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If you’re chasing that youthful glow but cringe at the thought of needles or lasers, your answer might be as easy as adding a growth-factor serum to your routine. But first, 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 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.
Top Picks
- Best Overall Growth Factor Serum: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, $295
- Best for Dry Skin: Neocutis Bio Serum Firm, $290
- Best for Mature Skin: ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum, $168
- Best for Menopausal Skin: Bioeffect EGF Face Serum, $169
- Best Post-Procedure: Alastin Skincare Restorative Skin Complex, $242
- Best Retinol: Perricone MD High Potency Growth Factor Lifting & Firming Serum, $135
- Best Splurge: Dr. Diamond’s Metacine Instafacial Plasma, $200
- Best Budget: The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Brightening Serum, $16
- Best for Uneven Texture: Overt the Renewer, $49
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Le Mieux EGF-DNA Serum, $115
- Best for Smoothing: AnteAge Serum, $150
Frequently Asked Questions
We asked the pros for their recommendations on the best growth-factor serums on the market. Below are their top picks, so let the collagen-plumping begin.
Best Overall Growth Factor 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.
Editor’s tip: “The serum also contains a peptide complex to rejuvenate the skin, and it’s fragrance-free—another big plus,” says Dr. Amin.
Key ingredients: growth factor blend, peptide complex, French flax seed | Type of growth factor: human | Fragrance-Free: yes | Who it’s for: aging and sagging skin
Best for Dry Skin: 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 Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist in the New York-New Jersey area.
Editor’s tip: 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 for Mature Skin: ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum
Why we love it: The medical-grade ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum, developed by renowned board-certified dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi (hence the "ZO"), is a standout option for improving skin texture and elasticity. “This lightweight serum uses plant- and enzyme-derived growth factors, along with peptides, to enhance elasticity and refine texture,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. She adds that its gentle, fast-absorbing formula is suitable for sensitive skin, making it a versatile choice for various skin types. Dr. Camp also praises its formulation, which includes botanical ingredients known to calm and soothe. “In addition to fermented red ginseng extract, dipeptides, and beta-glucan, this serum contains buddleja davidii meristem cell culture, derived from the butterfly bush,” he says. This antioxidant-rich ingredient helps tame inflammation and protects against certain types of oxidative stress, making it as protective as it is rejuvenating.
Editor’s tip: Though labeled as a serum, it has a rich, thicker consistency, and you only need a small amount to get the job done.
Key ingredients: plant-derived growth factors, enzymatically derived growth factors, protein complex | Type of growth factor: plant and enzyme | Fragrance-Free: no | Who it’s for: aging and sensitive skin
Best for Menopausal Skin: Bioeffect EGF Face Serum
Why we love it: Named one of Allure’s best menopause skin-care products, the Bioeffect EGF Face Serum stands out from the pack with how it hydrates and firms skin. It conditions dryness with glycerin and draws in moisture with sodium hyaluronate—a powerful combo at replenishing hydration. Ronald Moy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in California, previously recommended it to Allure readers seeking to address thinning skin during menopause, noting its ability to thicken and firm the complexion. Dr. Ibrahim is also a fan, praising its gentle, plant-based epidermal growth factor (EGF) derived from barley. “As a protein signal, the EGF helps stimulate collagen production while keeping the skin hydrated and soothed,” he says.
Editor’s tip: During menopause, a drop in estrogen levels prevents the skin from maintaining hydration or producing strong collagen. As such, visible side effects can include dryness, sagging, and crepiness.
Key ingredients: barley seed extract, hyaluronic acid, barley Sh-Oligopeptide-1, glycerin | Type of growth factor: bioengineered plant | Fragrance-Free: yes | Who it’s for: thin, aging skin
Best Post-Procedure: Alastin Skincare Restorative Skin Complex
Why we love it: While Alastin Skincare Restorative Skin Complex doesn’t contain traditional growth factors like those in other serums (such as human or plant-derived options), dermatologists love its innovative formula that provides similar rejuvenating benefits. “This serum combines peptides, niacinamide, and antioxidants to support skin repair while reducing fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. At its core is the brand’s proprietary TriHex Technology, a blend of peptides and botanicals that boost collagen production. With additional ingredients like L-ornithine and hexapeptide-38, it’s packed with collagen-stimulating power—yet remains gentle and soothing, making it suitable for all skin types.
Editor’s tip: “I often recommend that patients use Restorative Skin Complex and Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar together for recovery and rejuvenation after a procedure like a laser treatment,” says Dr. Blair-Murphy.
Key ingredients: patented TriHex technology (a blend of botanicals and peptides), niacinamide, tremella mushroom | Fragrance-Free: yes | Who it’s for: dry skin, uneven skin tone, fine lines, and wrinkles
Best Retinol: Perricone MD High Potency Growth Factor Lifting & Firming Serum
Why we love it: We’ve cracked the code (pun intended) to firmer, more lifted skin with Perricone MD High Potency Growth Factor Lifting & Firming Serum, starring eggshell membrane as one of its hero ingredients. This powerful formula combines polyamine growth factors with the nourishing benefits of eggshell membranes to strengthen your skin’s natural barrier while boosting elasticity and smoothness. “It’s excellent for firming, improving skin texture, enhancing elasticity, and stimulating collagen production,” says Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago. Packed with peptides to plump and tighten, alpha lipoic acid to brighten and even tone, and encapsulated retinol for an extra collagen boost, this multitasking serum delivers lifted, radiant, and ultra-smooth skin.
Editor’s tip: Thanks to the encapsulated retinol technology, you might notice the formula feels a little gritty when you first apply it, which is normal.
Key ingredients: polyamide growth factor, encapsulated retinol, eggshell membrane | Type of growth factor: synthetic| Fragrance-Free: no | Who it’s for: dull and aging skin
Best Splurge: Dr. Diamond’s Metacine Instafacial Plasma
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.”
Editor’s tip: 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
Best Budget: 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 Dr. Ibrahim. 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.
Editor’s tip: 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 for Uneven Texture: Overt the Renewer
Why we love it: If you’re on the hunt for an alternative to human-derived growth factors, plant-based options like Overt the Renewer are worth considering. “While they may not be quite as potent—or pricey—as options with human growth factors, they still provide noticeable benefits with consistent use,” says Anil Shah, MD, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Chicago. This serum features natural soy isoflavone extracts to enhance skin elasticity and plant-derived EGF (epidermal growth factor) to help minimize scars and hyperpigmentation, even out texture, and smooth fine lines for a more radiant complexion.
Editor’s tip: This product's pink particles are microcapsules packed with active ingredients. When applied, they burst, delivering fresh, potent goodness to your skin for maximum impact.
Key ingredients: soy isoflavone extracts, epidermal growth factor | Type of growth factor: plant | Fragrance-Free: yes | Who it’s for: skin with uneven texture, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines
Best for Sensitive Skin: Le Mieux EGF-DNA Serum
Why we love it: Le Mieux takes the EGF-DNA Serum to the next level by using hyaluronic acid as the base, giving them a glow-boosting advantage. Made with proprietary epidermal growth factors, “This Le Mieux serum is good for sensitive, irritated, and damaged skin as well as skin with deep wrinkles,” says Dr. Ibrahim. Formulated with multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, including sodium hyaluronate and glyceryl hydrolyzed hyaluronate, it delivers an instant plumping effect. Dr. Ibrahim adds that the soothing formula also features rice bran water to calm inflammation, making it a perfect choice for post-laser resurfacing treatments.
Editor’s tip: Another key ingredient is oligopeptide-1, a synthetic peptide that can stimulate the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
Key ingredients: galactomyces ferment filtrate, sodium hyaluronate, rh-oligopeptide-1 | Type of growth factor: bioengineered | Fragrance-Free: yes | Who it’s for: aging, sensitive, post-procedure skin
Best for Smoothing: AnteAge Serum
Why we love it: If you’re after a growth factor serum that smooths rough, uneven texture, look no further than AnteAge Serum. “It leverages human bone marrow stem cell-extracted growth factors and cytokines, validated by rigorous clinical studies to stimulate natural skin repair processes and boost elasticity and hydration at a cellular level,” says Rishi Chopra, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY. He emphasizes that the power of its growth factors drives a truly standout serum. “While hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid and peptides complement the formula, the proprietary growth factors are the true powerhouse, delivering visibly smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin,” he says.
Editor’s tip: “I also love that this product has antioxidants in it,” says Lana Kashlan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago and Dubai. Antioxidants in the formulation include carnosine, which also has antiglycation properties that can inhibit sugar molecules from binding to (and damaging!) collagen and elastin.
Key ingredients: human bone marrow stem cell conditioned media, niacinamide, cetyl ethylhexanoate | Type of growth factor: human | Fragrance-Free: yes | Who it’s for: people with fine lines, wrinkles, or uneven skin texture
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 go 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 L.A.
- Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist in Clifton, New Jersey and Midtown East, Commack, and Hampton Bays, New York
- Rishi Chopra, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York and the Hamptons.
- Omer Ibrahim, MD. a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago.
- Lana Kashlan, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago and Dubai.
- Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC and Newport Beach, California
- Anil Shah, MD, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Chicago
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.
Our staff and testers
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.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
We could talk all day about our favorite serums—in fact, here you go:
- These Serums Are Made for Mature Skin, According to Dermatologists
- Every Hyaluronic Acid Serums for Your Dewiest Complexion Ever
- 17 Best Antioxidant Serums for a Brighter, Clearer Complexion
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