If you’re chasing that youthful glow but cringe at the thought of needles or lasers, your answer might be as easy as adding one of the best growth-factor serums to your routine. But for the uninitiated, what are growth factors? “Growth factors are proteins that play an important role in stimulating cell growth, regeneration, and healing,” says Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles, CA. “In skin care, they’re typically used to encourage cell turnover and collagen production, and may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.”
Growth factor serums are also a well-researched and highly effective addition to modern skin care, according to Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, NY, and Newport Beach, CA. “Clinical trials have demonstrated their ability to improve skin firmness, hydration, and elasticity,” she says. However, as with all serums, not all growth-factor serums are created equal. “Some might have low concentrations of active ingredients or poorly formulated bases that interfere with effective absorption,” says Dr. Amin. And since most growth factor serums don’t come cheap, wasting money on an underperforming product is far from ideal. So, let’s cut to the chase.
Our Top Growth Factor Serums
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
SkinMedica
TNS Advanced+ Serum
Why we love it: A routine Best of Beauty award winner, SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum is a growth-factor OG that set the standard long before it became a buzzword. If you’re wondering, TNS stands for tissue nutrient solution, a nod to its star ingredient: human fibroblast conditioned media. This serum supplies the skin with growth factors to improve the appearance of fine lines, coarse wrinkles, skin tone, and texture. “SkinMedica received the patent in 2000 for the first cosmetic product with growth factors. Numerous clinical studies have since backed TNS growth factors,” explains Dr. Amin. “It’s one of the most clinically supported growth-factor serums on the market, offering firmer-looking skin in as little as two weeks,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“A dermatologist once told me that this stuff was the reason she was well into her 40s before she started using Botox, so I, being in my late 30s, see it as my alternative, too. And while, okay, I do get Botox, I supplement it with this every morning, which keeps my skin firm and smooth. I see it as more preventative than reparative at this point, but I really like the lightweight texture and nonexistent scent. My only gripe is with the dual applicator; sometimes, it only pumps product out from one side, which means I can be left using only one of the enclosed serums for weeks.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
- Key ingredients: growth factor blend, peptide complex, French flaxseed
- Type of growth factor: human
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: aging and sagging skin
Best for Mature Skin: PCA Skin Pro-Max Age Renewal
PCA Skin
Pro-Max Age Renewal
Why we love it: Some days call for a multistep routine in the name of self-care. Other days, you just want results—fast. PCA SKIN Pro-Max Age Renewal is your shortcut to firmer, bouncier skin powered by growth factor-mimicking peptides. Unlike traditional growth factors, which can be unstable and struggle to penetrate the skin, these peptides are smaller, more stable, and shown to stimulate collagen and elastin. “This serum is formulated to penetrate more deeply to trigger collagen production, while micro-algae deliver instant firming and kangaroo paw flower smooths texture,” says Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in New York. In other words, it supports the very cells responsible for firmness and elasticity, so skin looks tighter, plumper, and smoother over time.
“The past six years of mom life have definitely fast-tracked the aging process for my skin (shocking, I know). Uneven texture, dryness, and dullness are my biggest concerns, and PCA Skin Pro-Max Age Renewal makes such a difference in making my skin look juicy and plump. While it works best on freshly cleansed skin, I also love using it midday for a quick pick-me-up. Just remember to follow with sunscreen during the day, since it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
- Key ingredients: Micro Growth Factor Technology (peptide blend), biopolymers with micro-algae, kangaroo paw flower extract, growth factor–mimicking peptides
- Type of growth factor: growth factor-mimicking peptides (patent-pending MGF technology)
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: anyone with early signs of aging
Best for Dry Skin: Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum
Allies of Skin
Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum
Why we love it: If firmer, smoother skin is on your vision board, Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum turns goals into results. Infused with a growth factor complex, peptides, and moisturizing lipids, “this non-comedogenic anti-aging serum is designed for those who want to target wrinkles and a loss of skin volume and firmness,” says Dr. Camp. Plus, that means that beyond lifting and firming, it helps improve elasticity, restores hydration, and strengthens the skin barrier, leaving your complexion looking more resilient and refreshed.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“Ok, the serious and immediate glow I get from this ultra-silky Allies of Skin serum alone was enough to sell me on it. (My face is freshly rinsed with water in the video—no toners or essences applied beforehand.) But of course, the ingredients are what do the heavy lifting, and when I first read into this product, I knew it meant business. While I’m only 32, I don’t plan on getting injectables or Botox to stave off any fine/expression lines, so this is one of the many preventative topical measures I plan on using consistently to keep my skin looking as firm, lifted, and smooth as possible. This serum sinks into my skin immediately and provides a slight gripping effect that’s perfect for makeup—an unexpected bonus, but I’ll absolutely take it.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
- Key ingredients: 9% LiftingPeptide Complex, 3% sh-oligopeptide-1 growth factor complex, MSM, copper lysinate, phospholipids, glycolipid
- Type of growth factor: 3% sh-oligopeptide-1 growth factor complex (synthetic)
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: anyone with signs of aging
Best Splurge: Angela Caglia Cell Forté Serum
Why we love it: You could juggle four different serums, or you could use one that works as hard as vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and peptides combined. Angela Caglia’s Cell Forté Serum uses the brand’s proprietary BIOMSC technology to pack serious multitasking power into a single bottle. This serum is made with human conditioned media from mesenchymal stem cells, so it’s packed with growth factors to boost collagen and cell turnover, exosomes to help skin cells ‘communicate’ with each other, and cytokines to calm inflammation and support repair, according to Dr. Camp. In layman’s terms, it smooths fine lines, brightens tone, and boosts elasticity. Plus, it deeply hydrates thanks also to tremella mushroom, multi-weight hyaluronic acid, and Bacillus ferment that also helps support a healthy skin barrier. In short, it’s a serum that really does the most.
“This super lightweight serum made my skin look glowy in just one use.” —Kara McGrath, content director
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, snow mushroom, mesenchymal stem cell conditioned media, niacinamide
- Type of growth factor: human
- Fragrance-free:
- Who it’s for: all skin types
Best Budget: The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Brightening Serum
The Inkey List
15% Vitamin C and EGF Brightening Serum
Why we love it: If you’re looking for the latest clean technology, The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Brightening Serum bottled it up. “In addition to plant-derived peptide EGF to target hyperpigmentation, this serum also brightens the skin with 15% vitamin C,” says Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago. Designed for use in the morning, the salve has a lightweight feel and sinks quickly into the skin—be sure to layer SPF on top. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that can boost the efficacy of your everyday sunscreen, though it can’t stand in for sunscreen on its own. The best part is that “while most epidermal growth factor (EGF) serums are over $100, this one is less than $20,” he says.
Incorporate this into your morning routine to maximize its powerful antioxidant benefits.
- Key ingredients: vitamin C, plant-derived peptide epidermal growth factor
- Type of growth factor: plant
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: those with dark spots
Best Sensitive Skin: Replenix Growth Factor Restorative Serum
Replenix
Growth Factor Restorative Serum
Why we love it: While some serums just moisturize, Replenix Growth Factor Restorative Serum actually changes the way your skin looks and feels. “This product focuses on plumping the skin and producing a youthful appearance,” says Gary Goldenberg, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, who notes that it works for all skin types, including sensitive skin. With plant- and enzyme-derived growth factors, collagen-boosting peptides, and hyaluronic acid, it helps smooth fine lines and improve elasticity. “The product also helps uneven tone,” Dr. Goldenberg adds. When it comes to targeting aging prevention, it’s an overachiever in every sense.
While the growth factors and peptides handle the firming and plumping, the formula is loaded with soothing botanical extracts, like green tea, chamomile, cucumber, and kelp, that help calm redness and irritation.
- Key ingredients: peptides, hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, chamomile extract, cucumber extract, kelp
- Type of growth factor: plant and enzyme
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: everyone, especially those with sensitive skin with early signs of aging
Best for Uneven Texture: Neocutis Bio Serum Firm
Why we love it: Growth factors work like keys, unlocking receptors on skin cells to activate processes like collagen and elastin production, cell growth, and improved blood flow. “When the key clicks into the lock, it activates the cell to do things, like grow and divide, make more collagen and elastin, or increase blood flow,” Gail Naughton, a regenerative medicine researcher and growth-factor formulator, previously told Allure. That’s exactly what makes the Neocutis Bio Serum Firm so effective. With a formulation that combines human growth factors, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, it targets fine lines, wrinkles, texture, brightness, firmness, and elasticity. “These key ingredients reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, refine texture, brighten skin, and improve firmness and elasticity,” says Dr. Camp.
Dr. Amin also praises the fragrance-free formula, making it perfect for sensitive skin, and highlights the inclusion of acetyl glucosamine, which boosts the skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid, alongside sodium hyaluronate, a humectant that draws water into the skin for deep hydration.
- Key ingredients: human growth factors, proprietary peptides, sodium hyaluronate
- Type of growth factor: human
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: dull and aging skin
Best Brightening: Dr. Diamond’s Metacine Instafacial Plasma Bioactive Growth Factor Serum
Dr. Diamond’s Metacine
Instafacial Plasma Bioactive Growth Factor Serum
Why we love it: Dr. Jason B. Diamond, a Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon, created the Metacine collection as a take-home version of his famous Diamond InstaFacial—a treatment beloved by the Kardashian sisters and Alex Cooper of Call Her Daddy. While the in-office facial uses lasers, microneedling, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to tighten skin, the Metacine system delivers similar effects with two products: plasma and emulsion. Plasma features bioidentical human growth factors to boost skin regeneration, while Emulsion, with retinoids, accelerates cell renewal. Designed over five years with rigorous testing, the celebrity-approved formula has even earned Kate Hudson’s stamp of approval as “dreamy and creamy.”
The bioengineered growth factors mimic PRP’s ability to kickstart the skin’s reparative processes. Just like PRP, the serum has a red tint.
- Key ingredients: sodium hyaluronate, polypeptides, 4-hydroxyacetophenone
- Type of growth factor: bioengineered
- Fragrance-Free: yes
- Who it’s for: all skin types
Frequently Asked Questions
Do growth-factor serums really work?
“Data suggest that well-formulated, high-quality growth factor serums can deliver measurable benefits,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “With consistent use, these serums can lead to noticeable improvements in overall skin quality, making them a valuable tool in skin care.” Alas, they don’t work overnight. “Like any skin-care product, growth-factor serums should be used for at least two to three months before you can accurately decide if they are effective—or not—for your specific skin concern,” says Dr. Camp. “Consistency is key in treating the skin with a new active ingredient, such as a growth factor.”
According to Dr. Amin, “It is also important to note that not everyone will respond the same way to these serums, and factors like genetics, lifestyle, and diet can influence the outcome.”
Is growth factor better than retinol?
“Growth-factor serums stimulate the skin’s natural cellular repair processes, promoting rejuvenation with minimal irritation, making them a great option for sensitive or reactive skin types,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “However, they tend to be quite expensive. Retinol, derived from vitamin A, accelerates cell turnover, smooths fine lines, and stimulates collagen and elastin production. Unlike growth factors, retinol often causes skin irritation and requires a gradual introduction into your routine. Both can support skin hydration and are powerful tools for addressing signs of aging, but their best use depends on your skin’s needs and tolerance.”
According to Dr. Amin, the decision to use retinol or growth factor depends on what you’re looking for in a skin-care routine. “For improving skin texture, retinol may be more effective in the long term due to its ability to promote cell turnover and collagen production,” she says. “Multiple studies have shown the efficacy of retinol and retinoids in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. For very sensitive skin that cannot tolerate retinol, growth factors may be more suitable, especially if you’re looking for something less likely to cause irritation.”
Meet the experts
- Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles
- Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in the tri-state area
- Gary Goldenberg, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Goldenberg Dermatology, based in New York City
- Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago
- Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and Newport Beach, California
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best growth factor skin-care products, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
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A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
