Deer Velvet Mesenchymal Cell Extracellular Vesicles: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 27, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Deer Velvet Mesenchymal Cell Extracellular Vesicles?

Deer Velvet Mesenchymal Cell Extracellular Vesicles are tiny lipid-based bubbles naturally released by mesenchymal stem cells that are cultured from deer velvet, the soft developing antler tissue prized in Eastern wellness traditions. These vesicles carry proteins, peptides, amino acids, growth factors and small bits of RNA that the cells use to communicate and trigger repair processes. Researchers first explored deer velvet for its regenerative potential in the 1990s, and advances in cell culture and purification have since made it possible to separate the extracellular vesicles from the rest of the cell media for cosmetic use.

Production starts with humanely sourced deer velvet tissue collected during the antlers’ annual growth phase. Stem cells are isolated and expanded in sterile bioreactors, then the conditioned media is harvested. High-speed centrifugation and ultrafiltration pull out the extracellular vesicles, which are then filtered, tested for purity and stabilized for use in formulas.

You will most often see this ingredient in premium anti-aging serums, sheet masks, restorative moisturizers, leave-on scalp tonics and intensive hair masks where brands want to promote renewal, smoothness and resilience.

Deer Velvet Mesenchymal Cell Extracellular Vesicles’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient is valued for two main functions in personal care products.

  • Hair Conditioning: The vesicles supply peptides and growth factors that can help improve strand strength, reduce breakage and add softness and shine, making hair feel healthier and easier to manage.
  • Skin Conditioning: On the skin they support a smoother texture by encouraging natural renewal, boosting hydration and providing a soothing feel that can leave the complexion looking more vibrant and supple.

Who Can Use Deer Velvet Mesenchymal Cell Extracellular Vesicles

These vesicles are generally gentle enough for all skin types, including dry, normal, combination and oily. Those with sensitive or easily reactive skin often tolerate them well because the ingredient is non acidic and fragrance free. Extremely acne-prone users might prefer lighter formulas to avoid any richness that could feel heavy on active breakouts.

Because they originate from animal tissue, products containing Deer Velvet Mesenchymal Cell Extracellular Vesicles are not suitable for vegans or strict vegetarians. Anyone following a plant-only lifestyle should seek plant-derived alternatives that offer similar conditioning benefits.

Current safety data shows no known issues for topical use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice and expecting or nursing mothers should consult a healthcare professional before adding new products to their routine.

The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity, so there is no special need for extra sun precautions beyond daily sunscreen use.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Individual responses to Deer Velvet Mesenchymal Cell Extracellular Vesicles can vary. The effects below are possible yet uncommon when the ingredient is used in properly formulated cosmetics.

  • Mild redness or warmth
  • Temporary itching or tingling at the application site
  • Rare allergic reaction in those with sensitivity to animal proteins
  • Follicular congestion if used in very rich leave-on products on acne-prone skin

If irritation or any unexpected reaction develops discontinue use and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5

Deer Velvet Mesenchymal Cell Extracellular Vesicles are water-dispersible nano-sized particles, not heavy oils or waxes, so they are unlikely to clog pores. Most finished formulas use low concentrations, further reducing the risk of buildup. A rating of 1 reflects this low but not zero chance of congestion, mainly if the vesicles are delivered in an overly rich cream or balm.

Suitable for acne-prone skin in lightweight serums, essences or scalp tonics, but very dense leave-on products may feel occlusive to some users.

If you are highly sensitive to any animal-derived protein watch for reactions, though true comedogenic flare-ups remain rare with this ingredient.

Summary

Deer Velvet Mesenchymal Cell Extracellular Vesicles condition skin and hair by ferrying peptides, amino acids and growth factors that encourage surface renewal, reinforce the moisture barrier and support stronger strands. These tiny vesicles signal cells to repair themselves, leading to a smoother, more resilient feel.

The ingredient is still a niche addition seen mostly in upscale K-beauty serums, sheet masks and luxury scalp treatments, but interest is growing as brands look for novel bioactive technologies.

Current data shows it is generally safe for topical use with minimal irritation risk, though anyone with strict vegan values or allergies to animal proteins should avoid it. As with any new cosmetic, try a patch test first to make sure your skin or scalp agrees with the formula.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search