The Emperor’s New Exosomes: Why We Don’t Offer Exosome Hair Treatment at Growth Factor Hair Clinic

You may have seen “exosome hair treatments” trending across social media and being promoted by some clinics.

At Growth Factor Hair Clinic, we don’t offer exosome treatments for hair loss. Not because we’re behind the times - because we will never compromise on your safety.

For us, the order of assessment of a new potential treatment is:

1️⃣ Safety

3️⃣ Effectiveness

Exosomes currently fail our standards at step one.

What Exosomes Are (in Simple Terms)

Exosomes are tiny bubbles (extracellular vesicles) released by cells. They carry proteins, lipids, growth factors and genetic material between cells, acting like miniature couriers inside the body [i].

They’re being sold as serums or “hair boosters,” often combined with microneedling to encourage regeneration. It sounds cutting-edge — but the reality is much less certain.

1. Safety First: Why Exosomes Don’t Pass Our Test

We Don’t Know What They Really Do in Humans Yet

Most “evidence” is lab or early pilot work, mainly outside of hair loss [xii][xiii].

We don’t have long-term human data on safety, dosing, contraindications, or outcomes years down the line.

For something that can alter cell behaviour, that’s a major gap.

Theoretical Cancer Risk

Because exosomes carry growth factors from the human or animal they derived from, there’s a theoretical risk they could stimulate abnormal or cancerous cells as well as healthy ones [xv].

Until robust data rules this out, exosomes remain an unknown we would not use on you.

Poor Quality Control

A Harvard-linked body, the EXACT Oversight Bureau, recently tested a dozen cosmetic products claiming to contain exosomes.

95% contained no functional exosomes at all [v].

Most had broken membranes from poor processing — meaning they were biologically dead. This is a bit like the Emperor’s New Clothes - a vial - very expensive vial - of nothing active.

2 Legal and Regulatory Reality Is because of significant safety concerns.

• In the UK and EU, human-derived exosomes are banned in cosmetic products under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex II [ix].

• The American FDA states there are no approved exosome products of any kind [vii][viii]. This implies they believe there could be serious safety concerns.

3. Where Exosomes Come From

Exosomes can be:

• Human-derived – placenta, umbilical cord, platelets (banned in UK cosmetics) [vi][ix]

• Animal-derived – deer antler, bovine colostrum, salmon roe (zoonotic risk)

• Plant-derived – lower risk but minimal biological effect [xi]

There are ethical issues and well as infection risks associated with human derived exosomes.

Exosomes can contain genetic material so animal-derived are a no-go for us.

Plant derived “exosomes” are often not even exosomes.

Now compare that with the treatments we do offer.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

• 100 % autologous – your own cells from your own blood.

• Used safely for decades across medicine.

• Decades of evidence.

Polynucleotides

• Highly purified DNA building block chains

• No DNA

• Increasing human data and a growing safety record.

• Transparent sourcing and standardised manufacturing.

Microneedling

• A purely mechanical process inducing your body’s repair response.

• drug - free

Mesotherapy

• Traceable ingredients with known functions.

• No mystery cocktails or unverifiable claims.

With exosomes, we just don’t know what we’re getting.

4. Effectiveness Must Come After Safety

If something isn’t safe, effectiveness is irrelevant.

Even then, exosome results are inconsistent:

• Early lab studies ≠ clinical proof.

• Human data is limited and hard to compare [xiii].

• Many “success stories” mix exosomes with microneedling, which already improves growth on its own [iv]. Emperors new clothes?

Exosomes vs PRP: The Real Difference

PRP is evidence-based and from your own body.

Exosomes remain unregulated, unpredictable, and scientifically unproven.

Frequently Asked Questions About Exosome Hair Treatments

Is exosome hair treatment safe?

No long-term human safety data exists. Many commercial serums contain no intact exosomes, and quality varies drastically. Until independent trials confirm safety, we won’t use them.

Are exosomes better than PRP?

No. PRP is your own biology with decades of medical evidence. Exosomes are foreign derivatives with uncertain purity and risk.

Why are some clinics using them?

Because aesthetic marketing often moves faster than regulation. Some clinics don’t realise human-derived exosomes are banned in UK cosmetics [ix][x].

Are plant-based exosomes safe?

Likely safer, but also weaker. Most “plant exosome” products are simply nanoparticles or extracts with minimal regenerative effect.

Will you ever offer exosome hair treatments?

Only if:

• large human trials confirm long-term safety and benefit.

• manufacturing becomes standardised and transparent,

• formal regulatory approval exists

  
  

  Until then, exosomes stay off our menu.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Exosomes are fascinating in theory but risky in practice. They might have a future in regenerative medicine, but right now they’re an uncontrolled experiment.

At Growth Factor Hair Clinic, we base every decision on evidence. When something new appears, we ask one question first:

Is it safe for our patients?

Until exosomes can honestly meet that standard, we’ll continue to rely on your own biology — PRP treatment. PRP Is from you, for you and has decades of safety and effectiveness evidence.

To find out more about PRP hair treatment, click here PRP Hair Treatment.