Last Updated on May 7, 2026 by Eve Dawes
Growth factors and exosomes are the most significant advancement in anti-aging skincare right now, and if you are looking for the best growth factor serum, you are in the right place. I’ve been deep in growth factor and exosome skincare for the last two years because the science and clinical results behind them are genuinely compelling. These bioactive molecules work at a cellular level to support the appearance of firmer skin and skin renewal in ways that traditional serums simply cannot replicate. But with luxury price points and some bold claims in the market, I wanted to find out which serums actually deliver results worth the investment.
As a beauty editor with over 15 years in the industry, I have direct brand relationships and hands-on access to some of the most scientifically advanced skincare available. I attended an exclusive Eyelift masterclass with Dr Jason Diamond directly, and I collaborate with the Banish team, using the Banish Kit 3.0 for at-home microneedling. All four serums in this best growth factor serum comparison were gifted to me. This article contains affiliate links. Use code EVE15 for 15% off Calecim Professional.
I’ve been using Dr Diamond’s Metacine Instafacial Plasma twice daily as the cornerstone of my routine for two years. I use Calecim Professional Serum specifically after at-home microneedling sessions with my Banish Kit 3.0. I’ve tested Eighth Day Skin’s Regenerative Serum and have a full review on the site. And Angela Caglia’s Cell Forte Serum is the newest addition to my testing and it’s already impressing me. Here is everything you need to know about all four.
What are growth factors and exosomes?
Growth factors are proteins that signal skin cells to produce collagen, elastin and new cells. Think of them as biological messengers that tell your skin to repair and regenerate itself. As we age, our natural production of these proteins slows, which is exactly why applying them topically has become one of the most compelling strategies in modern anti-aging skincare.
Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles that act as delivery vehicles, carrying growth factors and other bioactive molecules directly into skin cells. The most advanced serums on the market, including all four in this comparison, contain both. The result is a level of cellular communication that traditional peptide or retinol serums simply cannot match.
The best growth factor serums at a glance
| Eighth Day Regenerative Serum | Dr Diamond Metacine Instafacial Plasma | Calecim Professional Serum | Angela Caglia Cell Forte Serum | |
| Price | $325.00 / 30ml | $200 / 30ml | $170 for 2 x 5ml | $325 / 30ml |
| Key technology | Patented Peptide-rich Plasma, 24 bioidentical actives | Patented Micro Growth Factor (MGF) | PTT-6 umbilical cord stem cell conditioned media | Patent-pending BioMSC human stem cell technology |
| Developed by | Dr Antony Nakhla, dermatological surgeon | Dr Jason Diamond, Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon | — | Angela Caglia, celebrity aesthetician 30+ years |
| Best use | Daily AM and PM | Daily AM and PM | Daily and/or Post-microneedling | Daily AM or PM, 4 serums in 1 |
| Replaces | — | — | — | Retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides |
| Silicone-free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Notable awards | — | Dermstore Best for Natural Glow | Widely used clinically worldwide | Allure Best of Beauty 2025 |
| Yuka score | — | — | — | 100/100 |
| Discount | — | — | EVE15 for 15% off | — |
| Shop | Shop Eighth Day | Shop Dr Diamond’s Metacine | Shop Calecim Professional | Shop Angela Caglia Cell Forte |
Dr Diamond’s Metacine Instafacial Plasma is the serum I’ve been using on and off for two years, and it remains the most consistently impressive product in my routine. Founded by Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon Dr Jason Diamond, whose work spans decades of celebrity clientele, the Metacine collection is built around patented Micro Growth Factor (MGF) technology. The MGF molecule is engineered to penetrate the skin more deeply than conventional growth factors “to stimulate new collagen, elastin & hyaluronic acid production” at a level that most topical serums never reach.
I’ve collaborated with this brand for a couple of years and attended an exclusive Eyelift masterclass with Dr Diamond directly, which gave me a deeper understanding of how the science behind this collection works and why the layering protocol matters. The Plasma applies first on clean skin, morning and evening, followed by the Contour Collection Eyelift, then the Instafacial Infusion, and in the evening only, the Emulsion. The texture is super lightweight, absorbs quickly with no stickiness or residue, and because it’s silicone-free, it doesn’t pill under makeup.
With consistent use, I can tell you the difference is visible in my skin’s firmness, texture and overall radiance. In my before and after photos below you can see a more even skin tone, fading of sun spots, less hooding of eyes, softer forehead and smile lines, and less visible pores. This is the serum I would keep if I could only keep one and wasn’t always testing new things to give you the latest updates.
Best for: Anyone who wants a daily growth factor serum with proven clinical trial results behind it and clinical-grade science developed by one of the most respected facial plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills.
Shop Dr Diamond’s Metacine
Calecim Professional Serum is the growth factor serum I reach for immediately after every at-home microneedling session with my Banish Kit 3.0, and the science behind that pairing is compelling. Microneedling creates temporary micro-channels in the skin that allow active ingredients to penetrate far more deeply than they can through intact skin. Applying Calecim in that window dramatically amplifies the results of both the needling and the serum itself.
The active technology in Calecim is PTT-6, a patented ingredient derived from ethically sourced red deer umbilical cord stem cell conditioned media. The conditioned media is rich in growth factors, cytokines, exosomes and other bioactive proteins that work together to support skin repair and renewal. It has a lightweight, serum-like texture that absorbs quickly and causes zero irritation on freshly microneedled skin, which is exactly what you need in that recovery window.
The results I have noticed from consistent use alongside microneedling include visibly improved skin texture, faster recovery after needling sessions, and a brighter, more even complexion overall.
Best for: Anyone who microneedles at home and wants to maximize their results. Also excellent as a daily recovery serum for skin that needs intensive repair or barrier support. Read my full Calecim professional review.
Shop Calecim Professional Serum. Use code EVE15 for 15% off.
Best growth factor serum (patented Peptide-rich Plasma): Eighth Day Skin Regenerative Serum review
Eighth Day Skin’s Regenerative Serum is another compelling science-backed skincare anti-aging serum. And the science behind it is genuinely distinctive. Developed by dermatological surgeon Dr Antony Nakhla, the serum is powered by Eighth Day’s patented Peptide-rich Plasma, a proprietary blend of 24 bioidentical actives formulated to support skin renewal and helps improve visible signs of aging. The bioidentical approach means the actives are designed to work in harmony with the skin’s own biology rather than introducing foreign compounds, which is why it performs so well on sensitive and mature skin types.
The texture is luxurious without being heavy, absorbs well and layers cleanly under moisturizer. In my testing I noticed visible improvements in skin radiance and overall skin quality over consistent use, with the kind of results that build gradually rather than dramatically. It’s a serum you keep noticing more over time rather than one that delivers an immediate wow moment, which is actually a sign of genuine cellular-level work rather than surface-level hydration.
For a more detailed breakdown of the full Eighth Day collection and my extended results, read my full Eighth Day Skin review.
Best for: If you want a surgeon-developed formula with 24 bioidentical actives and a proven track record on mature skin, Eighth Day Skin’s Regenerative Serum is the one to try.
Shop Eighth Day Regenerative Serum.
Angela Caglia Cell Forté Stem Cell Serum | Human Exosome Anti-Aging Serum review
This isn’t your typical anti-aging serum, Angela Caglia’s Cell Forté Serum is a truly medical grade growth factor serum and one of the most scientifically distinctive product in this comparison. Where most luxury serums are developed in cosmetic labs, Cell Forté sources its biomolecules directly from a stem cell research lab using patent-pending BioMSC human stem cell derived technology. The serum itself contains no stem cells, only the bioactive molecules they produce: billions of exosomes, growth factors, peptides and cytokines that work together to support visible skin renewal, firmness and glow.
What makes Cell Forté Stem Cell Serum genuinely different is the depth of that science. The brand describes it as speaking your skin’s language, and having now started testing it I understand what they mean. The texture is lightweight, almost essence-like, and absorbs immediately with no residue. It is formulated to go on first on clean skin before moisturizer, morning or evening.
The 4-in-1 positioning is meaningful rather than just marketing. Cell Forté Stem Cell Serum is formulated to replace retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and peptides in a single serum, making it genuinely suitable for anyone who wants to simplify their routine without sacrificing results. It earned an Allure Best of Beauty 2025 award and a 100/100 Yuka score with no silicones. I’ll update this section with longer-term results as my testing continues, bu mt first impressions are exceptional.
Best for: Anyone who wants the most advanced exosome science available in a single bottle, particularly those with sensitive skin who want to streamline their routine without compromising on clinical-grade ingredients.
Shop Angela Caglia Cell Forte
How I use them in my routine
Winter skincare routine:
AM: Metacine Instafacial Plasma first on clean skin, followed by the Eyelift on the eye area, then Instafacial Infusion, then moisturizer and SPF.
PM: Same Metacine routine + Emulsion.
Post-microneedling: Calecim Professional Serum applied immediately after my Banish Kit 3.0 session to take full advantage of the micro-channels, followed by Calecim Multi-Action Cream to lock in hydration during recovery. I do not layer other actives on microneedling nights.
Summer skincare routine
I’ve just swapped my Metacine routine to Angela Caglia and yoé Ympossible Cream for summer.
AM: Angela Caglia Cell Forté Serum, followed by yoé Ympossible Cream; an “ultra-rich, age-defying, advanced repair” cream clinically proven to firm, lift, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, brighten dark spots, and deeply hydrate. And lastly SPF.
PM: Angela Caglia Cell Forté Serum, followed by EyeLift and yoé.
Which growth factor serum is right for you?
If you want a daily serum backed by two years of consistent results from clinical-grade science, start with Dr Diamond’s Metacine Instafacial Plasma. If you microneedle at home, it doesn’t get much better than Calecim Professional Serum as your post-treatment serum. For a surgeon-developed formula with a strong track record on mature skin, Eighth Day Skin’s Regenerative Serum is the one to try. And if you want the most cutting-edge exosome science in a single bottle that replaces multiple steps in your routine, Angela Caglia Cell Forte is unlike anything else I have tested.
Frequently asked questions
The best choice depends on how you plan to use it. For daily use built around clinical-grade science, Dr Diamond’s Metacine Instafacial Plasma is exceptional and has two years of consistent results behind it. If you’re looking for something to use daily and for post-microneedling recovery, Calecim Professional Serum is the strongest performer because the micro-channels created during needling allow the growth factors to penetrate far more effectively. For an all-in-one exosome serum that replaces multiple products, Angela Caglia Cell Forte is the most innovative formulation I have tested.
Growth factors are proteins that signal skin cells to produce collagen, elastin and new cells. Exosomes are tiny vesicles that act as delivery vehicles, carrying growth factors and other bioactive molecules directly into skin cells. The most advanced serums contain both, which is what makes all three serums in this comparison stand out from traditional peptide or retinol products.
Yes. All of the serums in this comparison are formulated for daily use and are suitable for sensitive skin. Growth factor serums do not cause the irritation or purging that retinol can trigger, making them a strong option for anyone who has struggled with retinol sensitivity.
Absolutely, and the science is clear on why. Microneedling creates temporary micro-channels in the skin that allow active ingredients to penetrate far more deeply than they can through intact skin. Applying a growth factor serum like Calecim immediately after your session dramatically amplifies the results of both the treatment and the serum.
Most people notice improved hydration and glow within the first two to four weeks of consistent use. Visible improvements in firmness, fine lines and skin texture typically develop over three to six months. Pairing your serum with microneedling sessions speeds up the visible results significantly.
No. Cell Forte contains the bioactive molecules derived from human stem cells, including exosomes, growth factors, peptides and cytokines, but the serum itself contains no actual stem cells. This is an important distinction the brand is clear about: the biomolecules do the work, not the cells themselves.
Calecim uses PTT-6, a patented active derived from ethically sourced red deer umbilical cord stem cell conditioned media. The conditioned media from these cells is exceptionally rich in the growth factors, cytokines and exosomes that support skin renewal and repair. Red deer are not harmed in the process and the source is fully ethical and traceable.
Yes. Eighth Day Skin’s Regenerative Serum is developed by dermatological surgeon Dr Antony Nakhla and is built around a patented Peptide-rich Plasma complex with 24 bioidentical actives. The bioidentical formulation means it works in harmony with the skin’s own biology, making it particularly well suited to mature skin that needs cellular renewal support without irritation. At $195 it sits at a more accessible price point than some of the other serums in this comparison while still delivering genuine growth factor science. Read my full review.
Follow for more luxury skincare reviews
If you want to see my ongoing results with all three serums as my Angela Caglia testing continues, follow me on Instagram at @glamourandgains for real-time updates between articles. I share honest first impressions, routine demos and behind-the-scenes skincare testing that does not always make it onto the site.
