UAE dermatologists urge scrutiny of exosome beauty treatments as Saudi probe widens

Dermatologists in the United Arab Emirates are advising consumers to look beyond social media testimonials and before-and-after images when considering exosome treatments, warning that the science behind the procedures remains incomplete and long-term safety data scarce.

The caution comes as Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health investigates the use of exosome injections after reports and social media posts raised concerns about their marketing and application. The ministry confirmed it had questioned several doctors involved and was completing required regulatory steps, stressing that all medical treatments must be approved and licensed for their intended purpose.

Exosome treatments under scrutiny

Exosomes are tiny extracellular vesicles that carry proteins, lipids and genetic material between cells. In aesthetic medicine they are promoted for skin rejuvenation and hair growth, but their rising popularity does not guarantee established safety or effectiveness, specialists say.

Dr Bobby Koshy, Specialist Dermatology at LLH Hospital in Musaffah, said that because there is no standardised manufacturing blueprint, the potency, purity and concentration of exosome products can vary widely by brand. He warned that improperly screened, processed or sterilised products may carry risks of infection or exposure to bacterial toxins. Exosomes also influence cell growth and signaling, and researchers are still studying their long-term effects, including any potential cancer-related risks, he added.

Patients should be particularly wary of untrained practitioners, unusually large discounts and promises of dramatic or guaranteed results, Dr Koshy said. Testimonials, he stressed, should never replace scientific evidence or professional medical advice.

How UAE consumers can verify treatments

Dr Sandra Moawad Takla, Consultant Dermatologist at Emirates Specialty Hospital, urged patients to establish exactly what they are being offered, who manufactures the product and whether it is authorised for the intended use in the UAE. She advised consumers to verify the credentials of both the doctor and the facility with the relevant health regulator — the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in Dubai, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) in Abu Dhabi, or the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) in the other emirates.

Patients should ask clinics for the product name and batch number and independently confirm its authorisation with the appropriate authority. If a clinic cannot or will not answer clearly, that is an answer in itself, Dr Takla said.

She warned that social media often rewards dramatic transformations rather than reliable evidence. Consumers should be cautious of products promoted as a miracle or best anti-ageing breakthrough without supporting studies, as well as vague ingredient lists, pressure to book quickly and claims of approval that do not identify the approving body.

“A responsible clinician will tell you plainly what the evidence does and doesn’t show, and will be comfortable with you taking time to decide,” Dr Takla added.