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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.
Structure & chemistry
Molecular identity & reference confidence
Reference mass unavailable
Reference values are taken from the cited molecular record or curated profile. A database match is not independent laboratory verification; modifications, counter-ions, and formulations can change the measured mass.
- Molecular form
- Oligopeptide-1 (EGF) (source record; form not independently established)
- Species
- Not established by this molecular identity audit
- Termini (N / C)
- Not specified / Not specified
Average reference mass
Reference policy updated: 2026-10-05
Clinical development snapshot
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 3 registered studies with “Oligopeptide-1” as an intervention (snapshot 2026-09-06). A registry footprint is not evidence of efficacy or approval.
| NCT | Title | Phase | Status | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07742241 | Efficacy Study of a Repairing Cream in Atopic Dermatitis | Not applicable | completed | 2026-08-03 |
| NCT05711953 | Investigation on a Topical Cosmetic Pain Lotion (Egyfil) for Stiffness and Pain Relief | Not applicable | completed | 2023-07-20 |
| NCT04211597 | EGF-loaded Chitosan to Facilitate Healing and Prevent Scar Formation of Cesarean Wound | Not applicable | completed | 2019-12-26 |
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.
What Canadian product status is recorded for Oligopeptide-1 (EGF)?+
Canadian product status for Oligopeptide-1 (EGF) has not been verified in this profile. No verified record here does not mean no authorization exists. Status depends on the product, formulation and use; consult Health Canada's product records.
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)).
Related peptides
References & further reading
- 1.Carpenter et al. (1990). Epidermal growth factor. J Biol Chem
- 2.Carpenter et al. (1979). Epidermal growth factor. Annu Rev Biochem
- 3.Cohen (1987). Epidermal growth factor. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol
- 4.Schneider (2014). The magnificent seven: epidermal growth factor receptor ligands. Semin Cell Dev Biol
- 5.Cohen (1972). Epidermal growth factor. J Invest Dermatol
- 6.Su et al. (2024). Fourth-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinases inhibitors: hope and challenges. Transl Cancer Res
- 7.Inobe et al. (2000). [Epidermal growth factor]. Tanpakushitsu Kakusan Koso
- 8.Farrell (2003). Epidermal growth factor for ulcerative colitis. N Engl J Med
- 9.PubMed — Topical application of sh-oligopeptide-1 and clinical trials with cosmetic preparations: risk or fraud? (37452558)
- 10.INCIDecoder — sh-Oligopeptide-1