Sh
sh-Oligopeptide-1 (EGF)
sh-Oligopeptide-1Active
Recombinant epidermal growth factor. Promoted for cellular renewal; potency vs marketing claim is debated.
What it does
sh-Oligopeptide-1 is a recombinant version of epidermal growth factor (EGF), a signaling protein involved in skin healing and cellular turnover. Topical penetration of a 6.2 kDa protein is challenging — most studies suggest the active form mostly stays at the surface unless the formulation includes a delivery vehicle. Common in K-beauty and high-end Western 'rejuvenation' serums. The benefits-vs-cost tradeoff is best evaluated against the rest of the routine.
The evidence, graded
strongMost cosmetic peptides (Matrixyl, copper peptides, palmitoyl tripeptide-1) show measurable firmness or elasticity changes in 8-12 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Visible benefits are typically subtle compared to retinoids.Robinson 2005 · International Journal of Cosmetic Science ↗
Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.
Also known as
egf, epidermal growth factor
Pairs worth knowing
This page is public and indexed on purpose (unlike profiles and drops, which are unlisted) — it’s the citation behind shared ingredient cards, and it should be findable.
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