What Is Growth Factor Serum?
Growth factor serum is a skin care product containing growth factors and cytokines, signaling proteins that help control how cells grow, multiply and specialize. It is applied to the face, usually twice a day, to improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles and rough texture from aging and sun damage.
The growth factors come from several sources. Some are collected from human skin cells (fibroblasts) grown in a lab. Others are bioengineered, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) produced in barley, or come from snail secretions. Studies show modest benefits, and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that you cannot get the results of a facelift from a cream.
Growth Factor Serum at a Glance
| What it's used for | Fine lines, wrinkles, rough texture and uneven tone. Also studied for recovery after laser resurfacing. |
|---|---|
| How it works | Delivers signaling proteins linked to collagen production and repair |
| How it's used | Applied to the face, twice daily in most studies |
| How long it takes | Studies lasted 3 months on average. Whether results last beyond 6 months is unknown. |
| Side effects | Low risk of adverse events in studies. Even hypoallergenic products can cause a skin reaction. |
| FDA status | Sold as a cosmetic. Cosmetics don't need FDA approval before sale. |
How Does Growth Factor Serum Work?
Growth factor serum applies the kinds of signaling proteins skin uses to heal wounds, with the aim of prompting cells to rebuild collagen. Researchers note striking parallels between wound-healing pathways and those involved in sun-related skin aging.
With age, the deeper layer of skin (the dermis) loses type I collagen, its collagen fibers fragment, and signaling by the growth factor TGF-β weakens. Growth factors such as EGF and VEGF affect how collagen is made.
Growth factors are large molecules, generally over 15,000 daltons, and molecules larger than 500 daltons don't easily pass through the skin's outer barrier. They may be able to enter through hair follicles, sweat glands or skin opened by microneedling or laser resurfacing. Microneedling can increase their absorption.
Who Is Growth Factor Serum For?
Growth factor serum has been studied mainly in adults with sun-damaged, aging facial skin. Studies have tested it for fine lines around the eyes and mouth, roughness, blotchiness and uneven tone. In a study of 49 people recovering from laser resurfacing, a growth factor lotion reduced redness and led to better regrowth of the skin's surface than a placebo lotion.
The AAD advises starting with sunscreen and moisturizer, then adding one product for your main concern. Dermatologists agree that sunscreen and moisturizer are the two most effective products for aging skin.
Check with a clinician first if you have sensitive skin or plan to combine a serum with microneedling. The AAD advises against microneedling for people who heal poorly, have keloid scars, have a weakened immune system or are receiving radiation.
How to Use Growth Factor Serum
Growth factor serum works best when you follow the AAD's tips for anti-aging skin care products:
- Patch-test first. Apply it to your inner forearm twice a day for four to five days before using it on your face.
- Add one product at a time. Several new products at once can irritate skin.
- Wear sunscreen daily. Choose broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher.
- Be patient. Most products take at least six weeks to work, sometimes up to three months.
- Keep going. Continued use is needed to keep seeing results.
Growth Factor Serum Results: What the Evidence Shows
Growth factor serum gives modest improvement in skin texture and fine lines, according to a 2023 systematic review of 33 studies (9 randomized controlled trials) with 1,180 participants.
- Investigators rated median improvement under 50% for texture, under 35% for fine lines and wrinkles and under 20% for overall appearance.
- Participants rated their own improvement higher than investigators did.
- In a 60-person randomized trial, a growth factor gel reduced fine lines more than the plain gel base at 3 months. At 6 months, measures of sun damage did not differ significantly between the two.
Growth Factor Serum Side Effects and Safety
Growth factor serum had a low risk of adverse events in published studies, but even hypoallergenic products can cause a skin reaction. Stop a product that stings, burns or tingles, because those sensations signal irritation.
Some people worry that growth factors could encourage cancer. A 2022 review reported no evidence that topical recombinant EGF stimulates cancer cell growth. It also noted that EGF does not appear to start tumors.
Watch for marketing claims. The FDA says "cosmeceutical" has no legal meaning, and a product intended to increase collagen production is legally a drug or medical device, which needs FDA approval or clearance.
Growth Factor Serum vs. Retinoids, Peptides and PRP
Growth factor serum has weaker evidence than retinoids. Like peptides, it is sold as a cosmetic, while PRP is an in-office procedure.
| What it is | Evidence | How it's sold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Growth factor serum | Topical signaling proteins | Modest benefit, mostly in uncontrolled studies | Cosmetic |
| Retinoids | Vitamin A-based ingredients that speed cell turnover and boost collagen | Strongest among topicals | Tretinoin and tazarotene by prescription. Retinol over the counter. |
| Peptides (matrikines) | Small protein fragments that penetrate skin more easily | High-quality trials lacking | Cosmetic |
| Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) | Your own platelet-rich blood, injected or applied with microneedling | Little evidence. Most who get results have 3 or more treatments. | In-office procedure |
Growth Factor Serum at GENEVA
At GENEVA Primary Care & Med Spa in Alpharetta, GA, a provider evaluates whether growth factor serum fits your skin concerns, health history and current routine. Based on that evaluation, your provider recommends treatment at GENEVA or a referral to a dermatologist or other specialist.
You can raise skin questions during a primary care visit or explore GENEVA's medical skin care services. GENEVA serves patients from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell and Cumming.
Related Terms
- Medical-grade skincare
- Retinoid therapy
- Collagen stimulation
- Microneedling
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Aging skin
- Fine lines
Growth Factor Serum FAQs
Do growth factor serums really work?
Growth factor serums give modest improvement in skin texture and fine lines, but the evidence is limited. A 2023 systematic review of 33 studies with 1,180 participants found median investigator-rated improvement under 50% for texture, under 35% for fine lines and wrinkles and under 20% for overall appearance, after an average of 3 months of use. Participants rated their results higher than investigators did. Whether results last beyond 6 months is unknown. Daily sunscreen and moisturizer should come first.
Are growth factor serums safe?
Growth factor serums had a low risk of adverse events in published studies, although even hypoallergenic products can cause a skin reaction. Some people worry about cancer because growth factors make cells grow. A 2022 review reported no evidence that topical recombinant EGF stimulates cancer cell growth. The AAD recommends testing a new product on your inner forearm twice a day for four to five days. Stop any product that stings, burns or tingles, and ask a clinician before using one on freshly treated skin.
Is growth factor serum better than retinol?
No, growth factor serum is not proven to be better than retinol, and retinoids have much stronger evidence. Retinoids speed skin cell turnover and boost collagen, and prescription tretinoin and tazarotene are the only retinoids licensed for sun-damaged skin. A 2020 review found that, apart from retinoids and hydroxy acids, clinical evidence for cosmeceuticals is limited. Retinoids can increase sun sensitivity and should not be used during pregnancy, so some people look for other options. A clinician can help you choose.
Can you use growth factor serum after microneedling?
Yes, growth factor serum can be applied after microneedling, because the tiny channels can help large molecules enter the skin. Growth factors generally weigh more than 15,000 daltons, while molecules over 500 daltons don't easily cross intact skin. In a study of 49 people after laser resurfacing, a growth factor lotion reduced redness and improved healing more than a placebo lotion. Use only products your clinician approves on treated skin, and follow your aftercare plan to help avoid infection.
Are plant-based or synthetic growth factors as good as human-derived ones?
No source of growth factors has been clearly shown to work better than another. Serums use growth factors from lab-grown human skin cells, EGF made in barley, snail secretions or synthetic peptides. A 2023 systematic review found that three head-to-head randomized trials showed no statistically significant differences between products. A 2026 pilot trial in 20 women favored a synthetic EGF peptide serum on some ratings, but its authors called for larger studies. Some patients and clinicians have ethical concerns about human-derived growth factors.
Can a primary care provider help with growth factor serum?
Yes, a primary care provider can review your skin concerns and help you decide whether a topical product such as growth factor serum makes sense. At GENEVA in Alpharetta, a provider evaluates your skin, health history and current routine, then recommends treatment at GENEVA or a referral to a dermatologist. The AAD notes that skin care products for aging skin deliver modest results. If you plan to pair a serum with microneedling, ask first, since microneedling isn't advised for people who heal poorly or have keloid scars.