Plant Derived Exosomes in Private Label Skin Care

Plant-derived exosomes are emerging as a revolutionary ingredient in cosmetic skin care. These nanosized vesicles, secreted by plant cells, contain bioactive compounds such as proteins, peptides, lipids, nucleic acids, and secondary metabolites like polyphenols and flavonoids. Their unique ability to penetrate the skin and deliver these compounds makes them a powerful tool for addressing aging, hydration, and skin repair, offering a natural, sustainable alternative to traditional cosmetic ingredients. They are structurally like mammalian exosomes and its been shown that plant to human cross-kingdom communication is possible thanks to these exosomes, with plant based exosomic peptides and polyphenols influencing human skin cells in the same way they do with plant cells.

Superior Transdermal Delivery

One of the primary advantages of exosomes is their exceptional transdermal delivery. Their lipid bilayer structure, similar to liposomes, allows them to penetrate the stratum corneum—the skin’s outermost barrier—through pathways like intercellular and transcellular routes.

Anti-Aging and Skin Rejuvenation

Exosomes are highly effective in combating signs of aging. Natural exosomes are known to encapsulate and protect compounds of interest such as growth factors, proteins, peptides and signalling polyphenols which are all highly beneficial for skin regeneration.

Centella Reversa exosome containing peptides can reverse cellular senescence with powerful regenerative and well-ageing effects due to the presence of over 10,000 peptides and 1,000 proteins. It is believed that the synergy of these peptides is what makes it so effective. These exosomes have been tested on human fibroblast cells for their ability to stimulate pro-collagen and elastin production (key proteins for skin firmness and elasticity) and were compared to several industry standard peptides such as Matrixyl, EGF (epidermal growth factor) and IGF (insulin like growth factor) and were found to be significantly more effective than the standard peptides.

Exosomic resveratrol isolated from Vitis Vinifera is able to trigger a hormetic response in the cell that has a fasting mimiking effect on skin cells. The benefit of this include: induces autophagy, protects against cellular senescence, protects against inflammation, reduces reactive oxygen species, to name a few.

How Plant-Derived Exosomes Are Made and Isolated

The production and isolation of exosomes involve precise, scientifically rigorous processes to ensure purity and efficacy. The process begins with selecting high-quality plant material often grown under controlled conditions to maximize bioactive content. These plants are processed to extract their juice or cellular contents, typically through mechanical pressing or enzymatic digestion, preserving the integrity of the exosomes.

Isolation starts with centrifugation to remove large debris, such as cell walls and fibers, from the plant extract. The supernatant undergoes low-speed centrifugation (e.g., 10,000g) to eliminate larger particles, followed by high-speed ultracentrifugation (e.g., 100,000g) to pellet the exosomes. This step isolates nanosized vesicles based on their density and size. For enhanced purity, techniques like sucrose gradient centrifugation or size-exclusion chromatography are employed to separate exosomes from other nanoparticles or contaminants. Advanced methods, such as tangential flow filtration, may also be used to concentrate exosomes while maintaining their bioactivity.

Post-isolation, exosomes are characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis, electron microscopy, or protein marker detection to confirm their size (typically 50-200 nm) and composition. The final product is stabilized for incorporation into cosmetic formulations like serums or creams, ensuring effective delivery to the skin.

Sustainability and Ethical Appeal

Unlike human or animal derived exosomes, plant based exosomes are vegan-friendly, free from ethical and legal concerns, no risk of contamination with human or mammalian pathogens and align with the growing demand for sustainable, organic cosmetics. They can be produced with zero waste, supporting circular economy principles. Their organic nature ensures they are free from agrochemicals, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

Plant-derived exosomes offer transformative anti-aging and rejuvenation benefits by stimulating collagen, enhancing hydration, and combating oxidative stress. Their production and isolation, rooted in advanced biotechnological methods, ensure high potency and purity. As a sustainable, plant-based innovation, plant exosomes are redefining cosmetic skin care, delivering youthful, radiant skin with cutting-edge science.

Check out our Private Label Skin Care products containing exosomes!