Epidermal growth factor (EGF) isn’t an ingredient you hear about all the time, but it should be. “It’s a protein that occurs naturally in our skin and provides healing benefits,” says New York dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD. “The scientists who discovered it 30 years ago won a Nobel Prize for their work using EGF in medicine for burn patients. Now it’s one of the most innovative ingredients in the skin-care world.” Vegan EGF (not animal-derived) is the key ingredient in Glo Skin Beauty’s new Bio-Renew EGF Cream, which Dr. Engelman helped formulate, and it delivers.
The Benefits:
When signs of aging like wrinkles, dryness and uneven tone and texture settle in, this supercharged face cream is the product to grab. “This is a next-generation skin barrier–strengthening moisturizer,” says Dr. Engelman. “It uses 1-percent vegan EGF, which mimics the human protein to boost collagen and elastin production in our skin.” When combined with bio-recovery peptides and plant-based phyto-retinol (buzzy ingredient bakuchiol), it firms, smooths and hydrates to make skin look younger.
It works on all skin types, though it’s best for those concerned with signs of aging, and it works in three key ways: It strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier; plumps the skin up to make lines and wrinkles look less visible; and supports cellular renewal to help repair the skin from within.
Wondering how to use it? Just swap it in place of your normal moisturizer (on top of your serums)—it’s that easy. I love that the formula is housed in an air-tight container with a dispenser that allows you push down the top to release the perfect amount of cream without having to stick your fingers into a jar. It’s fragrance-free, and the texture is rich and moisturizing (there are shea and mango seed butters in it), but not greasy or heavy in the least. It absorbs really nicely into the skin, and one full pump is more than enough for my entire face and neck. If you’re not doing your neck too, don’t push it down all the way.
In a one-month clinical study on 29 women ages 30 to 60 with signs of aging, 92 percent said their skin was less dull and appeared brighter after one week of using the cream twice a day; 88 percent said there was improved appearance of texture and smoothness. After one month of use, 96 percent said their skin felt softer and deeply hydrated, and 92 percent said there was improved appearance of texture and smoothness. “It’s clinically proven to reduce dark spots, wrinkles, fine lines and redness in 30 days or less,” says Dr. Engelman.
Key Ingredients:
Vegan EGF (epidermal growth factor), bio-recovery peptides and bakuchiol
Price/Where to Buy:
$175, gloskinbeauty.com
*You can also try a deluxe sample of it ($52.50) in this year’s Luxury Review Box, along with 37 other products!
