Growth factor serums are among the most intriguing options in anti-aging skincare. These rejuvenating formulas are celebrated for boosting skin hydration and elasticity, smoothing texture, fading dark spots, and firming sagging skin—so it’s no wonder they’re so popular. But what exactly are growth factors?

Growth factors are natural proteins produced by your body’s cells and are essential for healthy skin. “They act as signaling molecules that communicate with skin cells to stimulate collagen production, promote cell turnover, enhance wound healing, and improve overall skin tone and texture,” explains Dr. Eunice Park, a double-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

As we age, our natural production of growth factors declines, says Dr. Amanda Kahn, a board-certified internist and longevity expert. “This contributes to the thinning, wrinkles, loss of firmness, reduced elasticity, and sagging we see over time,” she notes. By replenishing these powerful proteins, a good growth factor serum helps skin function optimally, allowing cells to repair themselves fully, says Dr. Sean Alemi, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. The result is skin that looks its best. “They can help with cell turnover and collagen production, which may reduce fine lines and wrinkles,” adds Dr. Lauren Moy, a double-board-certified dermatologist.

Faster cell renewal and increased collagen lead to firmer, smoother, glowing skin with a clear and even tone—essentially everything you’d want from a skincare product. Growth factor serums are also typically non-irritating, making them suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Unlike stronger, fast-acting ingredients like exfoliating acids or retinoids, growth factors work gradually to improve your skin.

With all these benefits, growth factor serums might seem like an obvious staple—but it’s worth looking closer before you buy. Not all products in this category are the same. The complexity often lies in how the ingredients are sourced. For instance, some serums contain human-derived growth factors, which may appeal to some but give others pause.

To help you navigate, we’ve asked experts to explain what growth factors are, what to look for in an effective serum, and which formulas are worth trying.

What types of growth factors are there?
Do growth factor serums really work?
Who should use growth factors?
Are growth factors better than retinol?
Meet the Experts

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### Best Overall: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
Price: $295 at BlueMercury
Why We Love It: “This is considered the pioneer and gold standard of growth factor serums, one of the longest on the market and the best researched,” says Dr. Kahn. The formula contains human fibroblast conditioned media, which is naturally rich in growth factors and other cellular material that support skin health, along with peptides, microalgae, and marine extracts that help firm and smooth the skin. This unique treatment is actually two serums in one, housed in a dual-chamber bottle that dispenses a perfectly blended dose. It has a silky texture, absorbs well, and layers smoothly under other products—even makeup—making it easy to add to your routine.
Type of Growth Factor: Human fibroblast conditioned media
Key Ingredients: Peptides, algae extracts
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Pros: A little goes a long way.
Cons: The dual-chamber pump can sometimes dispense unevenly.More of one serum than another?
This one features human-derived growth factors for maximum biocompatibility.

Best Value: The Ordinary GF 15% Solution
Price: $16 at Amazon
Why we love it: This affordable serum uses synthetic peptides that mimic epidermal, transforming, and insulin-like growth factors (EGF, TGF, and IGF) to help renew skin. Dr. Kahn explains, “These plant-derived peptides are designed to support collagen signaling, smooth fine lines, and improve skin firmness and texture.” The lightweight, water-like formula absorbs quickly, allowing the active ingredients to work on skin structure and density. While no growth factor serum is a miracle worker, we’ve been impressed with the results—especially since its ingredient list overlaps with many pricier options, but at a fraction of the cost.
Type of Growth Factor: Peptides mimicking EGF, TGF, and IGF
Key Ingredients: Peptides mimicking EGF, TGF, and IGF
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Love It: Most budget-friendly formula of its kind; simple and effective ingredient list
Leave It: May irritate sensitive skin

Best for Wrinkles: Dr. Diamond’s Metacine Instafacial Plasma
Price: $200 at Bluemercury, Amazon, or Dr. Diamond’s Metacine
Why we love it: Inspired by the founder’s signature in-office facial—which combines lasers, microneedling, and PRP—this cult-favorite red serum contains five bio-engineered growth factors, peptides, and hydrators for a radiant glow. Dr. Kahn calls it a personal favorite, noting it “supports collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production, improving firmness, radiance, and overall vitality with consistent use.” Though safe and effective post-procedure, you don’t need a professional treatment to see results. It’s clinically proven to reduce wrinkles, even deep forehead lines.
Type of Growth Factor: Synthetic growth factors (peptides)
Key Ingredients: Anti-aging peptides, sodium hyaluronate
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Love It: Brightens and smooths skin quickly; gentle enough to use after procedures
Leave It: Some find its natural fragrance lingering and cloying

Best for Sagging Skin: Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum
Price: $275 at Nordstrom
Why we love it: Targeting skin laxity is tough with topical treatments, but this firming serum simplifies it. Dr. Alemi says, “This formula combines three percent growth factors and nine percent peptides—a powerhouse, science-backed blend to boost collagen production.” The combination works on sagging skin across the face, including brows and mouth corners, while improving resilience and hydration.
Type of Growth Factor: Synthetic EGF (peptides)
Key Ingredients: Peptides, phospholipids, centella asiatica
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Love It: Improves stubborn sagging; gentle and non-irritating
Leave It: Strong smell may be off-putting

Best Human-Derived: Neocutis Bio Serum Firm
Price: $290 at Amazon, $275 at Dermstore
Why we love it: Dr. Alemi notes this was one of the first serums of its kind, using human-derived growth factors and peptides to address aging skin. The key ingredient is “cutaneous lysate,” which the brand calls PSP (processed skin cell proteins), sourced from cultured fetal skin cells. Dr. Alemi adds, “This serum is the line’s most potent growth factor formulation.” Along with growth factors and proteins, it also contains…This serum contains amino acids, sodium hyaluronate, and acetyl glucosamine to smooth, hydrate, and brighten the skin.

Type of Growth Factor: Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF)
Key Ingredients: Peptides, amino acids, sodium hyaluronate, acetyl glucosamine
Size: 1 fl. oz.

Love It: Makes skin look tauter and more radiant with less noticeable fine lines.
Leave It: Can pill under makeup, making it best for evening use.
Fragrance- and oil-free formula.

Best for Uneven Texture & Tone: Angela Caglia Cell Forté Serum With BIOMSC
Angela Caglia Skincare
Cell Forté Serum with BIOMSC
$325 at BLUE MERCURY

Why We Love It: Formulated with human conditioned media from mesenchymal stem cells, this serum is rich in growth factors, exosomes, and cytokines. Dr. Kahn notes these ingredients “signal skin renewal and visibly improve elasticity, tone, and aging skin quality.” It also hydrates dry skin with a combination of hyaluronic acid and snow mushroom extract, which is proven to be 10 times more hydrating.

Type of Growth Factor: Human mesenchymal stem cell conditioned media
Key Ingredients: Human mesenchymal stem cell conditioned media, snow mushroom extract, hyaluronic acid
Size: 1 fl. oz.

Love It: Packed with human-derived, skin-supporting nutrients. Large molecules penetrate best when applied after dermarolling. Gentle, hydrating formula safe for all skin types.

Best Korean: Numbuzin No.9 NAD+ BIO Lifting-sil Essence
Numbuzin
No.9 NAD+ BIO Lifting-sil Essence
$33 $24 (27% off) at AMAZON

Why We Love It: The star ingredient is NAD+, a peptide crucial for cellular energy metabolism (ATP). Dr. Kahn says it contains a dense complex of 50 different peptides to “support cellular energy, boost elasticity, and improve the appearance of fine lines and skin laxity.”

Editor Experience: “Product compatibility is key for me, and this K-beauty treatment paired seamlessly with my routine. Despite its unique, stretchy, and slightly slimy texture, it absorbs quickly to deliver deep hydration and peptides. It really boosts skin’s glow before serum and moisturizer.” —Emily Orofino, contributor

Type of Growth Factor: NAD+
Key Ingredients: Peptides, glutathione
Size: 4.23 fl. oz.

Love It: Active ingredient-packed formula is very gentle. Absorbs quickly without stickiness or residue.
Leave It: Snail mucin-like texture may be off-putting to some.

Best for Mature Skin: PCA SKIN Pro-Max Age Renewal Advanced Antiaging Serum
PCA Skin
Pro Max Anti Aging Serum
$219 at AMAZON

Why We Love It: This formula has an immediate corset-like tightening effect, thanks to biopolymers and kangaroo paw flower extract. Over time, its micro growth factor technology allows growth factors to penetrate up to 10 times deeper, firming the skin with regular use.

Type of growth factor: Synthetic growth factors (peptides)
Key Ingredients: Biopolymers, kangaroo paw flower extract
Size: 1 fl. oz.

Love It: Creates instant skin-tightening while firming skin over time.
Leave It: Opaque inner chamber makes it hard to see when you’re running out.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Epi.Logic Master Plan Collagen Renew Growth Factor Serum
Epi.Logic
Collagen Renew Growth Factor Serum
$230 at VIOLET GREY and FWRD

Why We Love It: A little of this powerful serum goes a long way—seriously, you can…A tiny pump is all you need for a full face of this serum, which revitalizes even the most sensitive skin without causing irritation. Dr. Alemi explains that it contains growth factors derived from human stem cells, which the body easily recognizes and closely resembles our skin’s own, along with peptides that work like growth factors and ultra-hydrating snow mushroom. Vogue editor Kiana Murden praises the formula, saying it leaves her skin looking plumper, bouncier, and dewier than ever.

Editor’s Experience: “I might sound like a broken record, but I can’t stop raving about Epi.logic’s Master Plan serum. Over the past year, it’s become a skincare essential for me, thanks to its refreshingly hydrating texture and ability to strengthen the skin barrier. The brand’s signature Cell Service complex, made of growth factors and peptides, boosts collagen and elastin production for firmer, bouncier skin. It’s also incredibly gentle—partly due to hyaluronic acid, sea kelp bio ferment, and snow mushroom—so much so that I used it to heal my skin after my last MOXI treatment.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping

Type of Growth Factor: Human stem cell conditioned media
Key Ingredients: Snow mushroom extract, peptides
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Love It: Firms and hydrates while fading hyperpigmentation; a little goes a long way
Leave It: One of the priciest options on our list

Best for Crow’s Feet: iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex
Price: $120 at BLUE MERCURY
Why We Love It: This formula is specially designed for the delicate eye area. To reduce fine lines and wrinkles, it features the firming growth factor alternative copper tripeptide, which Dr. Alemi notes is well-studied and boosts collagen production. It also contains a neuropeptide to help control expression lines and marine bacteria ferment to reduce puffiness.
Type of Growth Factor: Synthetic growth factors (copper peptides)
Key Ingredients: Acetyl octapeptide, pseudoalteromonas ferment extract
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Love It: Helps firm and smooth fine lines and mild laxity; very lightweight and layers well with makeup
Leave It: Packaging doesn’t dispense the last drops effectively

Best Clean: Bioeffect EGF Serum
Price: $175 ($155, 11% off at AMAZON)
Why We Love It: This vegan EGF serum has just seven ingredients but delivers powerful results. Dr. Alemi shares that its barley-derived EGF is sustainably grown in volcanic pumice using geothermal energy and pure Icelandic water. It also contains skin-replenishing hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Many Vogue editors consider it a staple.
Editor’s Experience: “I was impressed they found a vegan way to create growth factors. At the time, some people were uneasy about non-vegan sources. This small bottle is travel-friendly, and just a few drops cover my entire face without pilling under makeup.” —Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor-at-large
Type of Growth Factor: Synthetic EGF (peptides)
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, Icelandic water
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Love It: Simple, powerful formula promotes collagen and hydration without irritation
Leave It: Small amount of product for the price

Everything You Need to Know
What types of growth factors are there?
There are many growth factors in the human body, but only a few are relevant to skin health. The most well-known is epidermal growth factor (EGF), which aids in healing.Growth factors like EGF help repair cellular damage and boost collagen and elastin, while FGF activates fibroblasts—the cells that produce these proteins. IGF promotes tissue repair, and TGF supports collagen synthesis while helping to manage inflammation.

However, you might not see these specific terms on product labels, even if a serum is marketed as a “growth factor” product. Instead, many formulas include peptides, which are chains of amino acids that can mimic growth factor effects, act as chemical messengers, or encourage collagen production. Common examples are copper peptides (for firming and calming skin), Matrixyl (to boost collagen), and argireline (often called “Botox in a bottle” for smoothing wrinkles).

Another alternative is human conditioned media—a nutrient-rich liquid cultivated from human cells like fibroblasts or stem cells. It contains a blend of growth factors, cytokines, and proteins that support skin renewal. These ingredients often work well together, so trying a serum that combines them can be beneficial.

Do growth factor serums work? They can, but effectiveness depends on factors like the source of the ingredients (human-derived, synthetic, or from plants or snails), how stable the formula is, and how well it penetrates the skin. For best results, many people use these serums after professional treatments like laser or microneedling, when the skin is more receptive. They can also complement a tretinoin routine. Keep in mind that results take time, and it’s important to pair them with other skincare essentials like vitamin C and sunscreen to prevent further damage.

Who should use them? Most skin types can benefit, especially if you’re seeing early signs of aging, have sensitive or compromised skin, or are recovering from a professional treatment. They tend to be gentler than stronger actives like retinoids. However, if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have an active skin infection, or skin cancer, it’s best to avoid growth factor serums due to their biological activity.Growth factors are not tested for compatibility with pregnancy. Since they promote cell signaling and proliferation, there is a potential risk that they could encourage abnormal or uncontrolled cell growth.

Are growth factors better than retinol?

Neither ingredient is inherently better than the other. “Retinols and growth factors are both great, and they work through different mechanisms—they’re both valuable, and I like alternating between them,” says Dr. Lauren Moy. Retinol actively speeds up cellular turnover and boosts collagen production, while growth factors accelerate turnover by signaling your skin cells to repair themselves. Retinol can work relatively quickly but may irritate the skin, whereas growth factors are gentler and take more time to show visible results. “Together, they can be a powerful duo: retinol for resurfacing, and growth factors for rebuilding and repair,” suggests Dr. Eunice Park.

How We Tested

When testing and reviewing a product, we take a holistic approach to provide well-rounded recommendations. We first consult Vogue’s network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to identify standout products that professionals actually use with their clients. We combine their expertise with our editorial standards to create the thoughtful selections you see on our site.

For growth factor serums, we selected the best based on ingredient source, type of growth factors, texture, packaging, finish, and the skin concerns they address. We paired our own testing of each formula with expert guidance and customer reviews to determine which products to recommend.

Meet the Experts

– Dr. Eunice Park is a double-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the founder of AIREM in New York.
– Dr. Amanda Kahn is a board-certified internist and longevity expert in New York.
– Dr. Lauren Moy is a double-board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in Beverly Hills.
– Dr. Sean Alemi is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New York.

Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs 11 Best Growth Factor Serums for Aging Skin

Beginner Definition Questions

1 What exactly is a growth factor serum
Growth factor serums contain special proteins that signal your skin cells to repair themselves produce more collagen and rejuvenate Think of them as messengers telling your skin to act younger

2 Why would I use one instead of a retinol or vitamin C serum
Growth factors work differently While retinols speed up cell turnover and vitamin C is a potent antioxidant growth factors focus on cellular communication and repair They are often gentler and can be an excellent alternative or complement for those with sensitive skin

3 Are these serums safe for sensitive or rosaceaprone skin
Many are specifically formulated to be nonirritating Look for serums that are fragrancefree alcoholfree and labeled as suitable for sensitive skin However always patch test first as individual reactions can vary

4 How do I use a growth factor serum in my skincare routine
Apply it to clean toned skin usually once or twice daily It typically goes on after cleansingtoning and before heavier moisturizers and sunscreens or night creams Follow the specific product instructions

Benefits Results

5 What are the main benefits I can expect
With consistent use you can expect improved skin firmness reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles a more even skin tone and texture and enhanced hydration and plumpness

6 How long does it take to see results
You may notice initial hydration and brightness within a few weeks Significant improvements in firmness and wrinkles usually become apparent after 23 months of consistent use

7 Can growth factor serums help with deep wrinkles or sagging skin
They are excellent for improving skin texture and firmness which can reduce the appearance of sagging and deeper lines For significant sagging they work best as part of a comprehensive routine and are not a substitute for professional treatments

Common Problems Practical Tips

8 Whats the biggest mistake people make when using these serums
Using too much product A few drops are usually enough for the entire face and neck Overapplying can lead to pilling or waste without added benefit

9 Do I still need to wear sunscreen