EXOSOMES: ARE THEY WORTH THE HYPE?

There's a lot of buzz going around about exosomes right now.

Clinics are offering exosome facials, microneedling with exosomes, and even at-home serums infused with them. You'll hear claims like: "they're the future of regenerative skincare," or "better than PRP." But are exosomes really that powerful — or just another trending ingredient with a nice backstory?

At MARBL, we're all about giving you the facts, not the fluff. So, we looked at the research, spoke to practitioners, and reviewed how exosomes are being used in medical aesthetics right now.

So let's break it down. What are exosomes — and are they worth it?

THE HYPE AROUND EXOSOMES — AND WHERE IT'S COMING FROM

Exosomes are biological messengers. They're tiny vesicles (30–150 nanometres) released by cells that carry proteins, lipids, and genetic material like RNA. In theory, these little packages help skin cells communicate and repair damage more efficiently.

Clinics are now applying exosomes topically after microneedling or laser treatments to support skin healing, reduce inflammation, and encourage collagen production. Some are combining them with PRP or using them in standalone facials.

They're often marketed as cutting-edge, non-invasive, and regenerative — and while the science is promising, it's still in the early stages.

So how do we separate science from marketing?

SO WHAT DO EXOSOMES ACTUALLY DO?

Here's what practitioners and early studies suggest:

• Boost skin recovery. Especially after treatments like microneedling or laser, exosomes may help speed up the healing process.
• Improve skin texture and tone. By promoting collagen and elastin, they can subtly smooth fine lines and give the skin a firmer feel.
• Calm inflammation. This is key after more intensive procedures.
• Hydrate and support skin barrier function. Particularly when used in serum form.

And yet, it's important to remember:

• Most studies are preclinical — meaning in labs or on animals, not humans.
• Results can vary widely depending on the formulation used.
• The field is still unregulated, so not all exosome products are created equal.
• More large-scale, peer-reviewed clinical trials are needed before we can call it a game-changer.

"I thought it was all buzzword-y nonsense. But I added an exosome facial to my microneedling session — and I could literally feel the difference." – MARBL User Interview, London

HOW DO THEY COMPARE TO PRP?

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is often considered the OG of regenerative skin treatments. Like exosomes, it's used after microneedling or injections to support skin healing and rejuvenation.

But the two are not the same.

• PRP is derived from your own blood and rich in growth factors.
• Exosomes are derived from stem cells and deliver different cellular signals.

Some clinics now combine the two for potentially amplified results — but again, the clinical evidence is still catching up.

ARE EXOSOMES WORTH IT?

It depends on your skin goals and what you're pairing them with.

If you're already doing microneedling or laser treatments, adding exosomes may be a nice boost — especially if you're looking for faster recovery or more glow. But they're not a miracle fix on their own, and the results are usually subtle.

Here's how to know if they're right for you:

• Avoid standalone facials — exosomes work best when paired.
• Best when applied post-treatment (microneedling, laser).
• Don't ditch your core skincare routine.
• Find a practitioner who uses vetted, clinically tested products.
• Be cautious of over-the-counter serums with vague claims.
• Give it time (usually 3–6 treatments).

TL;DR

• Exosomes may support faster healing, smoother skin, and reduced redness.
• They work best when combined with microneedling or laser.
• Clinical studies are promising — but still developing.
• Choose a trusted clinic and don't expect overnight results.

Looking to try microneedling with exosomes or other regenerative treatments?

Use MARBL to find trusted, vetted medspas near you — with real reviews and transparent pricing.

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