Also known as: sh-Oligopeptide-1 (EGF)
sh-Oligopeptide-1 is the cosmetic (INCI) name for recombinant human epidermal growth factor (EGF), a 53-amino-acid signaling protein. Topical cosmetic research is mostly small human studies of varying quality plus recent animal and lab work.
EGF binds the EGF receptor on keratinocytes and fibroblasts, a well-established pathway in skin cell proliferation and migration. Whether cosmetic sh-oligopeptide-1 behaves like native EGF after topical application is debated; a 2023 review concluded this had not been demonstrated [1]. In a mouse UVB-exposure model, topical EGF creams changed epidermal thickness, collagen density and MMP/TIMP expression [2].
| Study | Model | Reported result | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| sh-oligopeptide-1 clinical-trial review [1] | Review Literature review, 12 articles, 9 clinical trials | Most trials judged methodologically weak (subjective outcomes, no controls, unstated concentration); EGF-equivalent activity not shown. | Peer-reviewed Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2023 |
| Topical EGF in UVB-exposed mice [2] | Mouse SKH1 hairless mice, 12-week UVB-exposure model | Epidermal thickness: vehicle 77 µm, recombinant hEGF 50 µm, probiotic EGF 27 µm; probiotic EGF raised collagen density and lowered MMP-1/-3. | Peer-reviewed Ann Dermatol 2026 |
| EGF elastosome formulation [3] | Cell Cell-free and cell-based assays, membrane permeation; plus small adult split-face study | EGF raw material: 50.7% tyrosinase inhibition at 1%, 15.9% collagenase inhibition at 5%, 21.7% nitric-oxide inhibition at 2%. | Peer-reviewed Cosmetics 2026 |
| EGF serum facial skin study [4] | Human Adults, single-arm, open, 16 weeks (n=28) | Endpoints: skin hydration, transepidermal water loss, elasticity, pigmentation and wrinkle appearance by instruments. Completed; registry entry. | Company-reported ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05724589 |
Human cosmetic studies describe appearance only. Lab results do not establish effects on skin structure.
