A full epidermal growth factor sold under a cosmetic INCI name — and a case study in efficacy debate.
Also known as: sh-Oligopeptide-1 · rh-EGF · epidermal growth factor
Part of the Cosmetic & skin peptides cluster
Overview
Oligopeptide-1, INCI name sh-Oligopeptide-1, is a bioengineered analog of human epidermal growth factor (EGF), a 53-residue protein used as a cosmetic ingredient in skin-renewal products. Its topical efficacy and appropriateness are actively debated in the dermatology literature. This page is educational and makes no drug or medical claim.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Recombinant human epidermal growth factor (53-residue protein), typically produced in E. coli
Primary research or clinical context: Cosmetic ingredient (INCI: sh-Oligopeptide-1), used topically; framed as a cosmetic ingredient, not a drug, and its topical efficacy is debated
An EGF under a cosmetic name
sh-Oligopeptide-1 is recombinant human EGF, a 53-amino-acid growth factor produced by biotechnology rather than extracted from tissue. EGF binds the EGF receptor on keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and in cosmetic marketing this is linked to the appearance of renewed skin. Its size — a full protein — sets it apart from the short peptides in most cosmetic formulas.
Efficacy debate and framing
Peer-reviewed commentary has openly questioned whether a large growth factor can cross intact skin and act as claimed in topical products, framing some marketing as unsupported. As a cosmetic ingredient it is described in terms of appearance, not treatment. This page is educational, presents the debate honestly, and does not claim the ingredient is effective, safe or therapeutic.
FAQ about Oligopeptide-1 (EGF)
What is Oligopeptide-1 (EGF)?+
Oligopeptide-1, INCI name sh-Oligopeptide-1, is a bioengineered analog of human epidermal growth factor (EGF), a 53-residue protein used as a cosmetic ingredient in skin-renewal products. Its topical efficacy and appropriateness are actively debated in the dermatology literature. This page is educational and makes no drug or medical claim.
Is Oligopeptide-1 (EGF) an approved medicine?+
Oligopeptide-1 (EGF) is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Cosmetic ingredient (INCI: sh-Oligopeptide-1), used topically; framed as a cosmetic ingredient, not a drug, and its topical efficacy is debated. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Oligopeptide-1 (EGF)?+
Oligopeptide-1 (EGF) is commonly described as approximately 53 amino acids (Cosmetic growth-factor peptide (INCI ingredient)).