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 and try different products and ingredients.
After weeks of research and consulting with dermatologists, I discovered growth factor face serums.
Many experts confirmed to me that growth factors are one of the most important ingredients for smooth, firm, and toned skin because they stimulate collagen and elastin production and signal skin cells to repair and regenerate.
Of course, I had to experience all of these benefits for myself, so over the course of four months, I tested more than 20 different growth factor serums, weighed their pros and cons, and compiled this list of the best.
Here’s a preview:
Read on for the full list of the best growth factor serums, plus important information you should consider when choosing a growth factor serum, according to dermatologist Heather Rogers, MD, and plastic surgeon Catherine Chang, MD.
1. PCA SKIN Pro-Max Age Renewal Advanced Anti-Aging Serum with Micro-Growth Factor Technology. After a month of testing, I’m thrilled.
Normally, I wouldn’t expect any changes to my skin after such a short testing period, but I do think my forehead wrinkles look smoother and the skin around my mouth and cheeks looks firmer.
Thanks to this serum, I’ve been able to go longer between Botox injections, which I love.
2. Bioeffect EGF Eye Serum: I’ve recently noticed fine lines and crow’s feet around my eyes.
Dermatologists recommend using eye creams with retinol to smooth out wrinkles, but I’m generally not very tolerant of retinol around my eyes.
That’s where the Growth Factor Eye Serum comes in handy. It visibly plumped and smoothed the wrinkles around my eyes without drying them out or stripping them—I even think it helped reduce my stubborn dark circles.
3. SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum: Even if you’re not too familiar with growth factors, you’ve probably heard of this legendary serum.
SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum is a favorite among dermatologists, aestheticians, and beauty editors.
It contains a blend of growth factors, peptides, green microalgae, and marine extracts that tighten, firm, and smooth skin with regular use.
Just watch these before-and-after videos for proof.
4. Glo Skin Beauty BioRenew EGF Drops: Glo Skin Beauty makes some of my favorite tinted moisturizers (I highly recommend the C-Shield Anti-Pollution Hydrating Tint SPF 30).
When I saw they also made a serum with epidermal growth factor (EGF), I knew I had to try it.
This formula is designed to be a serum-boosting serum, so you can easily add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer, face primer, or foundation.
The combination of vegan growth factors (they mimic the proteins in human skin cells), hyaluronic acid, and peptides form the perfect trio for firmer, plumper-looking skin.
5. Dr. Diamond’s Metacine InstaFacial Plasma:
I first tried this growth factor serum after seeing Dr. Diamond’s InstaFacial (which, incidentally, celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian, Hilary Duff, and Olivia Culpo are also intrigued by).
I was immediately impressed by its lightweight texture and the way the formula absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
The result? I was impressed by how smooth and firm my skin felt, and I noticed that my pores became finer and less noticeable.
6. Neocutis Bio Serum Firming, Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum: Neocutis’ Bio Serum is definitely an anti-aging powerhouse.
Yes, it’s expensive, but the formula has all the essential ingredients:
Growth factors and peptides to smooth wrinkles and tighten sagging skin, acetyl glucosamine to gently exfoliate and smooth the skin, and hydrating hyaluronic acid to moisturize the skin.
The texture is thicker than the other serums on this list. If you have combination or oily skin, you can easily use it as a moisturizer.
7. Biopelle Tensage Growth Factor Enhanced Serum 40 Ampoules Post-Op: I tested these growth factor ampoules after a clear, glowing laser treatment.
They sped up my recovery time and left my skin soft and smooth—a real miracle.
As recommended by my doctor, I used one ampoule daily for 10 days post-treatment so that the combination of growth factors, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants could repair my skin and enhance the renewal and regeneration effects of the laser.
I love these serums in little bottles so much that I use them when I travel or when my skin needs a break for a week or two.
8. Allies of Skin Peptide and GF Advanced Lifting Serum: I’m obsessed with almost every Allies of Skin product I’ve tried, including this firming and lifting serum.
The bottle contains a serum for repairing and
strengthening the skin, with peptides to tighten sagging skin and smooth fine lines.
Unlike other anti-aging serums I’ve tried that take weeks (and sometimes months) to work, my skin looked smoother and less dull within days of using it twice a day. Very important.
9. ZO Growth Factor Serum for Skin Health:
Multiple dermatologists and aestheticians have recommended this ZO Growth Factor Serum to me over the years and tell me that their patients and clients always get compliments on their skin when they incorporate it into their daily skincare routines.
It makes your skin visibly brighter and plumper, and reduces signs of aging like fine lines, rough texture, and uneven skin tone.
The gel-like formula also has a velvety texture that 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 are the right choice.
“Growth factors stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen, which improves skin texture and firmness and reduces fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Rogers.
Growth factors also improve skin wound healing and help repair damaged skin.
Some growth factors can even help soothe the skin by inhibiting the inflammatory process, improving skin barrier function, and reducing redness, adds Rogers.
With regular use, it usually takes six to eight weeks for the skin to show the above changes, says Zhang.
So remember: Patience is the key to success when incorporating a growth factor serum into your daily routine.
Are growth factors better than retinol? No, growth factors are not better than retinol at treating signs of aging.
“I tell my patients that a growth factor serum is the sixth skin care product they should buy,” says Dr. Rogers.
“A cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and antioxidant serum are a must during the day, and an AHA or retinol serum followed by a growth factor serum is a must at night,” says Dr. Rogers.
Retinol is one of the most researched ingredients in skin care products, and its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production and promote cell turnover has been repeatedly demonstrated.
No, a growth factor serum cannot necessarily replace a retinol serum or retinol cream, but it is a great choice for combination or overnight use.
What is the best growth factor serum for face? The best growth factor serum is specifically tailored to 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 like fragrances and dyes.
For oily or acne-prone skin, it is recommended to choose a growth factor serum that is labeled oil-free and/or non-comedogenic.
For dry or dehydrated skin, a growth factor serum with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin is the best choice.