We Tried CellDerma’s GF5 Next Generation Serum – Here’s Our Report

As more of us turn to non-surgical ‘tweakments’ to enhance rather than transform our appearance, there has never been greater demand for clinical-grade recovery care products. Indeed, the post-procedure skincare market is projected to reach nearly $2 billion globally, while in the UK, industry data shows a 60 percent year-on-year increase in consumer searches for ‘post-procedure skincare’.

Aftercare is now considered critical to achieving optimal, long-term aesthetic results without complications. But with so many tailored formulations on offer, it can sometimes feel overwhelming for patients looking simply to soothe inflammation, repair the epidermal barrier and reduce downtime.

CellDerma’s award-winning serum is designed as a one-stop pre- and post-care treatment for skin procedures including RF-microneedling, laser, gas plasma and even surgery (i.e. blepharoplasty). Don’t be fooled by the strictly functional packaging, though: this little power pump is being hailed as a trailblazer in terms of what it can achieve, both in combination with aesthetic treatments and used alone. Juliet Herd tries out CellDerma’s GF5 Next Generation Bio-Regenerative Growth Factor Serum.

C&TH Beauty Lab: CellDerma GF5 Next Generation Bio-Regenerative Growth Factor Serum

The Product

The serum is the latest addition to the CellDerma skincare range, founded in 2020 by award-winning aesthetic doctor Dr Dev Patel, who creates innovative formulas composed of sustainably sourced ingredients to achieve long-term benefits for all skin types.

The GF5 Growth Factor Serum is formulated to address signs of ageing, promote skin regeneration, repair the skin barrier and improve overall skin health. It contains a high concentration of five unique ‘growth factors’ that are synthetically made and bio-identical to the growth factors found in the human placenta. When applied directly to the skin, the growth factors help to reverse the ageing process and repair existing damage. Other ingredients such as vitamin B9 support and improve growth factor efficacy while neuropeptides help to minimise and prevent lines and wrinkles.

And that’s not all. This hard-working serum also includes ten key actives, including copper tripeptide-1 and a ceramide complex, to enhance the skin barrier, speed up wound healing, boost hydration, reduce redness and skin sensitivity and strengthen fragile skin.

The Clinical Bit

In a clinical study carried out on 12 women aged between 43 and 50 over a four-week period following treatments such as micro-needling, radio frequency, laser and dermal fillers, the GF5 was shown to improve elasticity by up to 47 percent and reduce eye wrinkles by up to 46 percent. It was also proven to reduce recovery time post procedure, including the complication rate. Other findings showed it enhanced the results from collagen-stimulating treatments, accelerated wound healing, and reduced pain during procedures.

The Test Drive

As luck would have it, I happened to test the serum following an IPL treatment, non-invasive phototherapy to tackle prominent brown spots on my cheeks and broken nose capillaries as well as skin laxity. I admit, the GF5 proved a bit of a godsend as the downtime was more intense than expected, including some swelling, redness and scabbing. Not a pretty sight! Especially as I hadn’t factored in that I had two big social engagements in that same week, including a wedding. It was reassuring to use a product that was gentle on my skin while super effective, helping to speed up the healing process and calm redness. Overall, my skin appeared smoother and firmer, and the ceramide complex helped to put much-needed bounce back into my dehydrated face.

I applied the serum both morning and night, massaging it in with my fingertips until absorbed as part of an overall CellDerma routine that included the Hydraclean Gentle Botanical Cleanser, the Collagen Restore Advanced Collagen Support Anti-Ageing Cream and the EyeLift Advanced Renewal Serum.

The Verdict

This is a patient-focused product that offers next-level results and can be used safely on all skin types. Dr Patel applies his clinical experience treating real skin to develop ‘clean’ science formulas that are minimal in their ingredients yet maximum in their effectiveness. ‘There are so many additives that we will always avoid putting into our formulations,’ says Dr Patel, whose products are stocked in more than 180 clinics across the UK. ‘We have ensured we have stayed well clear of ingredient classes such as phthalates, sulphate, parabens and more.’

Buy Now