiger grass (a.k.a. a soothing skin-care superstar). Meanwhile, snow mushroom extract (a.k.a. tremella) supports hydration retention.
Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, glycerin, sodium PCA, centella leaf extract, beta-glucan, PCA, tocopherol, gotu kola, fruit exosome blend, tremella
Size: 1.69 oz
