The 11 Best Growth Factor Serums of 2025, Tested and Reviewed
Since growth factors are relatively new on the skincare scene, Green says they have yet to be studied for their efficacy or long-term effects, but short-term research seems promising. “[They] work to promote skin regeneration and repair and help improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and enhance overall skin health,” adds dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Tiffany Libby.
Here, we talked with dermatologists and considered which products skincare enthusiasts are giving gold stars to narrow down the best growth factor serums worth shopping. The following favorites make it simple to inch you toward those coveted glass skin goals.
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Design by Sarah Olivieri
Zo Skin Health’s Growth Factor serum has snagged hundreds of rave reviews, and for good reason. This beloved option is a highlights reel of ingredients, including a mix of plant and enzyme-derived growth factors along with its proprietary protein complex. 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.'” —Anonymous
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, vitamin C works hard to brighten the skin while combating 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
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Looking for a growth factor serum that also provides a moisture boost? This option from Le Mieux has you covered, since its formula uses sodium hyaluronate—a derivative of hyaluronic acid—to hydrate your skin and leave dry, flaky patches in the dust. “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.
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
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.”
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
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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. 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. “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 adds.
Key ingredients:EGF, hyaluronic acid
Customer Review: “Great product that really works to keep my skin hydrated and minimize fine lines. You also only need three or four drops, so a bottle lasts longer than you might expect.” —Sarah F.
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.
Customer review: “The SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum is another 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
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If you’re new to growth factor serums, you may want to give this affordable option a try before diving into pricier picks. But don’t let the affordable price tag fool you. There’s no compromising on the potency here. For less than $20, the formula features a trio of plant-based biomimetic peptides: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) to stimulate the production of new cells; Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) to boost collagen, and Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF), which helps firm skin and improve elasticity.
Customer review: “This extremely lightweight serum has been a great addition to my skin care regimen. I’ve really noticed a significant difference, especially for my neck. My skin looks plump and youthful, and many of the lines I was worried about are gone.” —nightinphilly
If you’ve been slow to jump on the growth factor serum bandwagon and want faster results, Neocutis has the answer. The Bio Serum Firm formula uses human growth factors paired with a handful of skin-tightening ingredients, including peptides for collagen production, to quickly enhance elasticity and firmness.
Customer review: “I’m loving this serum! I’ve only had it a few weeks but I’m definitely noticing a smoother texture to my skin. I find myself wanting to touch my face [because] it’s so soft! I’m going to continue with this product for a while for sure.” —Alissa
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This vegan formula looks to five bio-engineered peptide complexes, including one peptide growth factor, to activate cellular communication and ultimately dial up collagen production, firm skin, and mimic the role of Botox by naturally freezing expression lines. There are also copper peptides in the mix to help with wound healing and inflammation, making it an ideal choice to use after a procedure or treatment.
Customer review: “After introducing this and the Infusion serum into my routine, I saw a noticeable reduction in fine lines around my eyes and mouth. It’s also smoothed out and plumped a deeper line I’ve had in my forehead for years. Very impressed with this line!” —Molly
The target here is smoothing fine lines of all kinds—crows’ feet, laugh lines, and elevens—and with a 3% growth factor complex and a lifting peptide complex, it hits the mark. The result is a super potent blend that, through clinical trials, showed a significant reduction in fine lines after 8 weeks of use.
Customer review: “I’m absolutely loving this serum! From the first use, my skin felt incredibly hydrated, plump, and firm—something I love waking up to! After just a few weeks, I noticed my forehead wrinkles looking softer and less visible. The formula is packed with amazing ingredients that work together to deliver results.” —Christian
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By encapsulating its vegan growth factors, Elastin Skin can slowly release the potent ingredients to minimize irritation while boosting elasticity and restoring bounce into skin that’s lost its firmness. Ceramides and collagen amino acids in the serum replenish lost moisture and improve texture, so skin looks more glowy and plumped.
Customer review: “I love this serum!! I have acne-prone skin & after using this for almost two weeks, my skin hasn’t broken out, feels soft, & my fine lines have lessened & my makeup has applied beautifully (because I use it as a base for my makeup). Overall, I highly recommend & definitely will be my go to product.” —brinaaaaak
Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
Dr. Tiffany Libby, M.D., F.A.A.D., F.A.C.M.S., is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology, Providence, Rhode Island.
What Kind of Growth Factors Are Best?
Growth factors are generally either bioengineered 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. Additionally, “Growth factor serums often require advanced formulation techniques to ensure the stability and efficacy of the growth factors, which can be sensitive to degradation,” adds Libby.
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What Should I Look for in the Best Growth Factor Serums?
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,” notes Libby. Regardless of your skin type, the professional also recommends avoiding formulas with fragrance, alcohol, parabens, and sulfates as they can lead to dryness and irritation.
How to Use 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.”
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