# ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United States.

Brand: [ZO Skin Health](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/zo-skin-health)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for oily acne-prone skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your oily skin, as Panthenyl Triacetate and Ethyl Linoleate provide some seboregulation and barrier repair, while Buddleja Davidii Meristem Cell Culture and Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate support skin regeneration and reduce fine lines.
- While the formula offers general skincare benefits like hydration and soothing, it lacks targeted ingredients such as salicylic acid or retinoids to effectively address your acne, blemishes, and breakouts or significant oil control.
- The product is safe for your oily skin with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)

## Key ingredients

Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Adenosine Triphosphate, Beta-Glucan, Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Sericin

## What the research says

- A lotion containing triethyl citrate and ethyl linoleate reduced Leeds grading, total, inflammatory, and noninflammatory lesion counts, and sebum production compared with a placebo in patients with mild to moderate acne. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17635508/))
- A novel anti-aging serum containing acetyl hexapeptide-8, dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, gluconolactone, niacinamide, and laminaria extract significantly increased anti-aging biomarkers and improved static and dynamic wrinkles as well as skin quality in clinical studies. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41668671/))
- Panthenyl triacetate (PTA) demonstrated skin de-acetylation into panthenol, stimulated energetic and synthesis metabolic pathways, and achieved a statistically significant improvement in wound healing after 72 hours compared to saline treatment in human volunteers, outperforming panthenol in long-lasting wound healing action. ([Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22487447/))
- Angelica sinensis essential oil at 5%-10% demonstrated significant anti-acne effects comparable to adapalene gel with reduced side effects in mice by suppressing Cutibacterium acnes and downregulating IL-1β. ([Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41482092/))
- A bacterial nanocellulose wound dressing incorporating polyhexamethylene biguanide and sericin showed no skin irritation in healthy volunteers and significantly promoted wound healing with lower wound size and higher collagen formation in full-thickness rat wounds compared to controls. ([Archives of Dermatological Research, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26796543/))
- The application of a vitamin B12 and adenosine triphosphate complex improved skin radiance, elasticity, and texture in human participants. ([Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39194754/))
- Direct delivery of intracellular adenosine triphosphate using ATP-encapsulated fusogenic small unilamellar lipid vesicles accelerated wound healing, improved granular tissue development, re-epithelialization, and increased vascular endothelial growth factor expression compared to lipid vesicles alone in adult nude mice. ([American Journal of Surgery, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17236849/))
- A self-powered chloroplast-driven nanophotosystem consisting of Chlorella-derived nanothylakoid units and hyaluronic acid microneedles increased mitochondrial biogenesis, adenosine triphosphate generation, and NAD(P)H pools in senescent fibroblasts, leading to increased collagen synthesis and alleviated skin photoaging. ([Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42144642/))
- Skin care regimens containing beta-glucan improved hemoglobin index, skin hydration, and transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in 20 patients undergoing fractional laser therapy. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128496/))
- Treatment with topical formulations containing beta-glucan combined with nanofractional radiofrequency plus magnetic nanofractional radiofrequency showed the best efficacy and was tolerable and effective in Chinese women with abdominal stretch marks compared to control groups. ([Dermatology and Therapy, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37171578/))
- Topical beta-glucan mildly improved striae gravidarum, 1565-nm non-ablative fractional laser showed better results than topical beta-glucan, and the combined strategy further improved striae gravidarum atrophy compared to single treatment. ([The Journal of Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35570397/))
- An Angelica sinensis extract containing 1% ligustilide demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-senescence, matrix-supportive, and antimicrobial effects in human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. ([Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41948733/))
- Topical application of Angelica sinensis extract induced noticeable hair regrowth, restored hair shaft lengths and follicle size, and decreased apoptotic cells in C57BL/6 mice. ([The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25004889/))
- Screening of forty herb extracts using melan-a cells showed that hexane and dichloromethane extracts of Angelica sinensis, alongside compounds 4-ethylresorcinol, 4-ethylphenol, and 1-tetradecanol, exhibited strong hypopigmentary effects by attenuating melanin synthesis. ([Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20723597/))
- Bacterial cellulose wound dressing containing silk sericin and PHMB improved wound quality and reduced pain compared to Bactigras in patients with split-thickness skin graft donor-site wounds. ([Archives of Dermatological Research, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30302557/))
- Topical application of sericin gels increased skin intrinsic moisturization, hydroxyproline content, and epidermal hydration while decreasing transepidermal water loss and skin impedance in healthy human volunteers. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17168872/))
- Silk sericin-releasing bacterial nanocellulose gel demonstrated improved mechanical properties, controlled sericin release, non-cytotoxicity on L929 and HaCaT cells, and non-irritancy in subcutaneous tissue compared to a commercially available paper mask. ([BMC Biotechnology, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25487808/))

## Why other serums fit oily acne-prone skin better

- A cream combining propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera reduced erythema scars, acne severity index, and total lesion count better than erythromycin cream in sixty patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris compared to placebo. ([Clinical Pharmacology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/))
- Niacinamide and ferulic acid incorporated in a stable multiple emulsion successfully reduced melanin, sebum, and skin erythema while improving skin elasticity and hydration in human skin compared to a placebo. ([BioMed Research International, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35342760/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this product is highly regarded by users with aging, dry, and sensitive skin for its hydrating and plumping effects, visibly reducing fine lines. The lightweight gel formula is frequently praised for restoring the skin's moisture barrier and improving texture. However, some users with acne-prone skin report breakouts, and the high price is a common concern.

- Liked: Lightweight gel (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating, plumping (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Very expensive (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle, soothing (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Reduces lines (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Slow results (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Causes breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Faulty pump (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Pills under makeup (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your PM routine. Start 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply your serum after cleansing and toning, but before putting on your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2 to 3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on clean, dry skin to help manage your blemishes safely.
- Do a patch test before your first use and avoid the delicate eye area.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does ZO Growth Factor Serum work for oily acne-prone skin?

This serum works moderately well for your oily skin, as it helps balance oil and soothe while posing no irritation risks. However, because it lacks targeted blemish-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or retinoids, a product of this type needs acne-targeting ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, or Vitamin C, along with lightweight, non-greasy hydrators.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17635508/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41668671/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

Panthenyl Triacetate and Ethyl Linoleate make this serum a good fit for your oily skin by helping control oil and repair the skin barrier. A treatment for this skin needs ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, or Vitamin C to effectively target blemishes and breakouts while keeping the skin balanced.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17635508/), [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22487447/)

### What does Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate do for oily acne-prone skin?

Dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate helps smooth fine lines and target aging signs in oily, acne-prone skin without clogging pores. Because this skin type often needs lightweight formulas that fight wrinkles while keeping excess shine controlled, this ingredient is typically paired with gentle exfoliants and oil-free hydrators.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41668671/)

### What does Adenosine Triphosphate do for oily acne-prone skin?

Adenosine Triphosphate is unlikely to benefit oily acne-prone skin because related substances may increase oil production and worsen breakouts. Oily and acne-prone skin needs lightweight ingredients that help control excess oil without clogging pores.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28714181/), [Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21889999/)

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

Apply this treatment in the evening as part of your routine. This product of this type needs acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or retinoids to properly care for oily, acne-prone skin.

### Can I use it with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this treatment with retinol by applying your retinol first and following with this serum, or by using your retinol in the evening and this serum at another time. This product has a safe profile with no harsh ingredients, making it unlikely to cause irritation when paired with a retinoid. Oily acne-prone skin using this type of product alongside retinol benefits from ingredients like salicylic acid or retinoids for breakout control and ingredients that clear pores and reduce oil.

### How often should I use this serum?

You can use this treatment in the evening as part of your routine. Oily acne-prone skin needs a product of this type to include targeted ingredients like salicylic acid or retinoids for breakout control and significant oil reduction.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17635508/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41668671/)

### Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores for your oily acne-prone skin, as it lacks harsh or prohibited ingredients that trigger irritation. However, because it misses targeted breakout-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or retinoids, an acne-prone skin type needs formulas with active blemish control and oil-balancing agents to stay clear.

### Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum). Oleyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $16.75 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.08 at Amazon
- [NEOGEN DERMALOGY REAL VITA C SERUM](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vita-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — $25.08 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com: $153.41 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FSBMJHI?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 5 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dipropylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone Peg-10 15 Crosspolymer, Peg-12 Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Phosphate, Panthenyl Triacetate, Magnesium Sulfate, Hydrolyzed Sericin, Ethyl Linoleate, Buddleja Davidii Meristem Cell Culture, Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis Root Extract, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Lactobacillus Panax Ginseng Root Extract Ferment Filtrate, Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate, Acetyl Tyrosine, Dimethiconol, Oleyl Alcohol, Proline, Parfum, Tocopherol, Beta-Glucan, Adenosine Triphosphate, Hydrolyzed Protein, Sodium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/zo-skin-health/growth-factor-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin