The Ordinary GF 15% Solution

A peptide-rich serum to target almost every sign of skin ageing, does it exist? It does now, and it’s also affordable. Editor Trudi Brewer shares The Ordinary’s latest skin solution, which hydrates, smoothes and firms. Read on to learn more.

The Ordinary GF 15% Solution, $32.

Growth factors are the latest beauty buzz, and for good reason. Their firming and plumping action on the skin has made them popular with chemists. Here's why.
Essentially, they're peptides - specifically polypeptides. Made of longer chains of amino acids (proteins), growth factors are a class of biomimetic (nature-identical) peptides that trigger a repair response once on the skin. These proteins also stimulate skin cell growth and promote the renewal of collagen and elastin, the fibres that support the skin, giving it structure and suppleness. These fibres (collagen and elastin) deplete as we age, add UV exposure and other environmental aggressors, and result in fine lines, dullness, and skin sagging. Back to growth factors, this is the innovation skincare creators (and us) are excited by. Why? These ingredients work to address almost every sign of ageing, but like most miracle workers, they’re costly. However, you can trust The Ordinary to harness the power of these growth factors - at an affordable price.
Now, the new GF 15% Solution is a serum that offers the benefits of three plant-based growth factors.

What is it?

Created to target lines and wrinkles, skin firmness, and uneven, dull, dry skin with a rough texture while boosting skin hydration and strengthening the skin’s vital barrier, with a collection of plant-based biomimetics (including an Australian wild tobacco extract), EGF, TGF, and IGF peptides. Together, they offer triple action immediately, working to negate the effects of damaging environmental stressors. Renewal, helping boost your skin cell turnover and long-term restorative benefits, including fresher, brighter-looking skin, comes next.
First, EGF, or epidermal growth factors, are gentle on the skin (unlike retinoids) and support skin renewal. This helps reduce the appearance of lines while boosting elasticity and firmness.
Next, IGF, or insulin-like growth factors, support skin density, which helps minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Finally, TGF or transforming growth factors. Research suggests These heavy hitters can stimulate natural collagen production while reducing inflammation, which is key in keeping the skin calm and resilient.

Why do we like it?

Science lesson over: What can The Ordinary GF 15% Solution do for your skin? First, this could be a great alternative if you can't tolerate retinoids. This serum targets rough skin texture, fine lines, and wrinkles without redness, skin flaking or sensitivities (often associated with retinoids). It can slip into any skincare routine, layered underneath any moisturiser or SPF after cleansing first thing in the morning, and be your hydrating evening serum at night. It absorbs instantly, but don't be overzealous with its watery texture.
A little goes a long way.

My first impressions: I just received this serum, and from the first application, my skin felt instantly hydrated, which is impressive. After a few days, those dehydration lines and that parched feeling were gone. I look forward to a smoother and firmer complexion, and I will keep you posted on the lasting results. Finally, in these recessionary times, finding a heavy-hitting serum that delivers on its promise and won't break the bank is encouraging.
How to use it: Drop a pipette-full into the palm of your hand and pat it, pressing it into the skin, face, neck, and decollete.