The present invention concerns a novel process for isolating growth and differentiating factors present in colostrum, all in a natural way. This process is characterized by maturation steps (controlled mild acid hydrolysis) and physical steps (molecular filtration) which optimize recovery of measured growth factors and their ability to entice a response on human cells. Advantageously, this process allows the derivation and isolation of growth and differentiating factors with highly disparate sizes (or molecule weights) in pools. These pools can be used in select and varied ways, including cosmetic, cosmeceutical, nutraceutical, dermatological, pharmaceutical, medical and veterinary applications. It can also be used as a replacement to fetal calf serum to promote cell proliferation, and above all, cell differentiation.
