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Exosomes in Aesthetics: Plant-Based Exosomes, Exosome Serums, PDRN and PRP Compared
Exosomes, PRP, PDRN and polynucleotides are often discussed together in aesthetic medicine and professional cosmetics. Biologically, however, they are different systems. This overview explains the key differences, assesses the current evidence and shows what professionals should look for when evaluating products.
Note: This article is intended for professional orientation and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Results from studies using a specific PRP protocol, a particular PDRN/PN product or isolated extracellular vesicles cannot automatically be transferred to other preparations.
At a glance: five terms, five different concepts
These terms are often mentioned together in the market, but they do not describe a single class of active ingredients. Use the cards to quickly classify each category.
PRP
PRP is prepared from autologous blood and contains an increased concentration of platelets as well as plasma and other soluble components. Activated platelets also release extracellular vesicles. PRP is therefore biologically connected with EV research, but it remains a distinct blood-derived product.
SourceAutologous blood
Basic structureComplex blood-derived preparation
Key factorPreparation and protocol
Extracellular Vesicles and Exosomes
Extracellular vesicles are particles enclosed by a lipid membrane. They can transport proteins, lipids, RNA and other molecules. The term “exosome” is more narrowly defined and, strictly speaking, refers to a specific subgroup with an endosomal biogenesis pathway.
SourceCell-dependent
Basic structureMembrane-enclosed particles
Key factorIsolation and characterization
Plant-Based Exosomes and Plant-Derived EVs
Plants also release membrane-enclosed particles. In research, terms such as plant-derived extracellular vesicles are used. In the cosmetics market, however, “plant-based exosomes” may also refer to vesicle-like or phospholipid-based active-ingredient systems. The specific product description is therefore more informative than the marketing term alone.
SourcePlant-derived raw materials
Basic structureVaries by product
Key factorINCI and manufacturer data
PDRN
PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotides. These are DNA-based fragments or relatively shorter DNA sequences. They do not have a vesicular membrane and are therefore biologically different from exosomes or other extracellular vesicles.
SourceProduct-dependent
Basic structureDNA fragments
Key factorProduct- and indication-specific data
Polynucleotides (PN)
PN consist of longer polynucleotide chains. They are related to PDRN, but they are not identical. In aesthetic medicine, the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably in everyday practice. For a scientifically sound classification, they should be considered separately.
SourceProduct-dependent
Basic structureLonger DNA polymers
Key factorSpecific preparation and authorization status
How are PRP, exosomes, PDRN and PN related?
The following graphic shows the biological relationship between the terms. It is intentionally simplified: its purpose is to show what is genuinely related and what merely appears within the same field of aesthetics.
Click the graphic
PRP
In addition to platelets and plasma, PRP also contains extracellular vesicles. This does not make PRP an isolated exosome preparation.
What are exosomes and extracellular vesicles?
Extracellular vesicles are particles enclosed by a lipid membrane and released by cells. They can transport proteins, lipids, RNA and other molecules and play a role in cellular communication.
Scientifically, the statement “contains exosomes” is not sufficient. Important factors include source, manufacturing process, separation method, purity, concentration, stability and characterization.
MISEV2023
Why terminology matters
The MISEV2023 recommendations of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles emphasize traceable criteria. A certain particle size or a product name alone does not demonstrate the presence of biologically defined exosomes.
Plant-based exosomes: what is behind the term?
Plants also release membrane-enclosed nanoparticles and extracellular vesicles. Research uses terms such as plant-derived extracellular vesicles The field is growing, but methods of isolation and characterization are not yet uniformly standardized.
Research
Isolated plant-derived EVs
Experimentally characterized vesicle fractions from plant sources. They form the basis of many preclinical studies.
Formulation
Vesicle-like systems
Products may combine plant extracts with phospholipids or other carrier systems. This is not automatically equivalent to isolated EVs.
Labelling
Raw-material and brand names
Terms such as “plant exosome” or “bio exosome” may be manufacturer-specific raw-material names and do not represent a standalone scientific quality class.
What does “Exosome Serum” mean in cosmetic products?
“Exosome Serum” is not a uniformly defined product category. Composition can vary considerably from one product to another. A 2026 scoping review of topical exosome products describes early clinical applications, but also emphasizes substantial product heterogeneity and the limited comparability of human studies to date.
For professional practice: For a cosmetic serum, the specific formulation, INCI list and intended purpose are usually more informative than an exosome claim on the front of the package.
Exosome effects and evidence: what do current studies show?
The following overview provides a qualitative indication of the maturity of the published evidence. It is not an assessment of the efficacy of individual products.
PRP in aesthetics
broader human data
PDRN / PN
clinical data available
Topical exosome products
heterogeneous
Plant-Derived EVs
substantial preclinical evidence
PRP-derived EVs
still early clinically
The bars visualize only the relative maturity and breadth of the published evidence, not the magnitude of any treatment effect.
Study spotlight: faster re-epithelialization after ablative resurfacing
A retrospective case series published in 2026 in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal examined 101 patients following deep ablative helium RF plasma resurfacing. In 60 patients, human dermal fibroblast exosomes were applied topically once immediately after the procedure. Time to complete re-epithelialization was markedly shorter in the exosome groups.
Human data · 2026
n = 101 · Level IV evidence
Mean time to re-epithelialization
Without exosomes
15.78 d
With exosomes
10.74 d
≈ 32% shorter mean re-epithelialization time
101
patients in total
60
patients treated with topical exosomes
1×
single topical application immediately after resurfacing
What the study does not prove: The study was retrospective, non-randomized, came from a single-surgeon practice and included only Fitzpatrick skin types I–III. The product contained exosomes from human dermal fibroblasts—not plant-derived EVs and not the cosmetic Exosome Serum sold by prpmed. Transfer to other sources, preparations or modes of application is therefore not justified.
The study is nevertheless relevant because it is one of the larger clinical case series in aesthetic exosome research and reports a clearly defined clinical endpoint—time to re-epithelialization. In the resurfacing-only groups, mean values were 15.78 days without and 10.74 days with exosomes; with simultaneous facelift, 15.48 and 10.24 days respectively. Both comparisons reported P < 0.0001.
Interpret conflicts of interest transparently: The author reports consultancy and key-opinion-leader activities for, among others, Evolutionary Biologics; the Exo-Elixir product used in the study came from this company. No direct financial research funding is reported for the study itself. The supplement issue in which the article appeared was sponsored by ExoCoBio Inc. The publication also explicitly notes that no exosome products are currently FDA-approved in the United States for aesthetic applications.
Source: Lacerna Kimbrell M. Enhanced Healing and Outcomes With Human Dermal Fibroblast Exosomes: Case Series Combining Deep Helium Radiofrequency Plasma Skin Resurfacing, Facelifts, and Exosomes. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2026;46(Suppl 1):S73–S81. DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjaf214.
PDRN vs. exosomes: what is the difference?
PDRN and PN are DNA-based classes of substances. PDRN is typically described as relatively shorter DNA fragments, while PN refers to longer polynucleotide chains. Both are fundamentally different from membrane-enclosed EVs.
| Feature | PDRN | PN | EV / Exosomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic structure | DNA fragments | Longer polynucleotides | Membrane-enclosed particles |
| Typical biological classification | DNA-based active ingredient | DNA-based active ingredient | Cellular communication particles |
| Exosome? | No | No | Precisely termed an exosome only when the corresponding biogenesis is demonstrated |
| Example | Reset Skin Cocktail with PDRN | Rejuran Healer with PN | Varies by source and preparation |
Exosomes vs. PRP: differences and biological connection
PRP contains a wide range of biological components. In addition to platelets and plasma, these include extracellular vesicles that can be released by activated platelets. This is where PRP and EV research intersect.
Once EVs are deliberately isolated, concentrated or further processed, however, a different preparation is created. Studies of PRP and studies of isolated platelet-derived EVs should therefore be interpreted separately.
Read more: The separate professional article PRP exosomes and extracellular vesicles examines platelet-derived EV research in greater detail.
Exosomes vs. PRP: what does a direct comparative study show?
Direct clinical comparisons between exosomes and PRP remain rare. A 2025 investigator-blinded split-face study examined both approaches in mild to moderate facial photoaging. Fifteen adults aged 44 to 68 years were enrolled; one participant withdrew during the study.
Direct comparison · 2025
Split-face · 3 treatments · 4-week intervals
Same RF microneedling treatment, different adjunct products
Exosome side
Topically applied exosomes derived from human adipose mesenchymal stem cells after RF microneedling; exosome-containing aftercare was also used on this side of the face.
PRP side
Autologous PRP after the same RF microneedling treatment. The split-face design allowed each participant to serve as their own control.
Clinical skin parameters
Wrinkles, dyschromia, erythema, texture and overall appearance improved in both study arms.
Histological findings
Increases in collagen I and glycosaminoglycans were described in both arms.
Between the arms
No statistically significant differences were reported between the arms for the evaluated clinical and histological endpoints.
Key point for interpretation: The study did not compare a plant-based Exosome Serum with PRP. Products containing exosomes derived from human adipose stem cells were used, and both sides of the face received RF microneedling. The results therefore demonstrate neither superiority of exosomes over PRP nor efficacy of plant-based exosome products. The study was also small, non-randomized and conducted at a single center.
The direct comparison is nevertheless useful because it highlights the importance of precise product and protocol descriptions: under the studied conditions, both sides of the face improved without a significant difference between the treatment arms for the reported endpoints.
Source: Estupiñan B, Ly K, Goldberg DJ. Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment for Photoaged Facial Skin: An Investigator-Blinded, Split-Face, Non-Inferiority Trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2025;24(5):e70208. DOI: 10.1111/jocd.70208.
Direct comparison by criterion
Use the selector to focus the comparison on a specific criterion. This makes the differences easier to see.
How should professional exosome serums be classified?
Transparent product descriptions are particularly important for professional serums. The Exosome Serum with a plant-based active complex offered by prpmed contains grapefruit and watermelon extracts, phospholipids, hyaluronic acid and acetyl hexapeptide-8 according to the product information. The AC ExoVitalize raw material used is described by the raw-material manufacturer as a “BioAuthentic Exosome”.
Classification: The finished serum is not a human- or animal-derived EV preparation and is not an injectable exosome product. It is a cosmetic care solution with a plant-based active complex. Raw-material data do not automatically constitute clinical efficacy evidence for the finished serum.
Another plant-based formulation is the CELLmula EXO SolutionHere too, assessment should be based on composition, intended purpose and manufacturer documentation.
How to assess professional products
Regardless of whether a product is marketed with exosomes, PDRN or PN, several basic questions help with professional evaluation.
1. Origin
- Which biological or plant source is specified?
- Is the source documented in a traceable way?
2. Characterization
- Has an EV system actually been characterized?
- Or is the term a raw-material or product name?
3. Intended purpose
- Cosmetic care, medical device or medicinal product?
- Is the intended application clearly described?
4. Evidence
- Does the preparation studied actually match the product?
- Are source, dose and route of application comparable?
5. Composition
- Check the complete INCI list or ingredient list.
- Take additional peptides, hyaluronic acid or carrier systems into account.
6. Storage and stability
- Follow the manufacturer's storage instructions.
- For biological vesicles, check available stability data.
Exosomes and microneedling: not every serum is a needling medium
Exosome products are frequently promoted in connection with microneedling. A distinction must be made between external cosmetic application and deliberately introducing a product through a disrupted skin barrier.
Whether a product is suitable for a particular professional procedure depends on its intended purpose, labelling and manufacturer instructions. A cosmetic serum is not automatically intended for use across a disrupted skin barrier.
For the prpmed Exosome Serum: external use on intact skin; not injectable and not to be used as a needling medium for delivery through injured skin.
Regulatory classification in the EU
Cosmetic products in the European Union are governed by Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. Annex II, entry 416, lists cells, tissues or products of human origin as a prohibited substance group. This is relevant to cosmetic products containing material of human origin.
This does not mean, however, that “exosomes are banned in Europe” as a blanket statement. Legal classification depends on origin, composition, intended purpose and the specific product category. Plant-based cosmetic formulations must be assessed differently from products containing human-derived starting material.
Frequently asked questions
Are plant-based exosomes the same as human exosomes?
No. Source, composition and manufacturing process differ. Data from studies using human or mesenchymal EVs cannot automatically be transferred to plant-based systems.
Is PDRN an exosome?
No. PDRN consists of DNA-based fragments. Exosomes or EVs are membrane-enclosed particles.
Is PRP an exosome product?
No. PRP is an autologous blood-derived product. Although it contains extracellular vesicles, it is not equivalent to an isolated EV fraction.
Are PN and PDRN the same?
Not exactly. Both are DNA-based, but they differ, among other things, in the length of their nucleotide chains and in product-specific properties.
Can every Exosome Serum be used with microneedling?
No. The intended purpose and manufacturer instructions are decisive. A cosmetic serum is not automatically intended to be introduced through a disrupted skin barrier.
How can a well-documented exosome product be identified?
Look for traceable information on source, composition, manufacturing, characterization, storage and intended purpose. A high particle count or the term “exosome” alone is not sufficient.
Further information and products
The following pages deliberately cover different product and active-ingredient classes.
Sources and further reading
- Welsh JA et al. Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles (MISEV2023): From basic to advanced approaches. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles. 2024;13:e12404. DOI
- Burshtein J et al. Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Dermatology: A Review of Emerging Therapeutic Applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2026;19(2):15–21. PubMed
- Knauer G et al. Clinical Evidence and Commercial Landscape of Topical Exosomes for Skin Rejuvenation: A Scoping Review. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2026. PubMed
- Gupta AK et al. Therapeutic Potential of Extracellular Vesicles (Exosomes) Derived From Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Literature Review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(2):e16709. PubMed
- Comparison of Polynucleotide and Polydeoxyribonucleotide in Dermatology: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Perspectives. Pharmaceutics. 2025;17(8):1024. PubMed
- Polynucleotides and Polydeoxyribonucleotides for Skin Rejuvenation, Postoperative Scar Prevention, and Wound Healing: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials. 2026. PubMed
- Estupiñan B, Ly K, Goldberg DJ. Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment for Photoaged Facial Skin: An Investigator-Blinded, Split-Face, Non-Inferiority Trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2025;24(5):e70208. PubMed
Editorial status: 04/09/2026. In rapidly developing fields such as EVs/exosomes, nomenclature, regulatory assessments and clinical evidence may change.