These Growth Factor Serums Are Worth the Splurge

ProsLightweight enough for oily skin, but still hydrating for dry skinTried-and-true formula is loved by skincare expertsConsHas an interesting scent that some don't love (although, it dissipates as you massage into skin)Why we love it: Chances are you've heard of this iconic serum, even if you aren't super familiar with growth factors. SkinMedica's TNS Advanced+ Serum has a cult-like following among dermatologists, aestheticians, and beauty editors alike. It uses a blend of growth factors, peptides, green microalgae, and marine extracts to firm, lift, and smooth skin with continued use.One Cosmo editor says: “I’ve used this serum nonstop for four years. It was the first product from SkinMedica I ever tried, and it’s still my favorite to this day. The lightweight texture sinks into my skin, but it definitely adds some moisture. And it has absolutely made my skin firmer and more plump over time.”—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITORKey ingredientsHuman Fibroblast Conditioned Media (HFCM), whey protein, shea butterUsageDaily, morning and/or nightSkin typesDry, combination, oilyProsPlumps and firms skin with peptides, growth factors, and hyaluronic acidVery thin formula sinks into skin quickly (making it easy to layer with other products)ConsA few reviewers said they went through the bottle quicklyWhy we love it: DRMTLGY’s ethos of high-quality, derm-approved products at affordable prices brought us this great growth factor serum. It was originally developed to mimic the results of injectables by plumping and firming skin from the inside using a mix of growth factors, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. It’s simple, but works, making it a great pick for sensitive skin.One Cosmo editor says: “I have super-sensitive skin, so I love using peptide serums like this one from DRMTLGY over retinol-based ones for their anti-aging benefits.” —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITORKey ingredientsGrowth factors (oligopeptides), peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acidUsageDaily, morning and/or nightSkin typesVery dry, dry, combination, oily, sensitive, acne-proneAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSinks in quickly, so it's easy to use under makeupCan be worn with other serums without feeling too heavy on skinConsNot hydrating enough to use on its own for dry skinWhy we love it: Growth serums really only work if you use them consistently, hence why this daytime serum sits pretty on our list. BioEffect makes some of the best growth factor products on the market, but we love how this makes it a habit by combining growth factors with hydrating hyaluronic acid and barley extract and feels lightweight to use in the morning.“BioEffect is the gold standard,” says Hand. “Even though they’re all incredibly potent, they’re also really well tolerated even by sensitive skin,” she says.One Cosmo editor says: “I was devoted to the original BIOEFFECT Serum, but it's pretty thick and takes a while to sink into my skin, so I'd only use it at night. Then I was lucky enough to come across the Day Serum in Cosmopolitan's beauty closet, and it was love at first pump. It sinks into my skin beautifully, and I wear it every single morning. I've never had an issue with my makeup or sunscreen pilling. While it's definitely on the pricey side, it's less expensive than the original formula, as well as many other growth factor serums, which can cost upwards of $200.”—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITORKey ingredientsOligopeptide-1, hyaluronic acid, barley extractUsageDaily in the morningSkin typesDry, combination, oily, acne-prone, sensitiveProsLoaded with platelet-derived exosomes to help firm, brighten, and soothe skinConsI wish it came with a bit more product for the priceWhy we love it: Exosomes are little messenger cells that contain proteins and growth factors to signal wound healing, decrease inflammation, and boost collagen production. And Plated was the first brand using biotech to bring it to topical skincare outside of the treatment room. Their Daily Serum is an easy-to-use, lightweight formula that you can apply in the morning and/or at night.One Cosmo editor says: “Skincare is a long game, but I saw a difference in my skin after using this exosome-packed serum once daily for just two weeks—a rare and surprising feat. It quickly calmed my inflammation and made my red, cystic breakouts less angry-looking, too. And after six weeks, the lines around my eyes appeared softer and my dark spots less noticeable. If your skin needs a total reset, this multitasker is worth every dollar, IMO.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTORKey ingredientsExosomes, glycerinUsageDaily, morning and/or nightSkin typesAllAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsThe lightweight texture is great for anyone with oily skinLayers well with other skincare products and makeup in my experienceConsSome reviewers wish you got more product for the priceWhy we love it: Dr. Diamond is a well-renowned plastic surgeon with celebrity clients including Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Kate Hudson, Katy Perry, and many more. And this growth factor serum was inspired by his iconic InstaFacial, a $4,500 treatment that combines platelet-rich plasma injections, microneedling, laser, and more. The serum won’t get you all that, but it’s loaded with growth factors and peptides to signal collagen production and promote skin barrier health.“For someone who wants a comprehensive, elevated regimen, I recommend the whole three-step system from Dr. Diamond’s Metacine,” says dermatologist Dendy Engleman, MD. “The three-step routine includes a bioactive growth-factor serum (Plasma), a microcollagen serum (Infusion), and a non-irritating retinoid night treatment (Emulsion), which work together to support healthy collagen and elastin, and visibly improve firmness, smoothness, and overall skin quality, with clinically proven results.”One Cosmo editor says: “I immediately fell in love with the lightweight texture and the way the formula soaked into my skin with zero greasy residue. As for the results? I was super impressed at the smoothness and firmness of my skin, and felt like my pores looked tighter and less noticeable too.”—LBKey ingredientsGrowth factors, peptides, hyaluronic acidUsageDaily, morning and/or nightSkin typesDry, combination, oily, acne-prone, sensitiveProsIdeal for after cosmetic treatments, like lasers, microneedling, and chemical peelsAmpoule packaging is great for travelConsSome testers say it can be tricky to figure out how to use the ampoule packagingWhy we love it: One of the best ways to speed up healing after an in-office treatment (think lasers, microneedling, chemical peels, etc.) is growth factors. These ampoules from Biopelle help repair skin with a combo of growth factors, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants. The ampoules make it easy to know exactly how much to use too.One Cosmo editor says: “I tested these growth factor ampoules after receiving a Clear and Brilliant laser treatment, and the way they sped up my recovery time and made my skin so soft and smooth was nothing short of a miracle. Following my provider's advice, I used one ampoule daily for 10 days post-treatment to help repair my skin and enhance the laser's resurfacing and regenerating benefits. I actually loved this serum inside these ampoules so much that I use them while travelling or for a week or two at a time when my skin feels like it needs a reset.”—LBKey ingredientsGrowth factors, snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, urea, alanineUsageOnce daily (morning or night)Skin typesNormal, dry, combo, acne-prone, sensitiveAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsOne of the better options on this list for sensitive skinCan be easily mixed/layered with other anti-aging serumsConsContains shea butter, which can be a bit too heavy for some with acne-prone skin (but very hydrating for dry skin types)Why we love it: By design, growth factors are fantastic for sensitive skin, as they support the skin barrier and aid in healing. But this specific formula from Allies of Skin pairs oligopeptide (a common growth factor) with soothing centella asiatica, vitamin E, and a bunch of fatty acid-rich amino acids.One Cosmo editor says: “I've been obsessed with nearly every Allies of Skin product I've tried, including this lifting and firming serum. Unlike other anti-aging serums I've tested that take weeks (sometimes even months) to work their magic, I noticed my skin looked smoother and less dull within in a few days of using this twice a day. Pretty major.”—LBKey ingredientsOligopeptide, amino acids, phosolipids, centella asiatica, vitamin E, shea butterUsageDaily, morning and/or eveningSkin typesDry, sensitive, combination, oilyProsPacked with both peptides *and* growth factorsReally hydrating, thanks to squalane, hyaluronic acid, and ceramidesConsMight be too heavy for acne-prone skinWhy we love it: Developed specifically to mimic the ultra-juicy, snail mucin-esque texture but without the actual snail mucin, InnBeauty Project’s Elastic Skin is perfect for anyone looking for plump, hydrated skin. It has a rich texture that immediately adds a glassy, bouncy effect to skin, plus it’s packed with peptides and growth factors to promote healthier skin over time too. We’d also be remiss to not mention it’s the most affordable option on this list, a whopping $150 less than many of our other favorites.One Cosmo editor says: “My skin looks like a literal dewy dolphin when I pat this on in the morning. Underneath makeup, it makes my skin look and feel more hydrated without feeling too heavy or creating a cakey look. And I love what it does for my skin as I keep wearing it too—more plump and firm over time is even better than how good it looks immediately.”—BGKey ingredientsOligopeptide-1, copper tripeptide, squalane, niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, zinc PCAUsageDaily, morning and/or nightSkin typeVery dry, dry, sensitive, oilyBeth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months. Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.