The hidden risks of exosome treatments

Some skin and hair treatments are simply ineffective, while others are downright risky. The dangers of exosomes, which are a treatment involving injecting or topically applying cells that send messages in the body, can vary widely.

The FDA has sent warning letters to companies promoting exosome ingredients. As of May 2026, the FDA also reminded consumers about the dangers of injecting unapproved human cells and/or tissues into their bodies following a patient's death.

While exosomes are sometimes promoted as a solution to skin and hair issues, such as anti-aging properties, reducing hair loss and more, the dangers of exosomes are worth considering before getting a treatment. Dr. Gina Maccarone, a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon and founder of The Surgeonista in Cincinnati, Ohio, says no single exosome product has FDA approval for any therapeutic use in humans, aesthetic or otherwise. “It is considered entirely experimental.”

While you can expect typical injection or skin procedure reactions from swelling and redness to irritation at the injection site, Maccarone says, you can also see allergic or immune reactions. “The honest problem is that when a product is poorly characterized, you can't fully predict its side effects because you don't reliably know what's in it,”…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/life/