What Are Growth Factors in Skincare?

Learn about the science of skincare growth factors and their role in targeting the signs of damaged skin.

We want to introduce you to a not-so-secret skincare ingredient in our growing industry: growth factors. But what are they? And what role do growth factors play in skincare?

Recently emerging in mainstream products, growth factors are proteins naturally occurring in each and every one of our body’s cells. If there’s a cell, there’s a growth factor. They play a vital role in things like skin renewal and cellular regeneration. These processes help repair skin damage and treat visible signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity.

June 3, 2026

This blog explains what growth factors are - proteins that help support the skin’s natural repair, cell renewal, and collagen production, plus how they can benefit skin by targeting signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and uneven texture. It also highlights how growth factor serums like The Ordinary’s GF 15% Solution use mimetic growth factors to help regenerate the look of aging skin and strengthen the skin barrier.

The Science Behind Growth Factors

In essence, growth factors are the body’s messengers. They’re signaling molecules that help activate the skin’s natural repair mechanisms. Growth factors play a key role in cell growth and help support collagen production, cell renewal, and skin regeneration.

Mimetic growth factors, like those found in skincare, are lab-created molecules mimicking the function of natural growth factors in the body. We can harness this function in growth factor serums, offering a way to replenish what our skin is losing over time.

What are Growth Factors in Skincare

Growth factors were first introduced into skincare products in 1999. Since then, they’ve gained attention for their ability to address multiple skin concerns at the same time. When applied to the skin, growth factors interact with receptors on the surface of skin cells, triggering crucial processes.

The main purpose of growth factors in skincare is to support the skin’s natural repair and regeneration mechanisms. By boosting collagen production and promoting cell turnover, growth factors help target fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and even out skin tone. There’s more. Growth factors also help strengthen the skin barrier making it more resilient to environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution.

Stages of Skin Support: 
What Do Growth Factors Do?

As we age, our body’s natural production of growth factors slows down. This leads to visible signs of aging like uneven texture, fine lines and wrinkles, and loss of firmness and elasticity. Growth factors act as a way to reactivate and support this natural process, helping skin function as it did when it was younger.

The benefits we see from growth factors can be categorized in three stages: react, regenerate, and restore.

  1. React: In this initial stage, growth factors help support the skin during immediate stress responses that occur from exposure to damaging external stressors such as UV light and pollution.

  2. Regenerate: In this stage, growth factors help support the skin’s natural structural molecules like collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid for visible skin renewal.

  3. Restore: Over time, growth factors help support the organization of these key structural molecules into a sturdy foundation, promoting younger looking, firmer skin.

Consistent use of growth factors supports healthier, visibly younger-looking skin better equipped to handle the effects of aging and environmental stressors.

FAQs About Growth Factors

Necessary? No. Worth it? Absolutely!

Growth factors can be a valuable addition to your skincare regimen, especially when it comes to advanced signs of aging. They work great alongside other anti-aging solutions like retinoids for a multi-targeted approach to skin regeneration.

There’s no set age to start using growth factors, but they can be particularly beneficial in your late 20s to early 30s; this is when the body’s natural production of growth factors begins to decline. Starting early can help slow the progression of aging and maintain younger-looking skin for longer.

While growth factors are excellent for addressing advanced signs of aging, they also play a role in maintaining overall skin health. Even if you don’t have visible aging signs, growth factors can help strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration, and protect against environmental damage. They’re a valuable preventive tool.

Clinical testing conducted by third party on 42 women, ages 50-65, after using the product 2x/day for 10 weeks. 
Effect varies by individual.

Growth Factors in Our GF 15% Solution

Our GF 15% Solution is formulated to rejuvenate aging skin on the face and neck. With a 15% concentration of three cutting-edge growth factors, it targets advanced signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture. These growth factors—EGF, IGF-1, and TGFβ-2—are essential for skin renewal, promoting elasticity and firmness. By mimicking these natural proteins, GF 15% Solution supports the skin's repair process, enhancing collagen production and skin density.