It’s not uncommon for specific skincare ingredients to become the object of internet obsession. Remember when skincare brands first introduced hyaluronic acid as a hydrating hero? Or when Instagram initially caught on to the do-it-all nature of niacinamide? Don’t get me wrong. These skincare ingredients are highly effective, and often deserve the hype. However, they’re not exactly new or unheard of. In most cases, experts have been studying, using, and recommending them for years before the internet places a big, blinding spotlight on them. That’s why I rarely get caught up in the hype—at least not before I do my due diligence by conducting research, consulting experts, and personally putting it to the test.
With that said, there’s one ingredient that genuinely excites me because 1) I’ve seen its effects on my own skin, and 2) I don’t think we’ve realized its full potential. I’m talking about exosomes—a regenerative ingredient lauded for anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and collagen-producing benefits…not to mention hair-thickening potential. They’re not new to the aesthetic industry (they’ve been used in professional clinics and in-office treatments for some time), but they’re still only found in a few OTC skincare products.
So, you can imagine my delight when I learned one of my favorite skincare brands, Naturium, was set to launch an exosome serum. And not only that, but I would be able to put it to the test ahead of launch. Spoiler alert: I loved it, and it’s officially become my #1 recommendation for an affordable, skin-firming serum.
What Are Exosomes?
Exosomes sound like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but it all comes down to basic biology. “Exosomes are vesicles secreted by cells that contain growth factors, RNA, mRNA, and other goodies,” Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist of Facet Dermatology previously told Who What Wear. “You can think of them almost like email—when cells ‘send’ exosomes, the material inside the exosomes delivers important messages to cells throughout the body, giving them information and telling them to do things.”
Naturium’s Multi-Active Exosome Serum
Naturium’s new Multi-Active Exosome Serum uses lab-engineered, micro-algae-derived exosomes. These biomimetic exosomes are clinically proven to improve skin firmness and elasticity in as few as four weeks. Meanwhile, antioxidants improve skin brightness and peptides plump fine lines and wrinkles. Together, these ingredients provide a regenerative effect that makes the skin look restored and renewed. As with all other Naturium products, this one is also vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested.
As for the texture, it’s everything you’d expect from a thoughtfully-formulated serum. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and has cooling, water-like feel. In my experience, it layers well under moisturizers, sunscreens, and makeup, and makes my skin feel extra hydrated throughout the day.
My Review
First things first. I have sensitive, redness-prone skin, and as someone in my early-30s, I’m starting to see fine lines appear around my eyes (these have gotten significantly worse after getting Botox injections in my glabellar lines, AKA the ’11’ lines between my eyebrows. Since I can’t furrow my brows when I squint, my outer eye muscles compensate, which has led to a slight ‘crow’s feet’ effect. I hoped this serum would improve that area of my skin specifically, although I also hoped I’d see a visible difference in my ‘tech neck,’ too. (Since I spend all day sitting at a computer, I’ve definitely lost elasticity and developed fine lines in that area as well.)
I’ve only been using the serum for three weeks, but I can honestly say I see a difference in the aforementioned fine lines and in my skin as a whole. My complexion looks smoother, plumper, and generally just fresher—like I’m not stressed about current affairs, short on sleep, etc. etc. That goes for my neck especially. The lines are minimized and my neck looks slightly tighter to me. But that’s the beauty of exosome-based skincare products. They’re based on regenerative science, and are intended to act as a boost to the skin’s natural renewal process for better-looking skin without any irritating or drying effects.
As with any skin treatment, the effects will likely progress with time, which I’m excited about. In the meantime, though, I finally have an affordable exosome serum to recommend to anyone who wants to achieve skin-firming benefits without an exorbitant price tag.
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