Growth at the Cellular Level

Posted: May 8, 2007

Growth factors and hormones have been popping up in recent product launches in the United States. Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) has been used in facial skin care in China for several years but it has more recently reached the United States as an emerging new ingredient.

EGF is used to stimulate cell turnover, while growth hormone has been used to promote cellular vitality, according to Mintel. Although studies are inconclusive and highly controversial, growth hormone has been purportedly linked to slowing or reversing the signs of aging. So what is the difference between growth factor and growth hormone?

Human growth hormone is released by the pituitary gland and stimulates growth and cell reproduction, reports Mintel. Human growth factors promote cell differentiation and maturation—they are produced throughout the body, rather than in the pituitary gland like growth hormone.

A bio-engineered human growth hormone is the key ingredient in the new 3Lab “H” Serum Age-Defying Booster. “H” Serum is fortified with 3Lab’s own Prodermage and Dermaxel complexes to reduce lines and wrinkles, as well as protect against free radical damage. Due to the controversy surrounding the use of growth hormone for antiaging, it remains to be seen if growth hormone will become more widely used.

Mintel's Global New Products Database (GNPD), along with Mintel Cosmetic Research, shows that growth factor is becoming more widely used. In China, companies like Baoyan, Guangzhou Jiaolan Cosmetics, Guangzhou Sisder Health & Beauty, Xiangfbai and Shenzhen Beijiamei Cosmetics all offer products containing growth factor. Growth factor has been showing up in facial skin care products there for several years. The following growth products are now available in the United States.