Growth factors (also known as cytokines) are naturally occurring regulatory proteins that stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation, and wound healing.

The purpose of growth factors in skincare is to act as a healing agent for the skin, they have been proven to boost collagen and elastin (both of which decline as we age), and are thought to strengthen and repair the skin barrier. Growth factors can be applied in topical form, and are generally well tolerated since they are based on proteins already found within the skin. Growth factors may be human-derived, synthetic or of plant, animal or bacterial origin.