ExoCell® by Naolys: Harnessing Plant Exosomes for the Next Generation of Smart Skincare

ExoCell® by Naolys: Harnessing Plant Exosomes for the Next Generation of Smart Skincare

Exosomes are no longer the future of skincare. They are the present. And with Naolys’ ExoCell®, we’re not just talking about a buzzword ingredient we’re talking about a genuinely transformative tool for modern formulation.

Let’s break down what makes this technology not only scientifically impressive, but commercially and practically essential for anyone developing next-gen skincare.

What Are Exosomes and Why Should You Care?

Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles naturally secreted by cells. In simple terms they’re the couriers of the body’s cellular communication network. These vesicles carry biologically active cargo in the form of proteins, microRNAs, mRNAs, lipids, and DNA fragments to target cells, often influencing their behaviour.

In skincare, this means one thing: Precision.

Exosomes aren’t blunt instruments. They don’t just sit on the skin and hope for the best. They’re internalized by recipient cells through endocytosis and then influence the cell’s behavior. That’s what makes them so powerful in regenerative medicine and what makes them so exciting for skin health.

Naolys ExoCell® — The Plant-Based Evolution of Exosome Technology

While most of the buzz around exosomes has centered around human or animal cell-derived vesicles (with all the ethical, regulatory, and scalability headaches that come with them), Naolys has flipped the model.

By using plant cell culture biotechnology, they’ve developed a standardized, sustainable way to harvest functional exosomes directly from plant cells without genetic modification, without animal origin, and without compromise.

Through high-resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Naolys confirmed the presence and extracellular release of these vesicles. The result is ExoCell®, a highly concentrated plant-derived exosome extract with a particle load exceeding 10¹¹ vesicles per mL, consistent over time and temperature.

This research program has been conducted over a 2 year period to ensure the claims and quality of their products is up to the Naolys high standard of integrity and efficacy.

Conceptual image only.

Formulation Implications — What This Actually Means for Your Lab

✅ 1. Increased Bioavailability Without Penetration Enhancers

Because exosomes are naturally internalized by cells, you don’t need aggressive chemical penetration enhancers to achieve bioactivity. This simplifies INCI lists, improves skin compatibility, and aligns with clean beauty standards.

Formulator win: Reduce reliance on glycols, ethanol, or questionable solvents without sacrificing delivery performance.

✅ 2. Water-Soluble, Glycerin-Based Format

ExoCell® is delivered in a glycerin-based medium, making it plug-and-play for most aqueous phases. It can be integrated into:

• Serums (especially water-light, gel-based formats)
• Sprays and tonics
• Sheet mask solutions
• Lotions and emulsions (pre-emulsification)

And thanks to its long-term stability at room temperature, ExoCell® doesn’t disrupt your shelf-life targets or force cold-chain logistics.

Formulator win: No special handling, no preservatives added, minimal formulation adjustment needed.

✅ 3. Modular Claims Architecture

Because Naolys has a library of over 70 plant cell lines, the ExoCell® platform can be customized by species meaning claims can be tailored based on desired bioactivity:

• Soothing → Unwind Sacred Lotus exosomes
• Barrier support → Serene Skin Sage exosomes
• Brightening → Bright Light Madonna Lily exosomes
• Antioxidant → Global Protect Blackberry exosomes

Marketer win: Custom storytelling with ingredient traceability, plus competitive exclusivity potential.

✅ 4. Aligns Perfectly With Macro Trends

Here’s how ExoCell® hits the bullseye of what the market is already asking for:

Strategic win: ExoCell® isn’t just a trend match it’s a trend multiplier.

Real-World Use Case: Let’s Talk Product Strategy

Let’s say you’re developing a post-peel recovery serum or microneedling support product. Normally, you’d be fighting inflammation with niacinamide, backing up the barrier with panthenol, and praying the consumer doesn’t flare up on day 3.

Enter ExoCell®.

Instead of just soothing symptoms, you’re now speaking the skin’s biological language guiding recovery through targeted exosomal signaling.

Or perhaps you’re crafting a next-gen anti-aging cream. Retinol is effective, but comes with irritation and regulation baggage. ExoCell®, combined with peptides and polyphenols, can create a new narrative: performance without punishment.

Regulatory, Safety & Formulation Simplicity

• INCI: Subject to specific vegetal species
• Concentration: High exosome load >10¹¹ vesicles/mL
• Storage: Room temperature stable for 12 months
• Usage level: Typically 0.5–2.5%, depending on end use
• Compatibility: No known formulation incompatibilities with acids, peptides, or oils

No restricted substances. No red flags. Just smart formulation.

Final Thoughts: Not Just Another Extract

ExoCell® is not another botanical with a nice antioxidant profile.

It’s a delivery system. A communicator. A tool.

Naolys has distilled decades of plant cell culture expertise into a format that lets the skin speak to itself more fluently, more naturally, and more effectively.

For formulators, this is a new axis of creativity.
For brands, this is differentiation you can defend.
For the consumer, this is skincare that finally lives up to the science.

Ready to formulate with ExoCell®?

Reach out to the Unifect team for samples, documentation, and technical support.
Let’s move beyond hydration. Let’s start talking to skin in its own language.

Written by

Paul Teasdale

General Manager
Unifect Ltd