Unlocking Skin's Regenerative Power: Robin Smith, MD, MBA on the Science of Exosomes

Robin Smith, MD, MBA, a pioneer in regenerative medicine, spoke with Dermatology Times and shared her journey from working in stem cell therapy to the development of an advanced skin care line based on exosome science. Her background in immunology and regenerative therapies led her to explore how the body heals and regenerates itself, particularly through cell signaling. Over time, she became increasingly interested in exosomes, nano-sized vesicles secreted by cells that carry proteins, lipids, and mRNA, which deliver critical instructions to other cells.

“People don't realize that a bone marrow transplant is a stem cell transplant,” Smith said. “There's a lot of data, a lot of science around this.”

Recognizing that exosomes are the primary communication system between cells, Smith co-founded Exoceuticals, a skin care line powered by engineered exosomes designed to promote skin regeneration. These exosomes are not just derived from various sources, including human and plant cells, but are also specially engineered for specific functions. Through proprietary technologies, “eXo3” and “aloe3”, Exoceuticals products are able to penetrate deeply into the skin, delivering regenerative cues and active ingredients where they are most needed.

“We got very excited about the science and the engineered exosomes, so we understand that not all exosomes are alike...where they come from and how they're manufactured matters,” Smith noted.

She explained that Exoceuticals engineers exosomes with clinically effective ingredients such as peptides and 7 molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, allowing hydration at multiple layers, rather than just sitting on top of the skin. This dual-action approach boosts moisture retention inside and out, while the exosomes also instruct skin cells to produce their own collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, key components that diminish with age.

What makes the approach significant, she says, is how these components work synergistically. The exosomes not only deliver the active ingredients but also “educate” the cells, enhancing their natural regenerative behavior. With skin naturally regenerating every 28 days, exosomes optimize this process, making recovery from aesthetic procedures faster and more effective. Backed by intellectual property and patents in over 40 countries, Smith’s brand offers a cutting-edge fusion of science and skincare, designed to rejuvenate from the inside out.