Plant extracellular vesicles as the next frontier in skincare—A preclinical perspective

Thangavelu Soundara Rajan; Ramasamy Saiganesh; Thangavelu Soundara Rajan; Ramasamy Saiganesh

doi:10.3934/Allergy.2025016

AIMS Allergy and Immunology

2025, Volume 9, Issue 4: 205-222. doi: 10.3934/Allergy.2025016

Previous Article Next Article

Review

Plant extracellular vesicles as the next frontier in skincare—A preclinical perspective

Thangavelu Soundara Rajan ^{1,2
,
,},
Ramasamy Saiganesh ¹

1.
Department of Discovery and Development, Hoynoza Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, 560099, Karnataka, India
2.
Department of Prosthodontics and Implantology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, Tamil Nadu, India

Received: 11 July 2025 Revised: 30 September 2025 Accepted: 10 October 2025 Published: 16 October 2025

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) constitute a diverse group of micro- and nano- sized membranous lipid bilayer particles secreted by prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. They are enriched with bioactive constituents, including lipids, proteins, mRNAs, and miRNAs. EVs play a crucial role in cell-cell communication and facilitate trans-membrane signaling. Particularly, plant-derived EVs exhibit excellent bioaccessibility and minimal immunogenicity and they play a significant role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. These plant vesicles are considered safe, and their efficacy in the prevention and treatment of various diseases has been well documented in preclinical studies. In this mini-review, we attempted to summarize the in vitro and in vivo research of plant EVs for skincare and regenerative management. Collectively, plant-derived EVs, including Dendropanax morbifera, Panax ginseng, Aloe vera, broccoli, Olea europaea, and Physalis peruviana, exert strong potential for depigmentation, skin protection, anti-aging, and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects, highlighting their promise as multifunctional bioactive agents and delivery vehicles in cosmetic and therapeutic applications. Despite the demonstrated ability of plant EVs to enter skin cells and deliver protective compounds, their utilization in the cosmetic and cosmeceutical industries is in its nascent stages. Considering their demonstrated capabilities, we emphasized the need for comprehensive clinical research and discussed the innovations, challenges, and opportunities to fully explore their potential for skincare and regenerative applications.
- plant-derived extracellular vesicles,
- skin diseases,
- skin regeneration,
- skin inflammation,
- skin aging,
- skincare,
- cosmetics,
- cosmeceuticals
Citation: Thangavelu Soundara Rajan, Ramasamy Saiganesh. Plant extracellular vesicles as the next frontier in skincare—A preclinical perspective[J]. AIMS Allergy and Immunology, 2025, 9(4): 205-222. doi: 10.3934/Allergy.2025016

Related Papers:

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) constitute a diverse group of micro- and nano- sized membranous lipid bilayer particles secreted by prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. They are enriched with bioactive constituents, including lipids, proteins, mRNAs, and miRNAs. EVs play a crucial role in cell-cell communication and facilitate trans-membrane signaling. Particularly, plant-derived EVs exhibit excellent bioaccessibility and minimal immunogenicity and they play a significant role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. These plant vesicles are considered safe, and their efficacy in the prevention and treatment of various diseases has been well documented in preclinical studies. In this mini-review, we attempted to summarize the in vitro and in vivo research of plant EVs for skincare and regenerative management. Collectively, plant-derived EVs, including Dendropanax morbifera, Panax ginseng, Aloe vera, broccoli, Olea europaea, and Physalis peruviana, exert strong potential for depigmentation, skin protection, anti-aging, and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects, highlighting their promise as multifunctional bioactive agents and delivery vehicles in cosmetic and therapeutic applications. Despite the demonstrated ability of plant EVs to enter skin cells and deliver protective compounds, their utilization in the cosmetic and cosmeceutical industries is in its nascent stages. Considering their demonstrated capabilities, we emphasized the need for comprehensive clinical research and discussed the innovations, challenges, and opportunities to fully explore their potential for skincare and regenerative applications.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank ‘BioRender Scientific Image and Illustration Software’ for graphical abstract preparation.

Author contributions

Conceptualization, T.S.R.; Data collection and investigation, T.S.R. and R.S.; Writing—original draft preparation, T.S.R.; Editing, T.S.R., and R.S. Both authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Conflicts of interest

Authors T.S.R. and R.S. are employed by the company Hoynoza Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Hoynoza Technologies has research, development and commercial interests in extracellular vesicles. The authors declare that Hoynoza Technologies had no role in the design, execution, analysis, or interpretation of the study.

References

[1]	Yokoi A, Ochiya T (2021) Exosomes and extracellular vesicles: Rethinking the essential values in cancer biology. Semin Cancer Biol 74: 79-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.032
[2]	Liu YJ, Wang C (2023) A review of the regulatory mechanisms of extracellular vesicles-mediated intercellular communication. Cell Commun Signal 21: 77. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12964-023-01103-6
[3]	Rajan TS, Saiganesh R, Sivagnanavelmurugan M, et al. (2025) Human skin microbiota-derived extracellular vesicles and their cosmeceutical possibilities—A mini review. Exp Dermatol 34: e70073. https://doi.org/10.1111/exd.70073
[4]	Tan ZL, Li JF, Luo HM, et al. (2022) Plant extracellular vesicles: A novel bioactive nanoparticle for tumor therapy. Front Pharmacol 13: 1006299. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.1006299
[5]	Zhao B, Lin H, Jiang X, et al. (2024) Exosome-like nanoparticles derived from fruits, vegetables, and herbs: Innovative strategies of therapeutic and drug delivery. Theranostics 14: 4598-4621. https://www.thno.org/v14p4598.htm
[6]	Sha A, Luo Y, Xiao W, et al. (2024) Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles: A comprehensive overview of their composition, biogenesis, isolation, and biological applications. Int J Mol Sci 25: 12092. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212092
[7]	Lee R, Ko HJ, Kim K, et al. (2019) Anti-melanogenic effects of extracellular vesicles derived from plant leaves and stems in mouse melanoma cells and human healthy skin. J Extracell Vesicles 9: 1703480. https://doi.org/10.1080/20013078.2019.1703480
[8]	Cho EG, Choi SY, Kim H, et al. (2021) Panax ginseng-derived extracellular vesicles facilitate anti-senescence effects in human skin cells: An eco-friendly and sustainable way to use ginseng substances. Cells 10: 486. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10030486
[9]	Ishida T, Morisawa S, Jobu K, et al. (2023) Atractylodes lancea rhizome derived exosome-like nanoparticles prevent alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone-induced melanogenesis in B16-F10 melanoma cells. Biochem Biophys Rep 35: 101530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101530
[10]	Lee HJ, Kim YH, Lee SJ, et al. (2025) Multifunctional cosmetic potential of extracellular vesicle-like nanoparticles derived from the stem of Cannabis sativa in treating pigmentation disorders. Mol Med Rep 31: 147. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2025.13512
[11]	Won YJ, Lee E, Min SY, et al. (2023) Biological function of exosome-like particles isolated from rose (Rosa Damascena) stem cell culture supernatant. BioRxiv . https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.10.17.562840
[12]	Kusnandar MR, Wibowo I, Barlian A (2024) Characterizing nanoparticle isolated by yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus) as a potential agent for nanocosmetics: An in vitro and in vivo approaches. Pharm Nanotechnol 13: 341-357. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0122117385279809231221050226
[13]	Yepes-Molina L, Martínez-Ballesta MC, Carvajal M (2020) Plant plasma membrane vesicles interaction with keratinocytes reveals their potential as carriers. J Adv Res 23: 101-111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2020.02.004
[14]	Zeng L, Wang H, Shi W, et al. (2021) Aloe derived nanovesicle as a functional carrier for indocyanine green encapsulation and phototherapy. J Nanobiotechnology 19: 439. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-021-01195-7
[15]	Yang S, Lu S, Ren L, et al. (2023) Ginseng-derived nanoparticles induce skin cell proliferation and promote wound healing. J Ginseng Res 47: 133-143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgr.2022.07.005
[16]	Abraham AM, Wiemann S, Ambreen G, et al. (2022) Cucumber-derived exosome-like vesicles and plant crystals for improved dermal drug delivery. Pharmaceutics 14: 476. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14030476
[17]	Lin F, Wang T, Ai J, et al. (2025) Topical application of tea leaf-derived nanovesicles reduce melanogenesis by modulating the miR-828b/MYB4 axis: Better permeability and therapeutic efficacy than conventional tea extracts. Materials Today Bio 34: 102108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102108
[18]	Mahdipour E (2022) Beta vulgaris juice contains biologically active exosome-like nanoparticles. Tissue Cell 76: 101800. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tice.2022.101800
[19]	Kim MJ, Ko H, Kim JY, et al. (2023) Improvement in yield of extracellular vesicles derived from edelweiss callus treated with led light and enhancement of skin anti-aging indicators. Curr Issues Mol Biol 45: 10159-10178. https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45120634
[20]	Park HY, Kang MH, Lee G, et al. (2024) Enhancement of skin regeneration through activation of TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway by Panax ginseng meyer non-edible callus-derived extracellular vesicles. J Ginseng Res 49: 34-41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgr.2024.08.002
[21]	Ye Z, Bo Z, Wang J, et al. (2025) Therapeutic potential of Lycium barbarum-derived exosome-like nanovesicles in combating photodamage and enhancing skin barrier repair. Extracellular Vesicle 5: 100072. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vesic.2025.100072
[22]	Cho JH, Hong YD, Kim D, et al. (2022) Confirmation of plant-derived exosomes as bioactive substances for skin application through comparative analysis of keratinocyte transcriptome. Appl Biol Chem 65. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13765-022-00676-z
[23]	Trentini M, Zanolla I, Zanotti F, et al. (2022) Apple derived exosomes improve collagen type I production and decrease MMPs during aging of the skin through downregulation of the NF-κB pathway as mode of action. Cells 11: 3950. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11243950
[24]	Choi W, Cho JH, Park SH, et al. (2024) Ginseng root-derived exosome-like nanoparticles protect skin from UV irradiation and oxidative stress by suppressing activator protein-1 signaling and limiting the generation of reactive oxygen species. J Ginseng Res 48: 211-219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgr.2024.01.001
[25]	Natania F, Iriawati I, Ayuningtyas FD, et al. (2024) Potential of plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles from Physalis peruviana fruit for human dermal fibroblast regeneration and remodeling. Pharm Nanotechnol 13: 358-371. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0122117385281838240105110106
[26]	Wang Z, Yuan J, Xu Y, et al. (2024) Olea europaea leaf exosome-like nanovesicles encapsulated in a hyaluronic acid/tannic acid hydrogel dressing with dual “defense-repair” effects for treating skin photoaging. Mater Today Bio 26: 101103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101103
[27]	Ye Z, Bo Z, Wang J, et al. (2025) Novel exosome-like vesicles from Dendrobium officinale: Unraveling a pioneering extraction protocol and their skin anti-aging potentials. Extracellular Vesicle 6: 100090. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vesic.2025.100090
[28]	Kim K, Sohn Y, Yeon JH (2025) Anti-ageing activities of nanovesicles derived from Artemisia princeps in human dermal cells and human skin model. J Extracell Biol 24: e70033. https://doi.org/10.1002/jex2.70033
[29]	Wang M, Chen J, Chen W, et al. (2025) Grape-derived exosome-like nanovesicles effectively ameliorate skin photoaging by protecting epithelial cells. J Food Sci 90: e70309. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.70309
[30]	Urzì O, Cafora M, Ganji NR, et al. (2023) Lemon-derived nanovesicles achieve antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects activating the AhR/Nrf2 signaling pathway. iScience 26: 107041. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.107041
[31]	Kim M, Jang H, Park JH (2023) Balloon flower root-derived extracellular vesicles: In vitro assessment of anti-inflammatory, proliferative, and antioxidant effects for chronic wound healing. Antioxidants 12: 1146. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12061146
[32]	Lee Y, Jeong DY, Jeun YC, et al. (2023) Preventive and ameliorative effects of potato exosomes on UVB‑induced photodamage in keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Mol Med Rep 28: 167. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2023.13054
[33]	You JY, Kang SJ, Rhee WJ (2021) Isolation of cabbage exosome-like nanovesicles and investigation of their biological activities in human cells. Bioact Mater 6: 4321-4332. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.04.023
[34]	Wang J, Ran B, Ma W, et al. (2024) Development of ginger-derived extracellular vesicles thermosensitive gel for UVA-induced photodamage of skin. J Drug DelivSci Technol 96: 105649. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2024.105649
[35]	Michalak M (2023) Plant extracts as skin care and therapeutic agents. Int J Mol Sci 24: 15444. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242015444
[36]	Herman A, Herman AP (2023) Biological activity of fermented plant extracts for potential dermal applications. Pharmaceutics 15: 2775. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15122775
[37]	Elbouzidi A, Haddou M, Baraich A, et al. (2025) Biochemical insights into specialized plant metabolites: Advancing cosmeceutical applications for skin benefits. J Agric Food Res 19: 101651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2025.101651
[38]	Ku YC, Omer Sulaiman H, Anderson SR, et al. (2023) The potential role of exosomes in aesthetic plastic surgery: A review of current literature. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 11: e5051. https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000005051
[39]	Hou J, Wei W, Geng Z, et al. (2024) Developing plant exosomes as an advanced delivery system for cosmetic peptide. ACS Appl Bio Mater 7: 3050-3060. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsabm.4c00096
[40]	Park HS, Shin S (2025) Clinical efficacy and safety evaluation of a Centella asiatica (CICA)-derived extracellular vesicle formulation for anti-aging skincare. Cosmetics 12: 135. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12040135
[41]	Sileo L, Cavaleri MP, Lovatti L, et al. (2025) Dermatologically tested apple-derived extracellular vesicles: Safety, anti-aging, and soothing benefits for skin health. J Cosmet Dermatol 24: e70254. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70254
[42]	Setiadi VE, Adlia A, Barlian A, et al. (2023) Development and characterization of a gel formulation containing golden cherry exosomes (Physalis minima) as a potential anti-photoaging. Pharm Nanotechnol 12: 56-67. https://doi.org/10.2174/2211738511666230509123941
[43]	Alzahrani FA, Khan MI, Kameli N, et al. (2023) Plant-derived extracellular vesicles and their exciting potential as the future of next-generation drug delivery. Biomolecules 13: 839. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13050839
[44]	Ambrosone A, Barbulova A, Cappetta E, et al. (2023) Plant extracellular vesicles: Current landscape and future directions. Plants 12: 4141. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12244141
[45]	Liu Y, Xiao S, Wang D, et al. (2024) A review on separation and application of plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles. J Sep Sci 47: e2300669. https://doi.org/10.1002/jssc.202300669
[46]	Wen Z, Yu J, Jeong H, et al. (2023) An all-in-one platform to deplete pathogenic bacteria for rapid and safe enrichment of plant-derived extracellular vesicles. Lab Chip 23: 4483-4492. https://doi.org/10.1039/d3lc00585b
[47]	Kocholata M, Prusova M, Auer Malinska H, et al. (2022) Comparison of two isolation methods of tobacco-derived extracellular vesicles, their characterization and uptake by plant and rat cells. Sci Rep 12: 19896. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-23961-9
[48]	Bosch S, de Beaurepaire L, Allard M, et al. (2016) Trehalose prevents aggregation of exosomes and cryodamage. Sci Rep 6: 36162. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep36162
[49]	Lueangarun S, Cho BS, Tempark T (2024) Topical moisturizer with rose stem cell-derived exosomes (RSCEs) for recalcitrant seborrheic dermatitis: A case report with 6 months of follow-up. J Cosmet Dermatol 23: 3128-3132. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16389
[50]	Theodorakopoulou E, Aguilera SB, Duncan DI (2024) A new therapeutic approach with rose stem-cell-derived exosomes and non-thermal microneedling for the treatment of facial pigmentation. AesthetSurg J Open Forum 6: ojae060. https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojae060
[51]	Majewska L, Dorosz K, Kijowski J (2025) Efficacy of rose stem cell-derived exosomes (RSCEs) in skin treatment: From healing to hyper pigmentation management: Case series and review. J Cosmet Dermatol 24: e16776. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16776
[52]	Huang R, Jia B, Su D, et al. (2023) Plant exosomes fused with engineered mesenchymal stem cell-derived nanovesicles for synergistic therapy of autoimmune skin disorders. J Extracell Vesicles 12: e12361. https://doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12361
[53]	Guo Z, Zhang Y, Gong Y, et al. (2025) Antibody functionalized curcuma-derived extracellular vesicles loaded with doxorubicin overcome therapy-induced senescence and enhance chemotherapy. J Control Release 379: 377-389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2025.01.029

Reader Comments

Your name:*

Email:*
© 2025 the Author(s), licensee AIMS Press. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)