A 28-Day Pilot Study of the Effects on Facial Skin Hydration, Elasticity, and Texture of a Centella asiatica Extracellular Vesicle-Based Skin Care Formulation

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the traditional medicinal herb Centella asiatica (Cica) represent a novel category of botanical actives with potential dermatological benefits, yet their clinical effects in cosmetic applications remain unexplored. This pilot study assessed the effects of a skincare serum formulation with Cica EVs as the main active ingredient on facial skin quality in healthy participants. Twenty healthy participants (4 males and 16 females; average age 36.5) were enrolled and asked to apply the formulation twice daily for 28 days. Parameters, including skin hydration, elasticity, melanin content, wrinkles, redness, and pore size, were evaluated using instrumental probes and an imaging system. Facial skin quality assessments were conducted before use and at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of product application. After 28 days of test product treatment, significant improvements were observed in measured parameters. A post-hoc placebo group of 10 participants received an identical serum without the EVs and underwent the same assessments. The EV-treated group showed statistically significant improvements in all skin parameters (p < 0.001), whereas the placebo group showed no significant changes. These findings have shown the use of a Cica EV-based skincare product in improving skin quality.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Cosmetics, 2025 · DOI ↗