10 Best Growth Factor Serums To Put Your Best Skin Forward

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From booking an appointment with a pricey esthetician to slathering on harsh retinol, many of us will go to great lengths to achieve a youthful, radiant glow. However, the solution you've been searching for might be as simple as one of the best growth factor serums. Often considered as a gentler alternative to retinol, these unique formulas comprise proteins called growth factors, which can be sourced from stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, natural sources like plants, or genetically engineered. Once a growth factor serum is applied to your face, those proteins kick into high gear to give your skin the tender, loving care it deserves.

"While a typical serum may only act on the outer or inner layers of the skin, growth factor serums work on a cellular level," explains Michele Green, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. "The growth factors act as messengers within the skin to increase cell signaling and promote healing and growth."

It's important to note that growth factor serums are relatively new to the beauty world. Though Green says they have yet to be studied for their efficacy or long-term effects, results from short-term research seem pretty promising. "[They] work to promote skin regeneration and repair and help improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and enhance overall skin health," adds Tiffany Libby, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology in Providence, Rhode Island.

Though these serums are poised to show results, they'll typically set you back over $100—and for good reason. "Growth factor serums often require advanced formulation techniques to ensure the stability and efficacy of the growth factors, which can be sensitive to degradation." The secret, however, is finding the best option for your specific needs. To help, we tested dozens of formulas and culled the web for the best growth factor serums worth adding to your cart. From dermatologist-approved options to popular picks, these options are here to help you get your glow on.

Growth Factor Serum

Over the years, Zo Skin Health's Growth Factor Serum has snagged hundreds of rave reviews and an array of skincare awards—and for good reason. This beloved option is a highlights reel of ingredients, including a mix of plant and enzyme-derived growth factors as well as a proprietary protein complex. The brand also employed Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis root extract to optimize skin cell health and maximize the growth factors' hard work. The result? A serum that is clinically proven to restore the skin—creating a thick, smooth, and supple foundation.

Customer Review: "The difference Growth Factor Serum makes is hard to describe- my skin is plumper, smoother, and has a glow. I tried going without it for a month thinking it might be my imagination but as soon as I started using it again friends and colleagues commented how great my skin looked, how rested I looked or asked if I’d 'had something done.'"

15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum

Though growth factor serums can be expensive, this option from the INKEY List is an excellent, budget-friendly alternative. The magic behind this formula lies in its one percent of Epitensive, a naturally derived growth factor designed to regenerate your skin's appearance. Meanwhile, a dash of Vitamin C works hard to brighten the skin while combatting hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and even scarring.

Customer Review:

"I love this incredibly affordable serum. I've been using it twice a day and it feels great on my skin. Most growth factor serums are so expensive so the price on this is incredible."—Sharon

High Potency Growth Factor Firming & Lifting Serum

Say goodbye to rough, uneven texture with this serum from Perricone MD, which Green says can be used day or night. "This serum contains polyamine growth factor, a molecule that promotes cell repair and growth to improve skin elasticity and minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture," she adds. While a polyamine growth factor delivers a radiant complexion—over 80 percent of participants noticed a smoother, improved texture after a month of use—the encapsulated retinol boosts skin renewal. The result? Skin that's firm, lifted, and oh-so-smooth.

Customer Review:

"I am 51 and don't have wrinkles but have fine lines and skin has lost some firmness. This has plumped up my skin but the biggest advantage was smoothing out old acne scars! This has smoothed and reduced them so much and I did not expect that. I used many things over the years and nothing helped, but this has been amazing."—DearWat

EGF-DNA

Are you looking for a growth factor serum that can offer a jolt of moisture? This option from Le Mieux has you covered. "Its formulation contains two proprietary epidermal growth factors, rh-Oligopeptide-1 and sh-Oligopeptide, that are involved in wound healing and cell regeneration," says Green. Since this formula uses sodium hyaluronate—which is a derivative of hyaluronic acid—it's engineered to hydrate your skin and leave dry, flaky patches in the dust.

Customer Review:

"I was using another brand that was double the price of this. As you can imagine, it was not affordable. I ordered this in the hopes of replacing it, and it has exceeded my every expectation. It hydrates, lifts and my skin just drinks it up! It is also a dream under makeup!"—Holly

Pro-Max Age Renewal Advanced Anti-Aging Serum with Micro Growth Factor Technology

Anyone who is craving a radiant, youthful glow will find a lot to love about this serum from PCA Skin, which works hard to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. "This epidermal growth factor serum helps improve signs of aging like wrinkles and skin laxity," explains Libby. "It uses a patent-pending Micro Growth Factor Technology—or MGF—to penetrate deeper into skin to support collagen production."

Meanwhile, botanical ingredients like Organic Kangaroo Paw Flower Extract help plump and nourish your skin, reducing common signs of aging. According to a customer study, this serum reduces the appearance of deep lines and coarse wrinkles by 40 percent after four months of consistent use.

Customer Review:

"This product really makes a difference, I have some pretty deep wrinkles and frown lines. Within a week, I noticed that they had softened up, weren't as deep, and this made my skin more hydrated. I have to admit I wasn't sure at first however within just a week I'm seeing a big difference. Every time I use it, the lines are starting to slowly fade and I look 20 years younger. My skin feels smooth, silky, and amazing."—Kelly59

EGF Serum

Many growth factor serums use proteins from stem cells and platelet-rich plasma, but those who are looking for a plant-based option will find a lot to love about this option from BioEffect. "This serum contains barley sh-Oligopeptide-1, a plant-derived epidermal growth factor that supports collagen production, stimulates cell growth, and repairs the skin's natural moisture barrier," Green says. Not only does this plant-based pick use hyaluronic acid to help nourish the skin, but it's also free of parabens, preservatives, and additives.

Customer Review:

"Great product that really works to keep my skin hydrated and minimize fine lines. You also only need a three or four drops so a bottle lasts longer than you might expect."—Sarah F.

TNS Advanced+ Serum

It's not hard to see why Libby says this option from SkinMedica is "a favorite amongst dermatologists." "[It] uses a blend of growth factors, peptides, green micro-algae and marine extracts to improve skin's overall appearance and minimize fine lines and wrinkles," she says. (And, since this formula is also clinically proven to address sagging skin, you can rest easy knowing this serum is doing everything it can to give you a firm, lifted face.) Simply apply every morning and evening after cleansing and you'll likely notice visible results in just under two weeks.

Customer Review:

"The SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum is an other luxury serum and addition for my skincare routine, it has great formula is very light weight absorbed in skin very quickly, and gives perfect glowing youth look."—Saju

Osmosis +Beauty StemFactor Growth Factor Serum

Found: A great growth factor serum for anyone who is dealing with redness or rosacea. Osmosis +Beauty combined over 600 different growth factors and peptides to create one serum that delivers a fresh, glowing complexion. Though the brand lovingly refers to the serum as its "fountain of youth," we particularly like this serum for its soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients like witch hazel.

Customer Review:

"My esthetician highly recommended Osmosis StemFactor to me and after using it for a month I clearly notice a tremendous change (for the better) in my skin on my face and neck. Was I initially skeptical? Yes, definitely. But I am a serious and first-person believer now. StemFactor really and truly works. Thank you!"—Stanley B.

Bio-Renew EGF Drops

While growth factor serums are generally safe for all skin types, people with sensitivities may want to stay clear of formulas with irritating additives or added fragrances. The solution: Glo Skin Beauty's Bio-Renew EGF Drops, which are fragrance-free. "This is a lightweight powerhouse serum that uses vegan EGF and a bio-active peptide recovery complex to promote smoother and firmer skin," says Libby. Glo Skin Beauty designed this offering to be customizable, so you can use this serum solo or mix it into your existing arsenal for an extra oomph.

Customer Review:

"I noticed significant texture improvement in a week. Over the course of the last three months, the compliments on my skin’s glass like finish and “better than my 20s” texture from my dermatologist." --Brett G.

BIO SERUM FIRM Rejuvenating Growth Factor and Peptide Treatment

If you've been slow to jump on the growth factor serum bandwagon and want faster results, Neocutis has the answer. According to a survey, customers have noticed a major improvement in their skin's firmness, brightness, and moisture levels in a matter of six days. (That's right, days.) But how? Here, human growth factors are paired with a handful of skin-loving ingredients: Peptides for collagen production, sodium hyaluronate for moisture, and acetyl glucosamine for brightness.

Customer Review:
"I'm loving this serum! I've only had it a few weeks but I'm definitely noticing a smoother texture to my skin. I find myself wanting to touch my face [because] it's so soft! I'm going to continue with this product for a while for sure." --Alissa

Which growth factors are best?

Well, it's not that easy. Growth factors are generally either bio-engineered or derived from human stem cells. "Since growth factors are naturally occurring substances in the body, growth factor serums are safe for individuals with sensitive skin," Green adds. While both techniques offer the same, rejuvenating results, choosing the right growth factor might depend on personal preference. For example, some people might (understandably) not love the idea of slathering on a serum made with harvested human cells.

What to look for in a growth factor serum

Of course, there's more to consider than which growth factors are used. For example, those dealing with dry skin might want to look for serums with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid. "Some with sensitive skin or acne-prone skin may find irritation from using certain products and will need to look for additional soothing or acne-treating ingredients alongside their growth factor serums," Libby adds.

Regardless of your skin type, Libby also recommends avoiding formulas with fragrance, alcohol, parabens, and sulfates as they can lead to dryness and irritation.

How to apply a growth factor serum

Fortunately, growth factor serums are relatively easy to incorporate into your skincare routine. For best practice, Green encourages you to start slow by applying your formula once a week and upping the frequency depending on your skin's reaction. "Growth factor serum can be used both in the morning and at night, but it is best used at night as the growth factors can provide intense repair and healing to the skin while you sleep," she shares.

You can use a growth factor serum with a retinol—Green says it's a good idea to use your serum first—but you'll want to be careful about the rest of your routine. "It is important not to simultaneously use hydroxy acids or Vitamin C, as acids can deactivate the growth factors."

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Michele Green is a broad-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

• Tiffany Libby, MD, FAAD, FACMS is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology, Providence, Rhode Island.

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