The 9 Best Growth Factor Serums Tested and Rated in 2023

I’ve been a loyal user of retinol serums and creams for years, but when I turned 32 in June, I felt like I needed to step up my anti-aging routine a bit and try different products and ingredients.

After weeks of research and consulting with dermatologists, I discovered growth factor face serums. Many experts told me that growth factors are one of the most important ingredients for smoothing, plumping, and toning skin because they stimulate collagen and elastin production and signal skin cells to repair and regenerate themselves. Of course, I had to experience all of these benefits for myself, so over the course of four months

tested over 20 different growth factor serums, weighed their pros and cons, and created this top list. Here’s a sneak peek: Keep reading for a full list of the best growth factor serums and important info you need to know

What you need to know when choosing a growth factor serum, according to dermatologist Heather Rogers, MD, and plastic surgeon Dr. Catherine Chang.

1. PCA SKIN Pro-Max Age Renewal Advanced Anti-Aging Serum with Micro-Growth Factor Technology After testing this growth factor serum for a month, I’m excited.

Normally, I wouldn’t see any changes to my skin after such a short trial, but I noticed that my forehead wrinkles looked smoother and the skin around my mouth and lower cheeks looked firmer. By using this serum, I can go longer between Botox injections, which I really like.

2. Bioeffect EGF Eye Serum: I’ve recently noticed some fine lines and crow’s feet around my eyes. My dermatologist recommended that I use a retinol eye cream to smooth it out, but while I can usually tolerate retinol

not so well around my eyes.

That’s where the Growth Factor Eye Serum comes in handy. It helps to visibly plump and smooth the wrinkles around my eyes without causing dryness or flaking—in fact, I think it also helped reduce my stubborn dark circles.

3. SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum: Even if you don’t know much about growth factors, you’ve probably heard of this legendary serum. SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ serum is a favorite among dermatologists, estheticians, and beauty editors.

It’s a blend of growth factors, peptides, green microalgae, and marine extracts that tones, firms, and smooths skin with continued use. Just watch these before-and-after videos for proof.

4. Glo Skin Beauty BioRenew EGF Drops: Glo Skin Beauty has some of my favorite tinted moisturizers (I highly recommend the C-Shield Anti-Pollution Hydrating Tint SPF 30). When I saw they also make an epidermal growth factor (EGF) serum, I knew I had to try it.

The formula is designed to be a boosting serum, so you can easily add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer, face primer, or face foundation. Ingredient-wise, the combination of vegan growth factors (they mimic proteins found in human skin cells), hyaluronic acid, and peptides is the perfect trio for firming and plumping skin.

Dr. 5 Diamond’s Metacine InstaFacial Plasma: I first tried this growth factor serum when I met Dr. Diamond’s signature InstaFacial (which, by the way, counts celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian, Hilary Duff, and Olivia Culpo as fans).

I immediately fell in love with its lightweight texture and the way the formula absorbed into my skin without leaving a greasy residue. The result? I was impressed with how smooth and firm my skin felt, and also found that my pores looked tighter and less noticeable.

6. Neocutis Bio Serum Firming and Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum: Neocutis’ Bio Serum is an absolute anti-aging powerhouse. Yes, it’s pricey, but the formula is packed with all the good stuff, including growth factors and peptides to smooth wrinkles and tighten sagging skin, acetylglucosamine to gently exfoliate and brighten, and hydrating, moisture-replenishing hyaluronic acid. It has a thicker texture than the other serums on this list, so if you have combination or oily skin, you can easily use it as a moisturizer.

7. Biopelle Tensage Growth Factor Boost Serum 40 Ampoules Post-Op: I tested these growth factor ampoules after a clear, glowing laser treatment, and they sped up my recovery time, leaving my skin soft and smooth,

literally a miracle.

As recommended by my doctor, I used one bottle daily for 10 days after treatment to let the growth factors, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants combine to repair my skin and enhance the renewal and regeneration effects of the laser.

In fact, I love the serum in these little bottles so much that I use it when I travel, or for a week or two when my skin feels like it needs a reboot.

8. Allies of Skin Peptide and GF Advanced Lifting Serum: I’m addicted to nearly every Allies of Skin product I’ve tried, including this firming and lifting serum. The bottle contains a cocktail of growth factors that repair and

strengthen the skin, tighten sagging skin, and smooth fine lines. Unlike other anti-aging serums I’ve tested that take weeks (and sometimes months) to work, I noticed my skin looked smoother and less dull within days of using it twice a day. Very important.

9. ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum: Several dermatologists and aestheticians have recommended this growth factor serum from ZO to me over the years and say that their patients and clients always get compliments on their skin when they incorporate it into their daily skincare routines.

It leaves your skin visibly brighter, plumper, and reduces signs of aging, including fine lines, rough texture, and uneven skin tone. The gel-like formula also has a velvety texture and absorbs well into the skin.

Do growth factors really work for the skin?

Black lines If your goal is to achieve smoother, firmer, and more toned skin, growth factors really work. “Growth factors stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen production, improving skin structure and firmness, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Rogers. Growth factors can also improve the skin’s wound healing process and help repair damaged skin. Some growth factors can even help soothe the skin by shutting down inflammatory pathways, improving skin barrier function, and reducing redness, adds Rogers. Dr. Chang says it usually takes six to eight weeks for the skin to show the above changes with regular use. So remember that patience is the key to success when adding a growth factor serum to your routine. Are Growth Factors Better Than Retinol? Black lines No, growth factors are not better than retinol at treating the signs of aging. “I tell my patients that a growth factor serum is the sixth skin-care product they should buy,” says Dr. Rogers. “Cleanser, facial moisturizer, sunscreen, antioxidant serum during the day, and AHA or retinol serum at night are must-haves, followed by a growth factor serum,” says Dr. Rogers. Retinol is one of the most researched ingredients in skincare, and its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production and promote cell turnover has been proven time and time again.

No, a growth factor serum won’t necessarily replace a retinol serum or cream, but it is a great product to use in combination or overnight. What is the best growth factor serum for face? Black Line Best Growth Factor Serums

Tailored specifically for your skin type and skin concerns. If you have sensitive skin, you should make sure the growth factor serum you choose is free of potential skin irritants, such as fragrances and dyes. If your skin

If you have oily skin or are prone to acne, it is recommended to choose a growth factor serum that is labeled oil-free and/or non-comedogenic. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, consider a growth factor serum with moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid

or glycerin is the best choice.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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