Ingredient Guide

Growth Factors

Also known as: EGF, Epidermal Growth Factor, SH-Oligopeptide-1, SH-Polypeptide-1, SH-Polypeptide-9, FGF, TGF, bFGF, Biotechnological Growth Factors

All skin typesMature skinSkin with visible damage

What It Is

Signalling proteins that communicate with skin cells to stimulate repair, regeneration, and structural protein synthesis. In skincare, growth factors are biotechnologically derived functional analogs of naturally occurring skin proteins that decline significantly with age.

What It Does

Topical growth factors signal fibroblasts and keratinocytes to increase production of collagen, elastin, and other structural proteins — accelerating cell turnover, supporting wound healing pathways, and addressing visible signs of damage and aging. EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor / SH-Oligopeptide-1) is the most studied, with published data on visible skin repair and texture improvement.

Best For

Visible skin damageDeep wrinklesAdvanced age-supportPost-procedure recovery supportTexture improvement

Benefits

  • Stimulates fibroblast activity — increases collagen I, III, and elastin synthesis
  • Accelerates natural cell turnover and skin renewal
  • Supports wound-healing pathways at the cellular level
  • Addresses visible skin texture, damage, and aging at a deeper mechanism than peptides alone
  • Published clinical data supporting visible improvement in skin appearance

When to Be Careful

  • Penetration debate: molecular size of some growth factors limits dermal penetration — but surface-level activity still produces measurable results
  • More expensive than standard peptide serums
  • Theoretical concern about use near active cancer — most formulators recommend caution in those cases
ItGirlies Ingredient Intelligence
Why This Gets Hype

Growth factors represent the frontier of non-prescription anti-aging. They operate at the cellular communication level — signalling repair rather than just filling or blocking a pathway. For people who have tried peptide serums and want to go further, growth factors are the logical next step in complexity.

What People Often Misunderstand

The molecular size concern is real but overstated. While large growth factor proteins may not penetrate deeply, surface-level activity on epidermal cells is sufficient to produce measurable improvements. Biotechnologically derived functional analogs also vary in penetration.

Best Routine Slot

Evening or twice daily — follow product-specific instructions. Most growth factor serums go after cleansing and before a rich moisturizer.

Good Match For

Mature skin focused on visible repair, advanced wrinkle support, and post-sun-damage improvement where standard peptides haven't delivered enough.

Proceed Carefully If…

Individuals with active cancers should consult a dermatologist before using growth factor serums (general medical precaution, not confirmed contraindication).

Signs You May Be Overdoing It

Growth factors are generally very well tolerated. No typical overuse signs.

Commonly Found In

Advanced Anti-Aging SerumsRepair SerumsPost-Procedure Serums

Products Containing Growth Factors

GF 15% Solution
The Ordinary

FAQs About Growth Factors

What are growth factors in skincare?
Signalling proteins that direct skin cells to produce collagen, elastin, and other structural proteins. They support repair, regeneration, and cell turnover — addressing visible aging and skin damage at the cellular communication level.
Is GF 15% Solution advanced skincare?
Yes — growth factor serums are more advanced than standard peptide serums. They are best suited to routines that have already addressed basics (SPF, barrier support, hydration) and want a higher-level anti-aging step.
Do growth factors actually work on skin?
Published clinical data supports visible improvements in skin texture, firmness, and the appearance of wrinkles. The ongoing scientific discussion around penetration depth doesn't negate their measurable surface-level activity.
Can I use growth factors with retinol or peptides?
Generally yes — growth factors are typically not pH-sensitive and don't have known negative interactions with retinol or other peptides. Use them at different steps of your routine.
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