Is It Safe to Use Growth Factors in Your Skincare Routine If You’re Trying to Get Pregnant?

By Dr. Alyssa McPeak

When you’re trying to get pregnant, it feels like every little decision matters — from the food you eat to the products you put on your skin. One of the biggest skincare questions I hear from women who are TTC (trying to conceive) is:

“Are growth factors safe to use when you’re trying to get pregnant?”

Let’s break down what growth factors are, where they come from, how they work, and what you need to know to make the best decision for your skin and your fertility.

What Are Growth Factors in Skincare?

Growth factors are naturally occurring proteins that tell your cells to repair, renew, and produce collagen and elastin. In skincare, they’re used to:

• Smooth fine lines and wrinkles

• Improve skin texture and firmness

• Speed up healing and cell turnover

• Restore a youthful, radiant appearance

In short, they help reverse the visible signs of aging by encouraging your skin to act and look younger.

The Problem: Where Growth Factors Come From Matters

Not all growth factors are created equal. The source is key when it comes to safety — especially if you’re trying to conceive. There are three main types:

1. Human-Derived Growth Factors

   • These are harvested from human tissues, stem cells, or even embryonic cells.

   • The concern: We don’t yet fully understand how topical exposure to human growth factors may affect hormones or reproductive health. How these cells are harvested can be controversial.

   • Because of the unknowns, I don’t recommend using human-derived growth factors while TTC or during pregnancy.

2. Animal-Derived Growth Factors

   • Sourced from bovine or porcine tissues.

   • These may carry a higher risk of immune responses or unwanted biological activity.

   • Again, I don’t recommend these when trying to conceive.

3. Plant-Based Growth Factors (My Favorite!) 🌿

   • Extracted from botanical sources, like barley, rice, and other plant cells.

   • These mimic natural growth factors but are non-hormonal, safer, and fertility-friendly.

   • This is the safest option if you want anti-aging benefits without compromising your reproductive health.

My Favorite Fertility-Friendly Growth Factor

If you want the skin-renewing benefits of growth factors without worrying about safety, my go-to recommendation is:

✨ The Ordinary GF 15% Serum

• Plant-based growth factors

• Lightweight, non-toxic formula

• No artificial fragrances or endocrine-disrupting chemicals

• Perfect for women TTC or looking for a fertility-friendly anti-aging option

I use this myself and recommend it to patients who want to reverse the age of their skin without compromising their fertility journey.

Tips for Choosing Fertility-Safe Skincare

When shopping for growth factors or any anti-aging product while TTC, look for:

✅ Plant-based or bio-mimetic growth factors

✅ Fragrance-free and paraben-free formulas

✅ No retinoids, harsh exfoliants, or hormone disruptors

✅ Brands that are transparent about their sourcing

And always remember — what you put on your skin can affect what’s happening inside your body.

Learn More About Fertility-Friendly Skincare

If you’re confused about which products are safe and which ones to avoid, you’re not alone. That’s why I created my online course:

🌿 Fertility-Friendly Skincare Routines

Inside, you’ll learn:

• The safest anti-aging ingredients while TTC

• Products and ingredients to avoid that may disrupt your hormones

• A complete fertility-safe skincare routine you can start today

Because beautiful skin and balanced hormones can coexist — you just need the right plan.

Bottom Line

Growth factors can absolutely be part of your skincare routine while trying to conceive — as long as you choose plant-based, fertility-friendly sources. If you’re using products derived from human or animal tissues, it’s in your best interest to switch to Fertility-Friendly option.