MOST WANTED

Is The Ordinary GF 15% Solution As Good As Everyone Says?

By Hanitra Ramaholimihaso and Vanessa Zaree

From serums to dedicated moisturisers, we know that peptides are one of the best ingredients to have in your routine. They help hydrate and plump the skin, repair the skin barrier and can help delay signs of ageing (as long as you also wear your SPF!). More recently, we’ve been hearing more about a growth factor, which is a specific type of peptides.

New to cosmetic and skincare formulas, growth factors have been used for many years to help heal wounds and help reduce any scarring on the skin. The Ordinary is the latest brand to add growth factors to its arsenal of ingredient-packed skincare solutions with The Ordinary GF 15% Solution.

This new formula from The Ordinary contains three types of growth factors - EGF, IGF-1, and TGFβ-2, which all work together to improve the appearance of skin and reduce texture. It’s suitable for all skin types but it’s especially recommended for those who might be dealing with hyperpigmentation, acne scarring or other types of stubborn marks that are taking time to fade.

Two members of the team put this much talked-about serum, read on for their review of The Ordinary GF 15% Solution.

Hanitra's review

Skin type: Oily and acne-prone

Before and after The Ordinary GF 15% Solution

I had used a growth-factor (EGF) serum in the past but it was rather pricey so I was really excited to see a brand like The Ordinary jump on the train and come out with their own formula. I deal with post-acne scarring that tends to last quite a while, and I'm always on the hunt for skincare products that will help the healing process of my skin and reduce the appearance of dark marks. I wear SPF and use a vitamin C serum on the daily, but my skin can always use the help to boost reduce the appearance of those dark marks overtime.

When I first use the serum, I liked how hydrating it felt, it immediately gives the skin a light glow. I used this serum every morning and night for a little less than a month and I knew I was going to have to be patient before starting to see results. With ingredients like peptides, the key is to stay consistent. The texture of the serum is very watery - the first time I used it, I applied it directly on my face but then I switched to adding drops in my hands and then applying the solution onto my face. I like that a little bit goes a long way with this, and it pairs well with any other skincare (and makeup) I used, I never experienced any pilling or separation.

I have been using this new serum for about a month and I can see that I'm starting to see some results! Especially on my cheeks where my pigmentation takes the longest fade, I can see that these dark spots are slowly but surely fading. I will definitely keep using this serum as I also feel that it's a good option for an everyday hydrating serum. I would recommend this new Ordinary serum to anyone, but even more so if you've been trying to tackle any pigmentation or spots that are taking a while to fade. This serum would also work well for anyone who might be trying to reduce signs of ageing, as your skin will start to look and feel more plump overtime. This will definitely stay in my rotation.

Vanessa's review

Skin type: Oily, sometimes dehydrated

The Ordinary GF 15% Solution Before and After

When it comes to serums, I love active ingredients – but growth factors? This is a completely new concept to me – but, given that I’m in my late thirties and keen to work on reducing signs of ageing, it sounded like I could potentially be the right target audience for this serum. My first thoughts? I fell in love with the water-based texture, which I honestly wasn’t expecting to. It’s beautifully lightweight and absorbs so nicely. Given how airy it is, it unsurprisingly layered well with other products. I also don’t do this often, but at times I did layer it under other serums as it just felt like it lent itself so well to layering. I didn’t encounter any piling issues either, so this serum was, overall, a win for me.

I’ve been using it for a few weeks and it’s hard to measure whether it’s made a lasting difference – but, after a relatively rough patch in which my skin felt especially textured and I was struggling with more blemishes and hyperpigmentation than usual, I will say my skin has been looking and feeling pretty stable. I’m currently using something else at the moment, so if I notice any changes, this may be a telling sign!

While targeting signs of ageing is definitely a skincare goal, controlling my spots and congestion tends to be my main focus. However, I would consider purchasing this and layering it under or over another serum that contains niacinamide for example, so that I can make sure I’m focusing on all of my skincare concerns.

The Verdict on The Ordinary GF 15% Solution

One thing that both Hanitra and Vanessa agree on, is that the visible effects of this serum take a while to show, so you have to make sure to stay consistent with it. Hanitra saw some improvements in her pigmentation and Vanessa notices improvements in her skin texture from using the serum, and they both will keep using it. The texture of the serum makes it perfect to slot into your daily morning and evening skincare routine, as it's very light and airy, and the formula works well with any other skincare ingredient.

More from The Ordinary

IThe Ordinary has always be renowned for its ingredient-focused formulas targeting specific skin concerns. If you're a fan of the Caffeine solution to help depuff the undereye, you might also enjoy The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum, £19.90, crafted to hydrate the area.

The brand also released some newness like The Ordinary Multi Active Delivery Essence, £10.60, made to hydrate the skin and prep it for your other serums, it's a great first step to your skincare routine. If you're looking for more skincare staples, formulas like The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, £5.00 and The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, £7.70 can quickly become your skincare holy-grails.