Exosomes Are Not Stem Cells – And Stem Cells Don’t Contain Exosomes

The world of skincare and regenerative medicine is full of buzzwords, but sometimes, marketing spins can create more confusion than clarity. One of the most misleading claims circulating in the beauty industry is that "plant stem cells contain exosomes." This is simply not true. Saying that there are exosomes in stem cells is like claiming that a banana contains blueberries – they are entirely different biological entities with distinct functions. Let’s break it down and clarify why exosomes are not stem cells, and why plant stem cells, in particular, do not contain exosomes.

Understanding Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into various cell types. In humans, they play a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration. There are different types of stem cells, including:

• Embryonic Stem Cells – Pluripotent cells capable of becoming any cell type in the body.

• Adult Stem Cells – Found in various tissues, these multipotent cells aid in repair and maintenance.

• Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) – Reprogrammed adult cells that regain pluripotency.

In the cosmetic industry, the term "plant stem cells" is often used to market skincare products, creating the illusion that they provide regenerative benefits similar to human stem cells. However, plant stem cells are not equivalent to human stem cells, nor do they function in the same way in skincare.

What Are Exosomes?

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (EVs) – tiny lipid-bound nanoparticles released by cells to facilitate intercellular communication. They contain bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, and microRNAs, which influence cellular behavior. Exosomes are particularly exciting in medicine because they can modulate immune responses, promote wound healing, and influence tissue regeneration.

Importantly, exosomes are not cells. Unlike stem cells, they do not have a nucleus, they cannot divide, and they do not differentiate into other cell types. Instead, they act as messengers, transmitting biological signals from one cell to another.

The Misconception: "Stem Cells Contain Exosomes"

The claim that plant stem cells contain exosomes is scientifically incorrect. Here’s why:

1. Exosomes Are a Byproduct, Not a Structural Component

   • Exosomes are not inside stem cells; they are released by cells as part of their natural communication process. This means that even human stem cells do not inherently “contain” exosomes – they secrete them.

2. Plant Cells and Human Cells Are Fundamentally Different

   • Plant cells have rigid cell walls, chloroplasts, and a completely different cellular communication system than human cells. Even if exosomes exist in the plant kingdom (which is still debated), they would not function in the same way as human-derived exosomes.

3. No Scientific Evidence Supports This Claim

   • To date, there is no credible scientific research that demonstrates that plant stem cells produce exosomes that function in human biology. Human stem cell-derived exosomes are studied extensively for their therapeutic potential, but plant-derived exosomes (if they exist) do not have the same biological impact on human skin or tissue.

Why Brands Are Misleading Consumers

When a new scientific breakthrough gains traction, many brands attempt to capitalise on the buzz, often bending the truth to fit marketing narratives. Since exosomes are increasingly recognised for their role in regenerative medicine and anti-aging research, some skincare brands have conflated the term with stem cells to make their products seem more advanced.

This misinformation is harmful for several reasons:

• False expectations: Consumers believe they are getting exosome therapy when, in reality, they are purchasing plant extracts with no proven exosome content.

• Scientific inaccuracy: The misunderstanding spreads and dilutes the integrity of true exosome research.

• Potential regulatory concerns: If brands claim their products contain exosomes when they do not, they may face scrutiny from regulatory bodies for misleading advertising.

What Does This Mean for Skincare Consumers?

If you are a skincare enthusiast or professional, it’s essential to be informed and critical of marketing claims. Here’s what you can do:

1. Look for Transparency – Brands that use exosome technology should be able to provide scientific backing, clinical studies, and clear sourcing information.

2. Understand the Terminology – Exosomes are extracellular vesicles, not cells. Stem cells are living entities with regenerative potential, but they do not inherently contain exosomes.

3. Be Skeptical of Plant Stem Cell Hype – While botanical extracts may have antioxidant properties, they do not function like human stem cells, nor do they produce exosomes that benefit human skin.

The Future of Exosome-Based Skincare

Exosomes derived from human sources, particularly from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), are currently being explored for their regenerative potential. These exosomes have been shown to:

• Support collagen production

• Reduce inflammation

• Enhance wound healing

• Improve skin hydration and elasticity

However, these are specific to human cell-derived exosomes, not plant stem cells. The future of exosome-based skincare lies in rigorous scientific validation, ethical sourcing, and transparent communication—not in misleading claims that conflate two very different biological concepts.

Conclusion

Exosomes and stem cells are not the same, and stem cells—especially plant stem cells—do not “contain” exosomes. The marketing spin that suggests otherwise is misleading and not grounded in scientific reality. As consumers and industry professionals, it is crucial to separate hype from truth and demand evidence-based formulations. When it comes to skincare, science—not marketing gimmicks—should guide our choices.

Discover our first Exosomes Serum the Exo Timeless ReGen Serum from our Exosomes - Timeless Skin Wellbeing collection. 

FAQs: 

Do stem cells contain exosomes?

Stem cells do not inherently “contain” exosomes. Instead, stem cells release exosomes as part of their natural communication process. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (EVs) that carry bioactive molecules (proteins, lipids, and RNAs) to influence other cells. They are not a structural component inside stem cells but rather a byproduct of cellular activity.

So, if someone claims that stem cells “contain” exosomes, that’s misleading. The correct way to describe it is: stem cells can secrete exosomes, but they are not an intrinsic part of the cell itself.

How do stem cells than secrete exosomes? Don't they need to contain exosomes to secrete them?

While it might seem like stem cells (or any cells) need to contain exosomes to secrete them, that’s not how the process works. Instead, exosomes are actively created inside cells through a specialized biological pathway before being released. Here’s how it happens:

How Stem Cells Secrete Exosomes

1. Endosome Formation – Inside the cell, the plasma membrane folds inward, forming early endosomes. These structures help sort cellular materials.

2. Multivesicular Body (MVB) Development – Some endosomes mature into multivesicular bodies (MVBs), which contain intraluminal vesicles (ILVs). These ILVs are the precursors to exosomes.

3. Exosome Packaging – While inside the MVB, ILVs are loaded with proteins, lipids, RNAs, and other molecules. The cell decides whether to degrade the MVB or release its contents.

4. Exosome Release – The MVB fuses with the plasma membrane, releasing the ILVs as exosomes into the extracellular space, where they travel to communicate with other cells.

Do Stem Cells “Contain” Exosomes Before Secreting Them?

Technically, exosomes form within stem cells during the MVB process, but they are not stored as a permanent structural component. Instead, they are dynamically produced, packaged, and then released. Once secreted, they are no longer part of the stem cell itself but act as independent messengers.

Key Takeaway

Stem cells do not inherently “contain” exosomes in the way a container holds a substance. Instead, they produce and release them through a well-orchestrated cellular process.

could a plant stem cell in a skincare product go into the skin and then secrete exosomes?

No, a plant stem cell in a skincare product cannot enter the skin and secrete exosomes—and here’s why:

Plant Stem Cells Are Not Alive in Skincare Products

By the time plant stem cells are processed into a cosmetic formulation, they are not living cells anymore. They are typically lysed (broken down) into extracts that contain beneficial antioxidants, polyphenols, and other bioactive compounds—but they do not retain the ability to function as stem cells. A non-living cell cannot engage in cellular activities like secreting exosomes.

Marketing vs. Science

If a brand claims that plant stem cells in skincare penetrate the skin and secrete exosomes, they are misleading consumers. Plant stem cells in skincare are beneficial in other ways (e.g., as antioxidants), but they do not function like human stem cells and certainly do not secrete exosomes into human skin.