What are growth factors?
Growth factors are a class of signaling proteins that in mammals act as "instructions" for cells, telling them when to divide, when to regenerate, when to migrate, and when to slow down. They occur naturally in tissues like skin, muscle, and blood vessels, but the richest natural source in nature is colostrum, the first milk produced by female mammals in the hours after giving birth.
At Trichovita we focus specifically on three types of growth factors found in bovine colostrum: IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor), EGF (epidermal growth factor), and TGF-β (transforming growth factor beta). Each of them plays a different but complementary role for the scalp and hair follicle — together they form a set that cannot be recreated synthetically in a single molecule.
Important: these are not hormones, not steroids, and not performance-enhancing substances. They are natural proteins in the same form in which your body produces them on its own. They enter the cosmetic from bovine colostrum, where they occur in high concentrations.
How do growth factors work on the scalp and hair?
Every hair goes through a cycle with three phases: anagen (active growth, 2-7 years), catagen (transitional, ~2 weeks), and telogen (resting, ~3 months, after which the hair falls out and a new one begins to grow in its place). In healthy conditions, about 85-90% of all hair is in the anagen phase. The problem begins when the balance shifts — under stress, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, or chronic scalp inflammation — and more and more follicles enter the telogen phase, while new anagens fail to start.
Growth factors from colostrum act right at this point. IGF-1 actively stimulates cell division in the stem cells of the hair follicle, encouraging bulbs to enter the anagen phase. EGF accelerates regeneration of epidermal cells — the same thing it does in wound healing — which translates into better scalp condition and a stronger protective barrier. TGF-β, although it inhibits growth in some contexts, in appropriate concentrations modulates inflammation in hair follicles and supports rebuilding of connective tissue around the bulb.
The effect of this combination is not "magical regrowth of new hair in bald areas" — we will never make such a promise — but a systematic improvement in the condition of the scalp and follicles, which translates into reduced shedding (more hair stays in the growth phase), better quality of new hair (thicker, stronger), and faster return to normal after a period of increased loss.
Why do we use growth factors in Trichovita?
Bovine colostrum is currently one of the few available natural sources of growth factors that can be legally and safely used in cosmetics. The alternatives — synthetic recombinant growth factors — are expensive, unstable, and their use in cosmetics is regulated in a way that prevents normal retail sales. Mimetic peptides are another option, but these are simplified fragments that work much weaker than native proteins.
Choosing colostrum as a source was therefore a deliberate decision: we get a complete cocktail of growth factors in their natural, active form, and thanks to encapsulation in liposomes, these fragile proteins don't break down in contact with air, water, and skin enzymes. This combination is unique in Poland today — no other trichological product delivers growth factors in this form.
Which Trichovita products contain growth factors?
Growth factors are present in both the regenerating serum and the regenerating mask. In both formulas they are delivered in liposomal, protected form, which is critical: raw, unprotected growth factors break down very quickly on contact with the environment.
The serum used daily provides a steady, low dose of regenerative signal, a maintenance action. The mask used 1-2 times per week delivers a significantly higher concentration in a short time, a "regenerative shock" action. From a trichological standpoint, both modes are complementary.
Is this ingredient right for you?
Growth factors in colostrum form are especially worth considering if:
- You're experiencing increased hair loss (postpartum, after illness, after a period of intense stress, after hormonal changes) — these are classic "telogen effluvium" cases, where you need exactly what growth factors do: help returning hair to the active growth phase.
- You want to strengthen the hair you have — growth factors influence the thickness and quality of the hair shaft, not just the quantity.
- You notice that your hair grows more slowly — IGF-1 is directly involved in the growth rate of follicles.
- You have a sensitive, often irritated scalp — EGF helps rebuild the skin's barrier.
They are not a magical cure for advanced androgenetic alopecia (there you need more than a cosmetic — trichological consultation, sometimes pharmacology), but they are a very solid support for most problems related to weakened scalp condition and declining hair.
Frequently asked questions
Are growth factors from colostrum safe?
Yes. Colostrum has been consumed by humans for millennia (as a supplement, as a dietary element) and has a long safety record. In cosmetic form, applied to the scalp, it does not absorb into the bloodstream at concentrations that could have systemic effects. These are not hormones and do not affect the body's hormonal balance.
Can I use products with growth factors during pregnancy?
Generally yes, colostrum is an entirely natural ingredient, and products applied to the scalp practically do not absorb into the bloodstream. However, during pregnancy we always recommend consulting any new regimen with your doctor, especially if the pregnancy is at risk. This is a standard recommendation for all cosmetics, not specific to our formula.
Are growth factors the same as stem cells in cosmetics?
No. These are two different things. Stem cells in cosmetics (usually plant extracts) are a marketing simplification. Real stem cells cannot be in a cosmetic because they are living cells and quickly die. Growth factors from colostrum are specific proteins with a documented mechanism of action.
How long until you see results?
Growth factors act on the hair cycle, not on the hair itself directly. That means effects appear with natural delay: reduced shedding visible after 4-6 weeks of regular use, clear improvement in scalp condition after 2-3 months, visible new, stronger hair after 3-6 months (because that's how long a full growth cycle takes). Consistency is key.