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.
