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ZO Growth Factor Serum: What It Does, Results and How to Use It
Growth Factor Serum is the ZO product I reach for when a patient’s main concern is firmness, texture and the thinner, crepey quality skin takes on with age. It supports the skin’s own repair process, and it pairs well with the work we do in the office.
$20050 mL / 1.7 fl oz
What is ZO Growth Factor Serum?
A twice-daily serum with plant- and enzyme-derived growth factors, a peptide that softens expression lines, and a complex that supports the skin’s own hyaluronic acid. Apply 1 to 2 pumps to the face, neck and eye area as the last treatment step of your ZO routine, then sunscreen in the morning.
Growth Factor Serum at a Glance
- Type
- Growth factor and peptide serum
- Best for
- All skin types, loss of firmness and elasticity, fine lines, rough texture
- Key ingredients
- Human-comparable growth factors (plant and enzyme derived), DDBD peptide, ZPRO
- When to use
- Morning and evening
- Where it goes
- Last treatment step, after Daily Power Defense; sunscreen last in the morning
- Results timeline
- Softer skin in about 2 weeks; firmer, smoother skin by 8 weeks; continued improvement through 12 weeks
- Size
- 30 mL
- Recognition
- Shape Skin Awards 2026, Best Growth Factor; Oprah Daily 2026, Best Growth Factor Serum
What Are Growth Factors, and What Does the Serum Do?
Growth factors are signaling proteins that tell skin cells to repair and renew. As we age, the skin makes and responds to fewer of these signals, which shows up as thinner, less elastic skin, fine lines and a duller surface. Growth Factor Serum is designed to support that natural repair process.
- Human-comparable growth factors: made from plant and enzymatic sources rather than human cells, which ZO says keeps the formula stable and potent.
- DDBD peptide (dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate): temporarily softens the look of expression lines.
- ZPRO: a protein complex that supports the skin’s own replenishment of hyaluronic acid, for a more hydrated, supple look.
What ZO’s Study Found
In an independent 12-week study of 46 women ages 44 to 74 with skin types II to VI, using the serum twice a day, ZO reported:
ZO also reported a 15% expert-graded improvement in the look of fine lines, and 98% of the women said their skin looked rejuvenated.
How to Use Growth Factor Serum
- Get skin ready: cleanse, exfoliate and tone with the Getting Skin Ready steps.
- Apply Daily Power Defense and any other treatment products we recommend.
- Finish with 1 to 2 pumps of Growth Factor Serum on the face, neck and eye area, morning and evening.
- In the morning, apply sunscreen. ZO stresses daily sun protection to protect newly renewed skin.
Using It With Retinol
Growth Factor Serum works alongside ZO’s retinol products. ZO’s direction is to apply Growth Factor Serum first on clean, dry skin, let it absorb fully, and then apply your retinol. If you are new to retinol, we will help you start slowly so your skin can adjust.
How I Use It With Treatments
Growth Factor Serum is a good partner for the work we do in the office. Once you have healed from a facelift, neck lift, laser resurfacing or microneedling and we give you the green light, I want you on a routine that supports healthy, resilient skin. Results build gradually, so I ask patients to give it two to three months of twice-daily use before judging it.
Dr. Shervin Naderi, MD, FACSPairs Well With
Daily Power Defense
The antioxidant serum that goes on right before Growth Factor Serum.
Getting Skin Ready Program
Cleanse, exfoliate and tone so the serums that follow work on clean, smooth skin.
ZO Sunscreens
Daily sunscreen protects renewed skin and the results of every treatment.
Growth Factor Serum FAQs
What is a growth factor serum?
A serum made with signaling proteins that encourage the skin’s natural renewal, helping improve the look of density, elasticity and texture. ZO uses human-comparable growth factors made from plant and enzymatic sources.
How soon will I see results from Growth Factor Serum?
In ZO’s study, skin felt softer and more hydrated after about 2 weeks, looked thicker and smoother by 8 weeks, and kept improving through 12 weeks of twice-daily use.
Can I use Growth Factor Serum with retinol?
Yes. Apply Growth Factor Serum first on clean, dry skin, let it absorb, and then apply your retinol.
Do I need Daily Power Defense too?
They are designed to work together. Daily Power Defense goes on first for antioxidant and barrier support, and Growth Factor Serum goes on last for renewal. Many of our patients use both.
Is Growth Factor Serum safe during pregnancy?
ZO recommends checking with your physician before using any active skincare during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please ask us before starting it.
Where can I buy authentic ZO Growth Factor Serum?
ZO sells Growth Factor Serum only through clinical professionals and its official website. You can order it through our link to ZO’s store, and it ships directly to you.
Ready to Order?
Order on ZO’s official store through our link, and ZO ships it directly to you.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shervin Naderi, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Last updated October 2026. ZO Skin Health product details and study results are from ZO Skin Health. Orders placed through our links are fulfilled by ZO Skin Health and connected to The Naderi Center.
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