If you’ve spent even five minutes scrolling skincare TikTok or reading ingredient labels lately, you’ve probably seen the word exosomes pop up. A lot. It’s suddenly everywhere. Fancy creams. High-end facials. Big promises. Very little clarity.

At Three Ships, we don’t love skincare that feels confusing or secretive. Our goal is always the same: understand what’s going on, then decide what makes sense for you. So let’s talk through what exosomes actually are, why they matter, and where natural, plant-based options fit into the picture.

What Are Exosomes in Skincare? Their function, benefits and risks.

Think of exosomes as tiny messengers your cells send to each other. They’re microscopic, you need an electron microscope to even see them, but they’re doing a lot behind the scenes.

Inside each exosome is a mix of proteins, lipids, and bits of genetic material. When an exosome moves from one cell to another, it’s basically delivering instructions. Repair this. Strengthen that. Calm down here. Speed things up there.

This constant back-and-forth communication is how skin stays balanced, resilient, and responsive. When it’s working well, your skin repairs itself efficiently and keeps its structure intact. When it slows down, things start to feel a little less firm, a little less smooth, a little more reactive.

Exosome Benefits for Aging Skin

As skin changes over time, its ability to communicate efficiently begins to slow. Cell turnover becomes less consistent, collagen production declines, and recovery from daily stressors takes longer.

Research links exosomes to things like improved cell signalling, better coordination around collagen, and stronger barrier function overall.

One thing that really stood out when we dug into the research is how much formulation matters here. Two products can both say “exosomes” on the label and perform completely differently. The ingredient itself isn’t the whole story. How it’s used matters. A lot.

This is where exosomes have drawn attention, not as a “quick fix,” but as part of a broader approach to supporting skin longevity.

Do Exosome Creams Really Work? What Science Says:

Here’s the honest answer: some do, some don’t, and a lot of it comes down to formulation, consistency, and patience.

Our approach at Three Ships has always been about supporting what your skin already knows how to do. We look for plant-based ingredients that encourage your skin’s own repair systems.

The Regulatory Landscape: What You Should Know

It's important to note that no exosome product is currently FDA-approved specifically for cosmetic use. Many exosome skincare products are marketed as research-use-only or fall into regulatory gray areas. This is one more reason we're drawn to plant-based approaches, like Goji Stem Cell extract that support your skin's own exosome production, working with your biology, not overriding it.

One ingredient we love is Goji Stem Cell extract. It’s derived from nutrient-dense goji berries and, in clinical testing, has been shown to increase exosome production in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). That matters because it means you’re supporting natural cellular communication rather than replacing it.

The clinical data behind this ingredient showed improvements in skin density, smoother-looking wrinkles over time, better facial contour definition, and stronger barrier-related gene activity. Not overnight miracles. Real, measurable support. This is why Goji Stem Cell extract plays a central role in Three Ships' plant-based exosomes cream: Firm Believer Neck + Face Cream.

Firm Believer: Supporting the Neck and Décolletage Thoughtfully

The neck and décolletage tend to show changes earlier because the skin is thinner and produces less oil. It needs support that actually makes sense long-term, not just something that feels fancy.

With over 800 verified 5-star customer reviews, users consistently report visible improvements in skin texture and firmness.The most common feedback? Smoother, softer skin feel (mentioned by 26% of reviewers), noticeable firming results, and a rich, luxurious texture that absorbs well without feeling heavy. As one reviewer, Stefanie S., noted: "My skin feels smooth and soft and my neck shows visible firmer results."

Exosomes vs. PRP: What’s the Difference?

Exosomes are often mentioned in the same breath as PRP, or platelet-rich plasma. They’re both focused on regeneration, but they work differently.

PRP uses growth factors from your own blood to stimulate repair. Exosomes, on the other hand, are more about communication, helping cells coordinate their response rather than just pushing them to act. We went down a bit of a research rabbit hole on this one:
 

Frequently Asked Questions About Exosomes Skincare

What to look for in the best exosome skincare products?

For traditional exosome products:

• • Verified exosome concentration (many products exaggerate) 
  • Third-party testing
  • Realistic claims (beware "instant results") `

  • Source transparency (plant, stem cell, synthetic?)

For plant-based alternatives like Goji Stem Cell:

• • Full ingredient transparency on the cream or serum label
  • Plant-based exosomes
  • Realistic timelines (8-12 weeks for visible results)

  • Clinical studies showing exosome production support

What are exosomes in simple terms?

Exosomes are tiny messengers that help skin cells communicate. They carry signals that influence repair, regeneration, and balance. 

Do exosome creams really work?

When properly formulated and used consistently, exosome-supporting creams and serums can improve firmness, texture, and skin density. Results vary by formulation and skin type.

For Firm Believer Neck + Face cream specifically, over 1,000 customer reviews show consistent feedback: 26% mention improved skin feel and texture, while users report visible firming results after consistent use. The key is patience, most reviewers saw their best results after 8-12 weeks of daily application.

What are exosome skincare benefits?

• • Smoother skin texture 
  • Improved firmness and elasticity
  • Support for collagen production

  • Enhanced barrier function

Are there vegan alternatives in exosome skincare products?

Yes! Plant-based ingredients in exosome serums and creams, like Goji Stem Cells have been shown to support the skin’s own exosome activity, aligning with natural skincare values. Three Ships' Firm Believer Neck + Face cream uses Goji Stem Cells. 

And if you like understanding what’s actually in your products (and why), our ingredient glossary goes deeper into the science—minus the fluff. Explore our ingredient glossary

At Three Ships, we believe you should always feel informed, not overwhelmed. Your skin deserves that kind of transparency.