Beauty seekers are known to go to great lengths for the perfect complexion. Vampire facial, anyone? The infamous vampire facial or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses growth factors found in your blood to promote cellular rejuvenation and beautify the skin. But if the thought of needles makes you queasy, consider a less scary option—growth factor serums. These serums trick the body into acting younger and turn back the clock for youthful skin. Hence, finding the best growth factor serums is a powerful way to combat the signs of aging. For that, you just need a little bit of guidance.
- SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
- Le Mieux EGF-DNA Serum
- Bioeffect EGF Serum
- Easydew Re-Derma Master Ampoule
- Perricone MD High Potency Classics Growth Factor Serum
- Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum
- Zo Skin Health Growth Factor Serum
- Nexgen Engine 10 Serum
- Osmosis Growth Factor Serum
- PCA Skin Total Strength Serum
- The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum
- Kate Somerville Bio-Mimicking Peptides Serum
- NeoCutis Bio Serum Firm
- References
What are growth factors?
With elastin starting to stiffen and collagen decreasing, unwanted signs of aging like sagging and wrinkles begin to appear. Here’s where growth factors come in. Growth factors are small proteins that promote skin rejuvenation in much the same way as your favorite retinol.[1]
EGF (epidermal growth factor), which is seen on the product label as sh-Olighopetpide-1, is the most common growth factor used in anti-aging products. EGFs are specifically found in the epidermis and are primarily focused on promoting the regeneration of the epidermal cells.
These growth factors are your body’s messenger system to your cells, telling them to repair, regenerate, and replicate. When applied topically, EGF reconstructs your skin’s matrix structure by increasing healthy collagen and elastin and improving texture.[2]
Growth factors can come from several sources, including animals, human stem cells, and plants. They are either extracted or bioengineered and then grown into more concentrated media solutions used in skincare formulations. As a natural component of the epidermis, these healing factors actually reduce sensitivity, unlike similar products that promote turnover at the expense of causing skin damage.
Moreover, since they work to repair and strengthen, growth factors are great for sensitive skin and inflammatory conditions. In fact, they offer a compelling alternative to retinol against aging signs.
What are the benefits of growth factor serums?
- Diminish aging signs like loss of firmness and wrinkles
- Support collagen and elastin production
- Improve skin texture
- Boost cell renewal
- Repair damaged skin
- Work for all skin types
- Help with uneven skin tone
Are growth factors serums safe for skin?
When it comes to applying growth factors to your skin, you’ve got nothing to worry about. They’re not only safe but also incredibly friendly to your skin. By the same token, as they’re naturally present in the epidermis, growth factors are non-irritating and suitable for all types of skin.
How to introduce growth factor serums to your skincare routine
You can use your growth factor serum in both your morning and evening routine. Apply it on cleansed face and follow up with a moisturizer.
But to get the most out of it, try this: apply your EGF serum after microneedling. Luisa Fanzani (cosmetic chemist and member of our medical review board) wholeheartedly endorses this practice.
Microneedling creates tiny channels in your skin that facilitate the penetration of growth factors. You see, growth factors have large molecules, which makes it hard to pass the epidermis. But using them after micronedling solves this problem. Besides, these serums are exactly what your body calls for regeneration. They support cell repair and help your skin bounce back from those micro-injuries.
The best growth factors serums of 2023
Now that you have all your questions answered, scroll on to find the best growth factors serums to put a stop to aging signs.
SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ uses a revolutionary approach to stop the causes of aging and is the best-selling growth factor serum out there, despite the hefty price tag. Their patented TNS-MR is a blend of two naturally secreted growth factors derived from human fibroblasts, Progeline and Prolixir S20. TNS-MR’s role is to kickstart your skin’s healing by inhibiting the activity of Progerin, “the skin aging protein” that prevents body cells from repairing themselves. Besides, the formula is rich in collagen-making marine and algae extracts and is bolstered with additional botanicals and peptides, perfect for more intense results.
Le Mieux EGF-DNA Serum
Le Mieux EGF-DNA is ideal for addressing wrinkles, dullness, and skin regeneration, and we consider it the perfect growth factor serum to use after microneedling. It has an incredible hydrating base of sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid with small molecules that penetrates the skin for long-term hydration) and features two sources of EGF to repair the cells and refine skin texture. So go ahead, grab your microneedling tool, and work your way to a firmer, smoother complexion.
Bioeffect EGF Serum
This EGF serum is a beauty industry favorite and has been proven to increase hydration by a whopping 132% and boost skin thickness by 60%. It’s all thanks to a simple but powerful lineup of just seven ingredients. We’re talking about some serious heavy hitters here, like collagen-boosting growth factors, skin-quenching hyaluronic acid, and a base of glycerin. Bioeffect EGF Serum is a microneedling dream come true. It’s super clean, with no fragrances, oils, or alcohol to mess with your skin’s barrier. Instead, it goes all-in on promoting cellular regeneration, giving your complexion the most out of the anti-aging benefits of your skincare routine.
Easydew Re-Derma Master Ampoule
We love ampoules because they boast a higher concentration of active ingredients compared to serums, and their single-use format guarantees the preservation of their properties. In addition to EGF factors, these ampules are loaded with skin-strengthening niacinamide, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and a moisturizing trio made of squalane, olive oil, and shea butter. They also taps into the impressive anti-aging abilities of compounds naturally found in the epidermis, including ceramide, cholesterol, and amino acids, known for restoring barrier function and locking moisture into the skin.
Perricone MD High Potency Classics Growth Factor Serum
Perricone MD kicks up your skin’s cellular turnover with a serum that works to reverse the clock for a youthful-looking complexion. Using a combination of retinol and an ester of vitamin C, this growth factor serum lessens aging signs by stimulating collagen and elastin. To target tricky areas, hydrolyzed eggshell membrane provides another source of collagen, shown to help reduce wrinkles and fine lines. On top of that, the formula is infused with Spermidine, a polyamine growth factor that aids in recovering the skin’s structure and works together with niacinamide to strengthen the top layer of the skin.
Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum
One of the most popular products on the list, Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum, infuses skin with a concentrated shot of firming peptides and proteins to combat signs of aging. The serum contains three potent growth factors and over 11 types of signaling peptides to retrain your skin to heal more effectively and repair age-related damage. With added lactic acid to resurface old cells and multiple hydrating factors, including squalane and sodium hyaluronate, the absorption is intensified for seriously radiant skin.
Zo Skin Health Growth Factor Serum
Laced with the aforementioned growth factors, plant-derived ferments, and amino acids, Zo Skin Health Growth Factor Serum is a must for anyone in need of a little (or rather, a lot of) repair. The anti-aging serum aims to restore firmness and elasticity and minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles while hiking up hydration with an in-house complex that supports the skin’s natural replenishment of hyaluronic acid. The pump applicator allows for a no-fuss application while preserving actives in their prime.
Nexgen Engine 10 Serum
This K-beauty brand created one of the most potent EGF serums that won’t break the bank with a lineup of ingredients that’s at least impressive. Not only does this rejuvenating elixir fusions epidermal growth factors, but it also contains Aratox, spider venom packed with skin-tightening proteins and polypeptides.[3] What’s more, the formula is proudly made with Botulenine®, an ingredient used in Botox treatments that temporarily inhibits the nerves responsible for wrinkle formation. It gets better: The formula fusions five other collagen-boosting peptides and a wide array of twenty-one (21!) amino acids. The result? Firmer, intensely hydrated, and smoother skin that will leave you in awe.
Osmosis Growth Factor Serum
If aging has left your skin dry and rough, this is the best option for you. This formula focuses on high-powered EGFs (epidermal growth factors) derived from human stem cells and fibroblasts to smooth skin and soften wrinkles. At the same time, it reduces transepidermal water loss, strengthening your protective barrier and locking in the serum’s actives for boosted perks. What’s more, the serum is spiked with fatty acids and works hard to retain moisture, keeping your face supple and soft.
PCA Skin Total Strength Serum
This is a great pick to maintain your skin’s structural scaffolding and fight age-related volume loss. Skin-smoothing adenosine boosts collagen production, and hydrating glycosaminoglycans support proteins like elastin and collagen. Besides, the serum’s anti-inflammatory botanical extracts like tea tree, honeysuckle, and witch hazel do more than smell great. They also help to soothe skin and prevent stress-related aging. Bonus: Enhanced with the plumping action of hydrating-factor sodium hyaluronate, the serum retains moisture for bouncy fresh skin.
The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum
This is the most affordable growth factor serum you can find. Touted as a skin makeover, The Inkey List combines EGFs with other actives to provide the complete anti-aging package. The plant-based EGF, Epitensive, dramatically improves your skin’s elasticity, while the potent and stable form of vitamin C fights free radical damage and boosts brightness for a radiant glow. And to help get rid of dark patches some more, the serum uses mild phytic acid to exfoliate away sun-damaged skin for a brand-new complexion.
Kate Somerville Bio-Mimicking Peptides Serum
This serum works to increase the bioavailability of growth factors and includes five bio-identical peptides to increase your body’s anti-aging response. The formula packs the popular restorative ingredient adenosine to fight wrinkles and reduce inflammation alongside vitamin B5. Together, they support skin repair and restore hydration levels.
NeoCutis Bio Serum Firm
This anti-aging growth factor serum is the perfect partner for your microneedling and chemical peel sessions. It’s non-comedogenic and packs peptides and carnosine to accelerate skin recovery and enhance firmness. Besides, since it’s powered by two forms of water-attracting sodium hyaluronate, plus vitamin E and squalane, the formula locks in moisture and promotes supple skin. So you can use it even in the coldest and driest months of winter (or if you experience parched skin 24/7)
References
- Aldag, Caroline et al. “Skin rejuvenation using cosmetic products containing growth factors, cytokines, and matrikines: a review of the literature.” Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology vol. 9 411-419. 9 Nov. 2016, doi:10.2147/CCID.S116158,
- Eskens, Olivia, and Samiul Amin. “Challenges And Effective Routes For Formulating And Delivery Of Epidermal Growth Factors In Skin Care”. International Journal Of Cosmetic Science, vol 43, no. 2, 2021, pp. 123-130. Wiley, https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12685.
- Lucia Kuhn-Nentwig, Reto Stöcklin, Wolfgang Nentwig, Venom Composition and Strategies in Spiders: Is Everything Possible?, Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, RAS, St. Petersburg, Russia, Academic Press, Volume 40, 2011, Pages 1-86, ISSN 0065-2806, ISBN 9780123876683,
