EXOSOMES


41


Figure 4: Isolation of milk exosomes is now possible at scale


skin care is unlikely to take off just yet due to several concerns surrounding their commercial use.


Milk-derived exosomes: a scalable, ethical powerhouse One of the most exciting breakthroughs comes from an unlikely source—milk. Milk-derived exosomes offer the best of both worlds: they are naturally produced by mammalian cells, and notably, can be purified in large quantities. Milk from existing sources, such as cow and


goat milk, can be utilized for the purification of milk exosomes/EVs at kilogram levels, and is usually available as a lyophilized powder, shelf-stable at room temperature or liquid (Figure 4). Beyond scaling, milk-derived EVs have


been rigorously identified and investigated by numerous groups. They are considered classical exosomes and EVs due to systematic examination of proteomic and lipidomic characterization.3, 8-12 Of course, what is most interesting is their


efficacy, and a growing body of scientific evidence is emerging surrounding their effectiveness in skin care. Studies reveal that milk exosomes can penetrate the skin and migrate to the hypodermis (Figure 5), thereby boosting hydration, stimulating collagen production, and reversing signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and dryness.13


They also appear to


repair skin damage caused by UV rays, infrared exposure, and burns, further highlighting the broad benefits that milk-derived exosomes can achieve in cosmetics.14 Milk exosomes/EVs have been shown to


directly increase the wound healing capabilities of human dermal fibroblasts (see Figure 6).12 Additionally, milk exosomes activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,13


a key


mechanism that supports wound healing and promotes the growth of healthy, non-scarred skin. This pathway increases the expression of Collagen types I and III, which enhances collagen deposition and contributes to the reduction of wrinkles, providing the anti-ageing component of milk exosomes.14 However, all that said, the true power


of milk exosomes is likely still ahead of us. Scientists can now load these vesicles with a range of actives—from anti-ageing peptides to skin-calming botanicals—using techniques that preserve both exosome structure and enhance active ingredient targeting and potency (Figure 7). This not only improves the effectiveness of


www.personalcaremagazine.com


Figure 6: Milk exosomes enhance wound healing capabilities in vitro. Data republished with permission from the authors12


topical and ingestible products but also opens the door to customized, targeted skin care solutions that were previously unimaginable.


Sustainability What makes milk exosomes even more compelling is their origin. Every year, the US dairy industry alone produces over 100 million tonnes of milk, and with it, a potential reservoir of 30,000 tonnes of exosomes. Traditionally,


these delicate vesicles are lost or destroyed during milk processing. Today, innovative extraction methods can


rescue and upcycle this incredibly valuable and overlooked resource, transforming what was once wasted into a high-value, sustainable ingredient for beauty and wellness. Even a small fraction of this pool could serve industry needs, given the milk exosome concentration in milk and therapeutic application rates in cosmetics.


September 2025 PERSONAL CARE


Figure 5: Milk exosomes have evolved to cross all natural barriers, such as the dermis


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88