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Collagen & Skin
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sh-Oligopeptide-1 (EGF)

Also known as: sh-Oligopeptide-1, rh-EGF, Epidermal growth factor

sh-Oligopeptide-1 is the cosmetic name for recombinant human epidermal growth factor (EGF) used in skincare. Not an FDA-approved drug.

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Mechanism of Action

Human EGF is a 53-amino-acid growth factor that binds the EGF receptor (ErbB1) on skin cells and activates tyrosine kinase signaling that drives keratinocyte proliferation and migration, which is why it has been studied in wound healing. In cosmetics it is labeled sh-Oligopeptide-1 and is usually made recombinantly in bacteria or yeast. It is a large molecule that penetrates intact skin poorly, and a 2023 review argued that bioactivity of the cosmetic ingredient has not been demonstrated. Naming is inconsistent: plain oligopeptide-1 is sometimes used for unrelated short peptides, so check the INCI name on the label.

Half-life
Not well established (topical); minutes in plasma
Administration Routes
Topical
Research Status
Clinical

Reported Benefits

  • Marketed to improve skin texture and firmness
  • Small pilot trial of a topical EGF serum
  • Recombinant EGF studied for wound healing
  • Evidence for intact, aging skin is weak

Potential Side Effects

  • Mild redness or irritation
  • Contact sensitivity to the formulation
  • Theoretical concern about growth-factor signaling on damaged skin
  • Long-term topical safety data are limited

Common Dosing

There is no approved cosmetic dose: sh-Oligopeptide-1 is used at low concentrations in finished serums, and the formulation is set by the product manufacturer. Recombinant EGF used to treat wounds is a regulated medicine in some countries, given only under medical supervision.

The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.

Contraindications

  • Known sensitivity to the product or its ingredients
  • Active skin cancer or suspicious lesions: discuss with a dermatologist
  • Broken, infected or inflamed skin

No documented stacking partners for sh-Oligopeptide-1 (EGF) yet.

  • Topical application of sh-oligopeptide-1 and clinical trials with cosmetic preparations: risk or fraud?

    2023

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  • A Randomized, Double-Blinded Pilot Study Comparing Synthetic Versus Human-Derived Topical Epidermal Growth Factor for Facial Rejuvenation and Psychosocial Perception

    2026

    Note: Pilot trial of 20 women comparing two finished serums, with no vehicle control.

    View

No. As of 2026, topical EGF is not an FDA-approved drug in the US, and in skincare sh-Oligopeptide-1 is sold as a cosmetic ingredient, which needs no premarket approval. Rules differ abroad: China has barred EGF from cosmetics, and some countries regulate recombinant EGF as a wound-healing medicine.

The evidence is weak. Trials are small, often industry-linked and rarely vehicle-controlled, and a 2023 review argued that bioactivity of the cosmetic ingredient has not been demonstrated.

Short-term use appears well tolerated, but long-term data are limited. Because EGF promotes cell growth, people with a history of skin cancer or with suspicious lesions should ask a dermatologist first.

PeptideChat is for educational and research purposes only. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. PeptideChat is an independent educational resource — not a pharmacy, compounding, or 503A/503B outsourcing facility — and does not sell products or provide medical advice.