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Exosome Hair Treatment Side Effects: What Is Reported

Reported effects are mostly redness, dryness, peeling, itching and discomfort from the microneedling step. Infection is less common but possible. Studies are small and short, so a lack of reports does not prove safety. As of the FDA's 2019 notice, no exosome product was approved.

Hair loss can have medical causes. See a doctor or dermatologist before starting any treatment.

Last editorial check: October 15, 2026Sources listed belowNo promises of results

Where the risks come from

An exosome hair treatment has three parts, and each carries its own risks: the microneedling step, the product applied to the scalp, and the place where it is done.

The microneedling step

The FDA lists these as common risks of microneedling: dryness, rough skin, tightness, redness, itching, peeling, discomfort, burning, bruising, bleeding and crusting. Less common: changes in skin color, reactivation of cold sores, swollen lymph nodes, infection, and stinging or itching when cosmetic products are applied.

The FDA adds that most side effects occur shortly after treatment and resolve, that some can last a long time, and that some may be permanent. Its list is tied to the uses it has authorized, which are facial acne scars, facial wrinkles and abdominal scars. It says the risks of other uses, and of combining microneedling devices with other products, are not known. Hair is not on its list of authorized uses.

The product

As of its notice of December 6, 2019, the FDA said no exosome product was approved. The same notice describes serious adverse events in patients in Nebraska who were treated with unapproved products marketed as containing exosomes. The notice does not say how the products were given, so it is not a statement about hair treatment. Products differ in origin and preparation, and reviews call for batch-level quality control and standard manufacturing (PMID 41561359).

The place

The FDA warns about the risk of infection if microneedling tools are not cleaned or used properly, and says not everyone is a good candidate. It recommends a provider who is specially trained in microneedling. See our checklist for choosing a provider.

What the studies reported

  • A 2026 randomized trial of 48 adults reported no serious adverse events (reported in PMID 42756864).
  • A 2026 exploratory trial of 22 adults reported no severe adverse events (PMID 42363148).
  • A 2025 systematic review of 11 clinical studies noted no serious adverse events (PMID 40955427).
  • A 2026 pilot of 25 people using a different delivery method reported mild, passing redness in 12 percent (via PMID 42756864).

These studies are small, mostly short, and mostly without a comparison group. The reviews ask for larger trials and for long-term safety data (PMID 42756864, PMID 41561359).

Who should be extra careful

  • You have an infection or irritated, inflamed skin on the scalp
  • You get cold sores
  • Products often sting or itch on your skin
  • You are pregnant: ask your doctor first
  • Your thinning has an unexplained cause: see a doctor before any procedure

When to get medical help

Contact a doctor if redness spreads, the scalp becomes hot, swollen or filled with pus, you develop a fever, or pain gets worse instead of better.

Questions

Can exosome hair treatment cause an infection?

Infection is on the FDA's list of less common risks of microneedling. The FDA also warns of the risk when tools are not cleaned or used properly. Ask how the clinic handles equipment.

Where do I report a problem?

The FDA asks health professionals and consumers to report adverse events related to exosome products to its MedWatch program. Tell your doctor first.

Are the reported side effects the whole story?

No. The studies are small and short. Few events reported in a small study does not show that something is safe, and the reviews ask for long-term safety data.

Sources

This page has not yet been reviewed by a licensed clinician. Sources are listed below. Last editorial check: October 15, 2026.

  1. FDA, Microneedling Devices, content current as of October 15, 2025. Page checked October 15, 2026.
  2. FDA, Public Safety Notification on Exosome Products, December 6, 2019. Page checked October 15, 2026.
  3. FDA consumer update, Microneedling Devices: Getting to the Point on Benefits, Risks and Safety, content current as of October 15, 2025. Page checked October 15, 2026.
  4. Tang et al., narrative review of extracellular vesicles for pattern hair loss, 2026 (PMID 42756864)
  5. Chen et al., 2026 (PMID 42363148)
  6. Al Ameer et al., systematic review of clinical evidence, 2025 (PMID 40955427)
  7. Lee et al., literature review on exosomes in trichology, 2026 (PMID 41561359)