Recombinant human epidermal growth factor (sh-oligopeptide-1)
A 53-amino-acid protein identical to human EGF, made by biotechnology. In cosmetics it is used as 'sh-oligopeptide-1' in anti-aging serums; as a drug (nepidermin) it is used for ulcers and wounds in some countries outside the US and the EU.
FDA (US): Not approved (Heberprot-P, from Cuba, is not available in the US)
EMA (EU): Not authorized in the EU as a drug; permitted as a cosmetic ingredient (sh-oligopeptide-1)
Dose
There is no established dose in humans.
Safety
In cosmetics, the adverse effects described are mild and transient. Because EGF stimulates cell proliferation, a theoretical precaution has been raised in people with skin cancer or suspicious lesions; consult your dermatologist. Medical uses (ulcers, burns) should always be done under medical supervision.
Effect by goal · level of evidence
Skin regeneration and aging
improvesLowreview (AAA)in people
49 studies
Systematic review of 49 articles on recombinant EGF: confirms efficacy in wounds and suggests benefit in skin aging, but the authors acknowledge that uncontrolled studies abound and that the evidence is not sufficient.
6 people applied human EGF morning and night for 6 weeks: the skin thickened by an average of about 195 microns on ultrasound and purpura lesions fell from 15 to 2.3. No control group.
Binds to the EGF receptor on skin cells and stimulates their proliferation and migration, which speeds wound closure. In aged skin it is proposed to promote renewal of the epidermis and thickening of the dermis. Because it is a large molecule, its passage through healthy skin is limited.
What the evidence says
In people
Skin regeneration and aging. Systematic review of 49 articles on recombinant EGF: confirms efficacy in wounds and suggests benefit in skin aging, but the authors acknowledge that uncontrolled studies abound and that the evidence is not sufficient. PubMed 34566354
Senile purpura and fragile skin. 6 people applied human EGF morning and night for 6 weeks: the skin thickened by an average of about 195 microns on ultrasound and purpura lesions fell from 15 to 2.3. No control group. PubMed 26461827