In March this year, Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare approved the use of human cell–derived exosomes as cosmetic ingredients—making Taiwan the fifth country in the world to allow human-derived exosomes in the aesthetic market.
But why do many other nations still restrict their use?
Three Main Reasons :
1. Ethical Concerns: Using human cells, tissues, or their derivatives in cosmetics raises ethical debates related to organ trade and exploitation. For instance, how are exosomes derived from umbilical cord blood or embryonic tissues obtained? If they come from aborted fetal tissues, this raises serious moral and ethical dilemmas.
2. Safety Risks: Regions such as the EU (27 countries) and ASEAN (10 countries) prohibit human-derived materials in cosmetics, citing potential health risks from infectious or viral transmission. Thus, exosome use remains restricted for safety reasons.
3. Regulatory Oversight: Unlike pharmaceuticals, cosmetics follow a notification system, not a strict approval process. Since cosmetic manufacturing lacks the same level of testing and regulation as drugs, product safety largely depends on corporate responsibility and quality control.