The 10 Best Growth Factor Serums of 2023

Growth factors are one of those ingredients that people talk about a lot and appear on many bottles, but they remain a mystery. What exactly are they and where do they come from?

More importantly, what can they actually do for your skin? “Growth factors are naturally occurring substances that regulate a variety of cellular processes, including growth, proliferation, and differentiation.

“They are essential for tissue development, wound healing, and maintaining overall cellular health and function,” explains Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. (It’s also worth noting that they can be derived from human cells or plants.)

“When applied topically, growth factor serums can support collagen production, improve skin elasticity, enhance the skin’s natural repair process and improve its appearance, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.

They can also help with hydration and general skin regeneration,” Gmyrek explains. In short, they’re a great anti-aging ingredient that targets several factors that make us look older than we actually are.

Another big plus for them: Unlike other anti-aging ingredients (we’re looking at retinoids), growth factors are generally well-tolerated and cause less irritation. A versatile, rejuvenating ingredient that won’t harm your skin?

Yes, please. It’s worth noting, however, that not all growth factor serums are created equal, and Gmyrek emphasizes that specific benefits may depend on the product’s overall formulation as well as the specific growth factors used.

To make your skincare shopping experience easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best picks. Best Overall: Dr. Diamond Metacine Instafacial Series: Dr. Jason Diamond is a plastic surgeon to some of the biggest stars.

The Kardashians and Chrissy Teigen are just a few of his elite patients. He’s known for his Diamond InstaFacial technique, which uses PRP (platelet-rich plasma) from the blood along with microneedling and lasers.

Think of it as the at-home version of an in-office treatment, but without the blood work or equipment. This two-step system consists of a plasma (more like a light serum in gel form) with bioidentical human growth factors and is applied under a lotion.

This one is more like a cream, with retinoids and slow-release peptides. The result? Smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin. Jill Di Donato, deputy editorial director of commerce at Byrdie, is a Byrdie fan and swears by combining the treatments to smooth out skin texture issues and soften skin. “My skin really absorbs it, it absorbs really well. I’ve been using it every day for six weeks, and my skin is tighter and more elastic.” ”

Second Place, Best Overall: Skin Medica TNS Advanced+ Serum: This cult classic is certainly not a newcomer, but it has been a long-time favorite, and for good reason; in fact, it was one of the first products to make current growth factors known. It is frequently recommended by dermatologists, including Gmyrek. “This serum is known for its combination of growth factors, antioxidants, and peptides. It specifically targets fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone,” she says.

Best Retinol Combo: Perricone MD Growth Factor Firming and Lifting Serum: The extra retinol in this formula further enhances growth factors that boost collagen production and elasticity. The latter helps, too, but it also improves exfoliation on the skin’s surface, giving you benefits on every level. Also worth noting: the extra eggshell membrane (yes, from eggs), which strengthens the skin barrier and helps lock in moisture.

Best Korean Beauty Product: Mascad Anti-Aging Serum: Made in Korea, this serum contains not one, not two, but three different types of growth factors. EGF, KGF, and BGF all work slightly differently in different layers of the skin, but they work together to give you a brighter, hydrated, smoother, and plumper complexion. Best Budget: Inkey List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Brightening Serum As a rule of thumb, growth factor serums don’t come cheap, and what makes this product more compelling than it could be.

It contains a 1% concentration of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and 15% ascorbyl glucoside (a form of vitamin C). While it’s not as strong as L-ascorbic acid, it’s still a great antioxidant and a good choice. Not to mention, it’s less likely to cause irritation or burning than stronger treatments. More. Best for Sensitive Skin: Neocutis Bio Serum Firming Regenerating Growth Factor and Peptide Treatment This serum contains human growth factors as well as a host of other active ingredients, including hydrating hyaluronic acid, moisturizing glycerin, and anti-aging peptides.

Another recommendation from Gmyrek: “This serum is known for its proprietary blend of growth factors, which are designed to support collagen production and improve the skin’s overall structure and elasticity,” she says Best Peptide Alternative: Dr. Babor EGF Growth Factor Concentrate It does exactly that. It doesn’t contain actual growth factors, but is based on biomimetic peptides that work by stimulating growth factors naturally found in the skin.

OK, it’s not as ideal as the original, but this formula is a great option for those who are wary of using human growth factors, as the serum is completely vegan. It’s also a bit cheaper than many of the others

Product is ideal for tightening and smoothing the skin. Best Moisturizer: Epi.Logic Master Plan Collagen Renewal Growth Factor Serum All growth factor serums help hydrate the skin to some extent, but this one really focuses on that task.

In addition to growth factors, the blend contains hyaluronic acid, a humectant that attracts and locks in moisture to the skin. Snow mushroom also helps lock in moisture, while shiitake plumps and brightens the skin.

Best Organic Botanical Serum: Effects EGF Plumping and Firming Serum For those looking for plant-based growth factors, this option is hard to beat. It’s based on growth factors found in barley that boost collagen production,

increasing moisture. To date, it’s been clinically proven to improve skin density and thickness and reduce wrinkles. Not bad: It contains only seven ingredients in total, and only a few drops are needed for full use. Best Exosome:

Elevai Enfinity Rejuvenating Serum Growth factors have been around for a while, but exosomes in skin care are expected to be the new trend. Think of them as a close cousin of growth factors.

These are nanoparticles released by cells that contain their own lipids, proteins, growth factors, and more. They work through communication between cells and are primarily responsible for maintaining the natural

stimulation and mimicking of the body’s healing response, making them ideal for skin regeneration. Exosomes are the stars here, along with growth factors, peptides, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. The end result? A serum for general skin rejuvenation. What to Look for in a Growth Factor Serum Growth Factor Concentration As with any other active ingredient, you want to make sure you’re getting a high enough concentration of the growth factor for it to really work.

Gmyrek suggests checking to see if the product you’re considering lists the concentration. If not, make sure it’s at the top of the ingredient list, like in SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum and Elevai Enfinity Rejuvenating Serum. (FYI: Growth factors are often listed as “human stem cell conditioned media.”) Other Skin Actives “Look for other beneficial ingredients to complement the effects of the growth factors,” Gmyrek advises. “This may include antioxidants, peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and other nourishing compounds that promote overall skin health, hydration, and protection against environmental damage.”

It’s the Right Product for You. Great for Everyday Use. You want a serum that can easily fit into your existing routine. Most of the products on this list are suitable for morning and night use. As with any serum, be sure to apply it before your moisturizer. However, if the serum you’re using also contains antioxidants or hyaluronic acid, you can substitute a pure antioxidant or other hydrating serum.

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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