The Best Growth Factor Serums of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
<p>It’s important to note that growth factor serums are relatively new to the beauty world. Though Green says they have yet to be studied for their efficacy or long-term effects, results from short-term research seem pretty promising. “[They] work to promote skin regeneration and repair and help improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and enhance overall skin health,” adds Tiffany Libby, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology in Providence, Rhode Island.</p><p>Though these serums are poised to show results, they’ll typically set you back over $100—and for good reason. “Growth factor serums often require advanced formulation techniques to ensure the stability and efficacy of the growth factors, which can be sensitive to degradation.” The secret, however, is finding the best option for your specific needs. To help, we tested dozens of formulas and culled the web for the best growth factor serums worth adding to your cart. From dermatologist-approved options to popular picks, these options are here to help you get your glow on.</p>”/>
Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper’s BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Over the years, Zo Skin Health’s Growth Factor Serum has snagged hundreds of rave reviews and an array of skincare awards—and for good reason. This beloved option is a highlights reel of ingredients, including a mix of plant and enzyme-derived growth factors as well as a proprietary protein complex. The brand also employed Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis root extract to optimize skin cell health and maximize the growth factors’ hard work. The result? A serum that is clinically proven to restore the skin—creating a thick, smooth, and supple foundation.
Customer Review: “The difference Growth Factor Serum makes is hard to describe- my skin is plumper, smoother, and has a glow. I tried going without it for a month thinking it might be my imagination but as soon as I started using it again friends and colleagues commented how great my skin looked, how rested I looked or asked if I’d ‘had something done.'”
BEST BUDGET
The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum
Though growth factor serums can be expensive, this option from the INKEY List is an excellent, budget-friendly alternative. The magic behind this formula lies in its one percent of Epitensive, a naturally derived growth factor designed to regenerate your skin’s appearance. Meanwhile, a dash of Vitamin C works hard to brighten the skin while combatting hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and even scarring.
Customer Review:
“I love this incredibly affordable serum. I’ve been using it twice a day and it feels great on my skin. Most growth factor serums are so expensive so the price on this is incredible.”—Sharon
BEST FOR TEXTURE
Perricone MD High Potency Growth Factor Firming & Lifting Serum
Say goodbye to rough, uneven texture with this serum from Perricone MD, which Green says can be used day or night. “This serum contains polyamine growth factor, a molecule that promotes cell repair and growth to improve skin elasticity and minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture,” she adds. While a polyamine growth factor delivers a radiant complexion—over 80 percent of participants noticed a smoother, improved texture after a month of use—the encapsulated retinol boosts skin renewal. The result? Skin that’s firm, lifted, and oh-so-smooth.
Customer Review:
“I am 51 and don’t have wrinkles but have fine lines and skin has lost some firmness. This has plumped up my skin but the biggest advantage was smoothing out old acne scars! This has smoothed and reduced them so much and I did not expect that. I used many things over the years and nothing helped, but this has been amazing.”—DearWat
BEST FOR DRY SKIN
Le Mieux EGF-DNA
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Hydrates the skin
- Can be used after micro-peel and laser procedures
Cons
- Has a fermented smell
Are you looking for a growth factor serum that can offer a jolt of moisture? This option from Le Mieux has you covered. “Its formulation contains two proprietary epidermal growth factors, rh-Oligopeptide-1 and sh-Oligopeptide, that are involved in wound healing and cell regeneration,” says Green. Since this formula uses sodium hyaluronate—which is a derivative of hyaluronic acid—it’s engineered to hydrate your skin and leave dry, flaky patches in the dust.
Customer Review:
“I was using another brand that was double the price of this. As you can imagine, it was not affordable. I ordered this in the hopes of replacing it, and it has exceeded my every expectation. It hydrates, lifts and my skin just drinks it up! It is also a dream under makeup!”—Holly
BEST FOR MATURE SKIN
PCA SKIN Pro-Max Age Renewal Advanced Anti-Aging Serum with Micro Growth Factor Technology
Pros
- Helps combat the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
- Over $200
- Some shoppers don’t love the packaging
Anyone who is craving a radiant, youthful glow will find a lot to love about this serum from PCA Skin, which works hard to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. “This epidermal growth factor serum helps improve signs of aging like wrinkles and skin laxity,” explains Libby. “It uses a patent-pending Micro Growth Factor Technology—or MGF—to penetrate deeper into skin to support collagen production.”
Meanwhile, botanical ingredients like Organic Kangaroo Paw Flower Extract help plump and nourish your skin, reducing common signs of aging. According to a customer study, this serum reduces the appearance of deep lines and coarse wrinkles by 40 percent after four months of consistent use.
Customer Review:
“This product really makes a difference, I have some pretty deep wrinkles and frown lines. Within a week, I noticed that they had softened up, weren’t as deep, and this made my skin more hydrated. I have to admit I wasn’t sure at first however within just a week I’m seeing a big difference. Every time I use it, the lines are starting to slowly fade and I look 20 years younger. My skin feels smooth, silky, and amazing.”—Kelly59
BEST PLANT-BASED
BIOEFFECT EGF Serum
Many growth factor serums use proteins from stem cells and platelet-rich plasma, but those who are looking for a plant-based option will find a lot to love about this option from BioEffect. “This serum contains barley sh-Oligopeptide-1, a plant-derived epidermal growth factor that supports collagen production, stimulates cell growth, and repairs the skin’s natural moisture barrier,” Green says. Not only does this plant-based pick use hyaluronic acid to help nourish the skin, but it’s also free of parabens, preservatives, and additives.
Customer Review:
“Great product that really works to keep my skin hydrated and minimize fine lines. You also only need a three or four drops so a bottle lasts longer than you might expect.”—Sarah F.
| Size | 0.50 fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | BioEffect EFG, Icelandic Water, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid |
| Growth Factor Source | Plant-Based |
BEST FOR FIRMING
SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
Cons
- Over $250
It’s not hard to see why Libby says this option from SkinMedica is “a favorite amongst dermatologists.” “[It] uses a blend of growth factors, peptides, green micro-algae and marine extracts to improve skin’s overall appearance and minimize fine lines and wrinkles,” she says. (And, since this formula is also clinically proven to address sagging skin, you can rest easy knowing this serum is doing everything it can to give you a firm, lifted face.) Simply apply every morning and evening after cleansing and you’ll likely notice visible results in just under two weeks.
Customer Review:
“The SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum is an other luxury serum and addition for my skincare routine, it has great formula is very light weight absorbed in skin very quickly, and gives perfect glowing youth look.”—Saju
BEST FOR ROSACEA
Osmosis +Beauty Osmosis +Beauty StemFactor Growth Factor Serum
Pros
- Non-greasy texture
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- Some shoppers found you need to apply a lot
Found: A great growth factor serum for anyone who is dealing with redness or rosacea. Osmosis +Beauty combined over 600 different growth factors and peptides to create one serum that delivers a fresh, glowing complexion. Though the brand lovingly refers to the serum as its “fountain of youth,” we particularly like this serum for its soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients like witch hazel.
Customer Review:
“My esthetician highly recommended Osmosis StemFactor to me and after using it for a month I clearly notice a tremendous change (for the better) in my skin on my face and neck. Was I initially skeptical? Yes, definitely. But I am a serious and first-person believer now. StemFactor really and truly works. Thank you!”—Stanley B.
BEST FRAGRANCE-FREE
Glo Skin Beauty Bio-Renew EGF Drops
Pros
- Customizable drops can be mixed with your existing skincare
- Fragrance-free
- Made with vegan growth factor
Cons
- Some noted a sticky feel
While growth factor serums are generally safe for all skin types, people with sensitivities may want to stay clear of formulas with irritating additives or added fragrances. The solution: Glo Skin Beauty’s Bio-Renew EGF Drops, which are fragrance-free. “This is a lightweight powerhouse serum that uses vegan EGF and a bio-active peptide recovery complex to promote smoother and firmer skin,” says Libby. Glo Skin Beauty designed this offering to be customizable, so you can use this serum solo or mix it into your existing arsenal for an extra oomph.
Customer Review:
“I noticed significant texture improvement in a week. Over the course of the last three months, the compliments on my skin’s glass like finish and “better than my 20s” texture from my dermatologist.” —Brett G.
Which growth factors are best?
Well, it’s not that easy. Growth factors are generally either bio-engineered or derived from human stem cells. “Since growth factors are naturally occurring substances in the body, growth factor serums are safe for individuals with sensitive skin,” Green adds. While both techniques offer the same, rejuvenating results, choosing the right growth factor might depend on personal preference. For example, some people might (understandably) not love the idea of slathering on a serum made with harvested human cells.
What to look for in a growth factor serum
Of course, there’s more to consider than which growth factors are used. For example, those dealing with dry skin might want to look for serums with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid. “Some with sensitive skin or acne-prone skin may find irritation from using certain products and will need to look for additional soothing or acne-treating ingredients alongside their growth factor serums,” Libby adds.
Regardless of your skin type, Libby also recommends avoiding formulas with fragrance, alcohol, parabens, and sulfates as they can lead to dryness and irritation.
How to apply a growth factor serum
Fortunately, growth factor serums are relatively easy to incorporate into your skincare routine. For best practice, Green encourages you to start slow by applying your formula once a week and upping the frequency depending on your skin’s reaction. “Growth factor serum can be used both in the morning and at night, but it is best used at night as the growth factors can provide intense repair and healing to the skin while you sleep,” she shares.
You can use a growth factor serum with a retinol—Green says it’s a good idea to use your serum first—but you’ll want to be careful about the rest of your routine. “It is important not to simultaneously use hydroxy acids or Vitamin C, as acids can deactivate the growth factors.”
Meet the Experts
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
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