Growth factor serums have gone from dermatologist offices to everyday routines. They're often recommended for people who want visible results but find retinol too harsh. But what exactly are you putting on your skin?
What are growth factors?
Growth factors are proteins your body uses as messengers. They tell cells when to grow, divide and repair. In skin, they're part of the everyday communication that keeps it renewing itself.
As we age, that communication slows down. The idea behind growth factor skincare is to supply some of those signals from the outside.
Where skincare growth factors come from
| Source | What it is |
|---|---|
| Human stem cell conditioned media | A natural mix of many growth factors, peptides and exosomes released by stem cells as they grow |
| Human fibroblast cultures | Growth factors from cultured skin cells |
| Bioengineered | Single growth factors produced in the lab, like EGF |
| Plant-derived | Plant proteins designed to resemble human growth factors |
The main difference is between a single growth factor and a full mix. Conditioned media contains many signals in their natural proportions. To understand how growth factors relate to exosomes, read exosomes vs. growth factors.
What does the research say?
A 2025 systematic review of 19 clinical studies with 624 patients looked at stem cell conditioned media and extracellular vesicles for skin rejuvenation and lightening. The authors concluded they "appear to be safe and potentially effective," with mild, temporary redness as the most common side effect.
They also flagged the limits: many studies were small, several had risk-of-bias concerns and many combined these ingredients with in-office procedures like microneedling. More high-quality research is still needed.
Growth factors don't force your skin to change. They send signals, and consistency is what lets those signals add up.
Who should use a growth factor serum?
- People who can't tolerate retinol. Growth factors are generally gentle. See more retinol alternatives.
- Mature skin that looks dull, thin or less firm.
- People getting in-office treatments, as part of the routine their provider recommends.
How do you use one?
Apply it to clean skin, morning and night, before or as part of your moisturizer. Give it at least six to eight weeks. Like most actives, it works best with daily sunscreen.
Does it have to be a serum?
No. What matters is the ingredient, not the format, and a cream can carry growth factors just as well.
That's the route we took. Rather than a single lab-made growth factor in a separate serum, our stem cell cream uses conditioned media, the full natural mix from the first row of the table above, together with hyaluronic acid and natural oils. You get the growth factor step and your moisturizer in one, and people who use it most often tell us their skin feels more hydrated and looks smoother.
Can you use growth factors with other actives?
Yes. They pair well with hyaluronic acid and peptides, and can be used alongside retinoids. If you're unsure where they fit, our guide to skincare actives compares the main options, and our guide to exosomes in skincare covers their close cousin.
The bottom line
Growth factor products are a gentle, promising option, especially if retinol doesn't agree with you. Look for a clear source, use it consistently and pair it with sunscreen.
Written by the CharaOmni Team
CharaOmni was founded by Dr. Joy Kong, MD, a triple board-certified, UCLA-trained physician named Stem Cell Doctor of the Decade in 2021. Our team researches every guide using peer-reviewed studies and official health sources, so you can make informed decisions about your skin.
Sources
At CharaOmni, we take what we share seriously. Every claim in our guides is backed by real, verifiable sources: peer-reviewed research, official health authorities and established scientific institutions. We link to every source so you can read it yourself and make informed decisions about your skin.
- Jafarzadeh A, et al. Effectiveness of regenerative medicine for skin lightening and rejuvenation: a systematic review of extracellular vesicles and conditioned media. Stem Cell Research & Therapy. 2025;16:513.
- American Academy of Dermatology. How to maximize results from anti-aging skin care products.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. CharaOmni is a cosmetic product and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.