Exosome vs. Exposome

Dear Valerie: I worked at an ingredient tradeshow recently and was surprised by how many people asked whether we were selling ‘exosomes’ or ‘exposomes.’ It got to the point where I was even confused myself. Am I missing something? 

—Exo or Expo

Dear Exo or Expo,

The exposome and exosome are two separate, distinct principles and I can only assume the two were oft conflated at your tradeshow because they both start with ex- and end with -some. 

The scientific use of the word exosomes dates back to the early 1980s and describes a membrane-bound vesicle that transports cellular matter. Exosomes are physical things that can be isolated from cells. 

The exposome is a conceptual framework used to describe the whole of environmental exposure to our cells, hence the prefix expo- for exposure. The term was first coined by Dr. Christopher Paul Wild in 2005, in reference to environmental factors that can contribute to cancer in cells. The exposome is not a tangible thing, but rather descriptors, such as smoking or lack of sleep.

As you can see, only one can be added to skincare and there is no reason the two should be discussed alongside one another—unless it’s how exosomes can mitigate the harmful effects of the exposome on cells! If anyone asks if you’re selling exosomes or exposomes, is likely confusing the two by their
nomenclature.

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Valerie George

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Valerie George is a cosmetic chemist, science communicator, educator, leader, and avid proponent of transparency in the beauty industry. She works on the latest research in hair color and hair care at her company, Simply Formulas, and is the co-host of The Beauty Brains podcast. You can find her on Instagram at @cosmetic_chemist or showcasing her favorite ingredients to small brands and home formulators at simply-ingredients.com