ZO Growth Factor Serum
ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum, the reformulated 2026 release rebuilt around human-comparable growth factors.
This is the newest generation of ZO's flagship growth-factor treatment, formerly sold as Ossential Growth Factor Serum Plus, now reformulated and repackaged in a 30 mL opaque airless pump. At its core sits a next-generation blend of safely bioengineered, human-comparable growth factors designed to speak the skin's own language and signal fibroblasts toward fresh collagen and elastin. Around that signal ZO layers a supporting cast of plant- and ferment-derived growth factors, including Buddleja davidii stem cell culture, fermented Panax ginseng ferment filtrate, hydrolyzed vegetable protein and hydrolyzed sericin, so the serum works through several pathways rather than one. The proprietary ZPRO complex helps replenish hyaluronic acid for cushion and bounce, while the neuropeptide dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate softens the look of repeated expression lines. A supporting dose of retinol, adenosine triphosphate, beta-glucan and vitamin E round out a formula built to rebuild visible density, firmness, elasticity and smoothness.
Why it is worth it
In an eight-week study subjects reported skin that looked nearly six years younger, with visibly greater density and a firmer, smoother surface, and the serum was named Best Growth Factor in the 2026 Shape Skin Awards. The opaque airless pump is not just packaging, it shields the light-sensitive retinol and peptides from air and daylight so the actives stay potent from first press to last.
How it compares
Within a medical-grade catalog, a single-peptide serum or a standalone retinol works one lever at a time, and a basic growth-factor serum signals repair without much else. This formula does more at once, pairing multiple growth-factor signals with a hyaluronic-acid-replenishing complex, an expression-line neuropeptide and a measured dose of retinol, which makes it a natural anchor for a firming, anti-aging regimen rather than a single-note treatment.
Best for: mature or maturing skin showing early to moderate loss of firmness, elasticity and density, and anyone who wants a growth-factor-led step that also touches fine lines and glow.
Not ideal for: very reactive or actively compromised skin, pregnancy or breastfeeding given the retinol, or anyone who prefers a fragrance-free routine, since the formula contains fragrance.
How to use
After cleansing and any toner, press one to two pumps onto fingertips and smooth over the face and neck, avoiding the immediate eye area. Begin in the evening two to three nights per week, then build toward nightly as tolerated because of the retinol, and follow with your moisturizer. Always finish the morning routine with a broad-spectrum SPF while using this serum.