Pros
Effective ingredients
Cons
Pump can be finicky
“This is an OG and is meant to be used twice a day. It has a growth factor blend and peptides,” says dermatologist Dr. Lal. By far, the SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum is one of the best-reviewed and expert-recommended growth factor serums available. Dr. Wolinsky adds, “SkinMedica TNS Advanced is one of the most supported skin care products on the market. Derived from neonatal skin, there is data supporting that growth factors can induce collagen production with long-term use, and many patients report noticing their skin texture looks better after three months of use.”
Key ingredients: Human fibroblast conditioned media, peptides, shea butter, glycerin, whey protein
Skin types: Mature
Dermstore rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “A friend of mine was complaining to me that she was experiencing neck wrinkles and didn’t know what to do about them. I gave her this serum to try, and she noticed major improvement after using it consistently over the course of a few months.”—Katie Berohn, beauty editor
Pros
Plumps and mimics natural responses
Cons
Some dislike the smell
You can’t get a PRP injection at home, but this growth factor-packed serum gets pretty close. Dr. Diamond’s Metacine Instafacial Plasma is made with growth factors that closely resemble those found in our bodies. It’s also made with sodium hyaluronate to plump and hydrate the skin while it stimulates.
Key ingredients: Bioengineered human identical growth factors, sodium hyaluronate
Skin types: Mature, dry
Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I am convinced this serum is made with magic. It works so well to plump skin and make it feel firmer and more elastic. I’ve gone through two bottles (which is big for me, as someone who never finishes skin care).”—KB
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
Plumping
Cons
Needs time to absorb
How many peptides are too many? According to Medik8, the limit does not exist—well, sort of. If you’re a fan of its Liquid Peptides serum, here’s an alternative that features more peptides and growth factors that aid in softening wrinkles and expression lines for a more radiant, refreshed visage.
Key ingredients: Peptides, proteins
Skin type: All skin types
Dermstore rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Preservation is my main focus when it comes to skin care—as in preserving what elasticity and smoothness I have by intentionally using products with skin rejuvenation and plumping top of mind. I’ve been a longtime fan of Medik8’s original Liquid Peptides, but adding this growth-factor boost changed my day-to-day results. I awake looking so much more refreshed and youthful than before, which says a lot because I barely get seven hours of sleep on a good night. With this serum, no one would ever guess.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
Pros
Uses two types of stem factors
Cons
Can take time to see results
Also available in a clinical strength formula for professional use, this anti-aging serum uses two types of growth factors to dramatically diminish signs of aging and skin damage.
Key ingredients: Human stem cell conditioned media, human fibroblast conditioned media, witch hazel
Skin types: Mature, dull
Osmosis rating: 5/5 stars
Our expert says: “Osmosis StemFactor uses both stem cells and fibroblasts, which gives them the largest variety of growth factors. To add in penetration, these serums should have exosomes that carry them into the skin the way StemFactor does.”—Dr. Johnson, founder and formulator at Osmosis
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
Uses newer technologies A little goes a long way
Cons
Can take some time to absorb
If you’re looking for the newest skin care technology, Plated bottled it up. “This is brand new and has the latest technology with human platelet-derived growth factors and antioxidants. This is pricey, but it is truly the forefront of skin care,” says Dr. Lal. Along with its plumping properties, it also has calming ingredients that can help reduce redness. The brand’s upcoming eye serum won an ELLE Future of Beauty Award.
Key ingredients: Renewosomes, antioxidants, collagen, human platelet extract, glycerin
Skin types: All
Plated SkinScience rating: 4.7/5 stars
A beauty expert says: “I’ve been using Plated Intense serum for about three weeks now. While it may be too soon to give true results, one thing I have noticed is that I may go to bed with redness from a pimple, but when I wake up, the redness is gone. One thing to note is that you must regularly exfoliate with this product due to the rapid cell turnover. I’ve noticed my skin looking duller since beginning the product—a key warning sign to exfoliate.”—Danielle James, beauty expert
Pros
Plumps and smooths skin
Cons
Cap can be faulty
Experts often recommend microneedling for firming and tightening droopy skin, which can be costly for a few rounds. With this serum, you'll visibly see your skin become smoother and firmer over time, without the need for any painful needles. The formula is powered by growth factor peptides to stave off signs of aging for as long as possible.
Key ingredients: Growth factor peptides
Skin types: Mature
Drmtlgy rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Microneedling is on my skin care wishlist, as I have loads of dark spots from my acne journey I’ve been trying to fade for some time. This is one of the serums that has brought me the closest to my skin care goal—that is, smooth, soft skin with little evidence of my late-night TikTok scrolling.”—NP
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
Shows hydrating effects quickly Can treat a range of skin issues
Cons
Can take a few days to see a difference
This collagen-packed serum not only helps combat signs of aging, but can also dramatically improve skin texture and hyperpigmentation. It’s also very effective at speeding up the skin’s healing process, either post-procedure or after a breakout. Curious for more? Check out ELLE's full review of the epi.Logic Growth Serum.
Key ingredients: Stem cells, peptides, hyaluronic acid, sea kelp
Skin types: All
Epi.Logic rating: 4.9/5 stars
A beauty expert says: “With consistent use of the Master Plan Serum, my skin is brighter, tighter, and more evenly toned. My hormonal blemishes have a shorter life span and leave fewer PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) spots. My skin looks and feels more hydrated, healthy, and even more balanced.”–Shani Hillian, contributor
Pros
Physician-tested Lightweight texture
Cons
Results may not be obvious at first
While it complements your Botox and other neurotoxin injections, you can also use this serum by itself as an alternative to wrinkle-erasing treatments. The formula is bursting with peptides, niacinamide, and a gentle chemical exfoliator (PHA) to blur fine lines and wrinkles and encourage the skin to appear smoother and brighter.
Key ingredients: Peptides, PHA, niacinamide, laminaria extract
Skin types: Mature, dull, dehydrated
Dermstore rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “If there’s one consistent brand in my skin care arsenal, it's SkinCeuticals. A huge fan of its vitamin CE serum, I recently added the P-Tiox to my lineup and was awed again. Thanks to the peptides and exfoliant, my skin appears brighter and more refined, which is a miracle since I have highly textured, acne-prone skin.”—NP
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
Has multiple skin care benefits Affordable
Cons
Can feel sticky on the skin
The benefits of vitamin C are well-known to include brightening and fading of dark marks. This affordable option also includes an epidermal growth factor to add even more plumping and anti-aging benefits. “This has a true peptide and vitamin C, which further helps brighten the skin,” adds Dr. Lal.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, epidermal growth factor
Skin types: All
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “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.”
Pros
Adds a glow to the skin
Cons
Takes time to see results
As we age and collagen breaks down, drooping and sagging skin become pain points. Specifically formulated to battle that process, this serum uses a combination of ingredients that not only help reverse signs of aging in the long term but also add a glow for immediate improvement.
Key ingredients: Peptides, yeast extract, copper complex, squalane
Skin types: Post-procedure, mature, dull
Dermaesthetics rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Dermaesthetics reviewer says: “My skin looks great! After using this product consistently for a week, I can already see that I’m more hydrated, and my skin is smoother and less red!”
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Meet the Experts
What are growth factor serums?
If the name sounds intimidating, you’re not alone. However, you may already be using a product that contains these powerful ingredients. “Growth factor serums are products that contain various types of peptides that stimulate cell turnover, stimulate production, and improve skin quality and skin tone. They act similarly to the naturally produced peptides that serve as growth factors in our skin,” says Dr. Lal.
It’s important to know that these growth factors are already present in our skin naturally. Dr. Johnson explains, “Some serums that contain just a few of these peptides get them from labs that make them using bacteria or yeast cells. Most growth factor serums use human stem cells and/or fibroblasts–both found in the skin–that are encouraged in a lab to make their own growth factors. This process is ideal because over 600 different peptides can be made at the same time and mimics what the skin does.”
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
What do growth factor serums do?
While many of us know about the anti-aging benefits of retinol, growth factor serums are disrupting the idea that reducing the appearance of fine lines and other signs of aging has to come with harsh side effects. “[Growth factor serums] can boost collagen production and repair prior cellular UV damage, leading to overall improvement of fine lines and skin texture,” says Dr. Wolinsky.
Who should be using growth factor serums?
If you are concerned about signs of aging or skin damage, you may see strong results after incorporating growth factor serums into your routine. However, generally, these products are safe for everyone to use. “Growth factors are best for patients in their 40s as this is when collagen loss starts to be noticeable and skin appears more lax. Of course, they can be used in the 20s as a preventative treatment, but I think it’s best to start these types of products in the 40s,” says Dr. Lal.
“I recommend growth factors to anyone who can’t tolerate retinoids but is looking for an anti-aging product. There is a lot of variability in the quality of these growth factors, so it’s very important to look for clinical data supporting their efficacy,” adds Dr. Wolinsky.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Are growth factor serums safe?
While growth factor serums are considered safe, like with many newer ingredients in skin care products, some concerns have been raised. “There is some research suggesting that turning on certain cellular signaling cells can lead to proliferation of atypical cells and actually increase [the] risk of certain skin cancers. This is very controversial,” says Dr. Wolinsky.
Dr. Lal added, “Growth factor serums do not cause cancer.” However, if you have any concerns, it’s always important to speak with your physician to make the safest choice for yourself.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE editors spoke with experts and industry leaders about the benefits of growth factor serums and pored over reviews for dozens of others, evaluating each on their features and customer feedback.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Shop More ELLE Beauty Essentials
The Best Wrinkle Fillers That Instantly Erase Fine Lines The Best Under-Eye Wrinkle Fillers That Are Actually Worth the Hype The Best Neck Creams to Fight Tech and Turkey Neck The Best Wrinkle Creams That Are Better Than Botox The Best Forehead Wrinkle Patches to Make Fine Lines Disappear The Best High Frequency Wands for Smooth, Glowing Skin The Best Retinol Body Lotions for Smoother, Firmer & More Radiant Skin