The Regenerative Potential of Extracellular Vesicles in Aesthetic Medicine

The world of extracellular vesicles (EVs), exosomes, and their derivatives can seem nebulous and unfamiliar at first, but this promising and innovative class of treatments may redefine how we approach skin rejuvenation and regenerative medicine.

My entry into this field was sparked by a simple email about a company working with a novel regenerative product known as “secretomes,” derived from a young, ethically sourced embryonic cell line. The depth of the data piqued my interest, and I quickly learned that not all EV products are created equal. The secretome technology is markedly distinct from exosomes commonly discussed in aesthetics. These two categories, though both regenerative, differ vastly in structure, origin, and application, and are in fact complementary rather than competitive.

UNDERSTANDING THE LANDSCAPE

Understanding the potential of these technologies requires differentiating them clearly.

Exosomes are tiny nanovesicles, typically 50 nm to 150 nm, that carry proteins, lipids, and genetic material from one cell to another. They are secreted by almost all cells and play a key role in intercellular communication. However, their size limits the volume of biological information they can carry.

Secretomes are much larger—approximately 1,500 nm—and can carry 1.7 billion times more material than exosomes. This sheer volume allows secretomes to deliver a much broader range of cytokines, proteins, and growth factors, enabling deeper, more complex tissue signaling and regeneration.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE SERUM

One of the most compelling aspects of the secretome product is its origin. It is derived from a blastocyst donated more than 30 years ago through in vitro fertilization and ethically preserved for medical research. Unlike stem cells harvested from adults or placental tissue, this source ensures both youthful vitality and purity of the cellular line.

Thanks to rigorous research and quality control, this product maintains 99.6% purity even after decades of propagation. That level of purity is virtually unheard of in regenerative medicine. It means that the active ingredients within the secretome-based serum remain potent and consistent—critical factors for both efficacy and safety in clinical use.

The shelf life matters, too: the serum remains stable for up to 3 years, offering a significant advantage over many biologically active skincare agents that degrade rapidly.

MIMICKING FETAL SKIN REGENERATION

In utero, the skin expresses a high level of fibronectin-related protein A (Fin-A), a critical protein for skin development. Postnatally, our levels drop dramatically.

The secretome serum is rich in Fin-A and other regenerative proteins, allowing adult skin to regain some of the regenerative capacity it had during fetal development. That means increased collagen production, enhanced skin barrier function, and visible improvement in skin tone, texture, and hydration.

APPLICATION AND INTEGRATION

A common question about secretomes involves whether these large vesicles can penetrate the skin, and the answer is “yes.” Like many active ingredients, however, they perform best with delivery enhancement techniques such as microneedling, fractionated CO₂ laser treatments, hair follicle penetration, and pore diffusion.

In my own practice, I perform fractionated CO₂ laser resurfacing twice a year per patient. This intense treatment vaporizes fibroblasts and clears the path for regeneration. I now pair this procedure with secretome serum to accelerate healing and enhance outcomes. The results have included noticeable improvements in healing time, texture, and long-term collagen remodeling.

Combination therapy is where regenerative aesthetics is heading, and secretomes fit beautifully into that paradigm.

THE FUTURE OF REGENERATIVE AESTHETICS

We are just scratching the surface of what is possible with extracellular vesicles. Secretomes, thanks to their size, complexity, and ethically sourced origin, offer a promising new tool in the aesthetic toolkit. They are non-oncogenic, youthful, and powerful in delivering biologically intelligent information to the skin.

In aesthetics, we may not be curing cancer, but we are making people feel confident, healthy, and radiant. That matters. 

Editor’s note: This article is based on a presentation delivered at the 2025 Genesis: Innovations in Aesthetic Regenerative Medicine Meeting.