Topical growth factor preparations for facial skin rejuvenation: A systematic review

Cosmeceutical preparations containing growth factors (GFs) are widely used for facial rejuvenation.

We performed a systematic review to assess the evidence regarding their safety and effectiveness for facial rejuvenation.

Electronic databases (Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Scopus) were searched from 2000 to October 2022 for prospective trials and case series assessing topical GF preparations for facial rejuvenation in 10 or more participants.

Thirty-three studies, including 9 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 24 uncontrolled case series, representing 1180 participants receiving 23 different topical preparations containing GFs met the inclusion criteria and were included. Of the 33 studies, nine used a placebo or active control. The GF preparations were applied twice daily in all except two studies, with a mean treatment duration of 3 months. Based on the investigator's assessment, preparations containing GFs induce a modest improvement in skin texture (median < 50%), fine lines/wrinkles (median < 35%), and overall facial appearance (median < 20%) versus baseline. Participant-assessed improvement was generally higher than investigator-assessed response. Three comparative RCTs showed no statistically significant differences between treatments. Studies were limited by heterogeneity with regard to the source and number of GFs used in the preparations, information about additional ingredients, and lack of standardization in the outcome measures. The preparations were associated with a low risk of adverse events. The persistence of the clinical improvements beyond 6 months is not known.

Administration of topical preparations containing GFs appears to be effective for facial skin rejuvenation, as demonstrated by the investigator- and participant-reported outcome measures.