INGREDIENT · NEW-AGE
EGF in skincare (SH-Oligopeptide-1): trials so far
EGF, or epidermal growth factor, is the best known of the growth-factor ingredients. On a label it often appears as SH-Oligopeptide-1. The human studies are small, short and sometimes run with lasers.
You may see it written as
- SH-Oligopeptide-1
What EGF is
Epidermal growth factor is a signalling protein. Cosmetics use a lab-made (recombinant) version, and a 2026 pilot trial names its recombinant EGF serum ‘oligopeptide-1’.1 On labels it appears as SH-Oligopeptide-1, the name Snifff lists for it. The same pilot trial describes topical growth-factor products as widely used for visible signs of photoageing, with growing interest in peptide-based alternatives that avoid human-derived biologics.1
What the trials found
A 2022 split-face study followed 36 people with mild to moderate acne for 12 weeks. They applied an EGF ointment on one side and a plain ointment on the other. Acne and acne scars improved on the EGF side and not on the plain side, with lesion and scar counts falling after 4 weeks. Skin samples showed lower inflammatory markers and higher collagen and elastin markers.2 The study was single-blinded and tested an ointment, not a serum.2
A 2026 pilot trial of 20 women aged 50 to 65 compared a recombinant EGF serum with a human-derived growth factor serum for 12 weeks. Investigator ratings favoured the recombinant EGF group for skin texture and firmness at later visits, and global wrinkle severity changed little in either group.1 It had no untreated or plain-serum group, and its listed funder is a skincare company.1
A 2026 four-week study of 20 volunteers tested a cream with EGF, a cream with platelet-rich fibrin and a base cream. Water loss through the skin fell in all three, including the base cream (24%, against 37% with EGF). EGF reached the outer skin layer in measurable amounts.3 The study was a short pilot of skin compatibility.3
How to read this
The studies are small and short, and the anti-ageing trials we found compare one growth-factor serum with another, not with a plain product.1,4 EGF remains a promising ingredient with limited proof for ordinary cosmetic use.
Using EGF with other products
The 2026 pilot compared two serums.1 A 2016 trial of 60 women tested an EGF serum used together with a hyaluronic acid serum against a different growth-factor serum and moisturiser. A blinded investigator preferred the EGF pair on several measures over 12 weeks, but with no EGF-only group the trial cannot show what the pairing adds.4
EGF (SH-Oligopeptide-1) in pregnancy and breastfeeding
We found no pregnancy- or lactation-specific evidence for this ingredient.
Evidence on cosmetic products in pregnancy is limited overall, so ask your doctor or midwife about the specific product you use.5
What you will see on the label
On a label, look for SH-Oligopeptide-1. Snifff shows it as Risk-free. For the rest of the formula, see what the score means and how to read the list.
As Snifff shows itSH-Oligopeptide-1
Pregnancy and nursing
We found no pregnancy- or lactation-specific evidence for this ingredient.
Wording as it appears in the extension, which can change between releases.
A FEW MORE ANSWERS
Common questions about egf
Is SH-Oligopeptide-1 the same as EGF?
A 2026 pilot trial names a recombinant EGF serum as oligopeptide-1.1 SH-Oligopeptide-1 is the label name Snifff lists for it.
Does EGF help acne scars?
In a 12-week split-face study of 36 people, acne and acne scars improved on the EGF-ointment side but not on the plain-ointment side.2 It was a single-blinded study of an ointment.
Does EGF cream work for wrinkles?
In a 20-woman pilot, a recombinant EGF serum was rated better than a human-derived growth factor serum for texture and firmness, while wrinkle severity changed little.1
Is EGF (SH-Oligopeptide-1) safe in pregnancy?
Snifff found no pregnancy-specific evidence for EGF. Ask your doctor or midwife about the product you use.
WHERE THIS COMES FROM
Sources
- A randomized, double-blinded pilot study comparing synthetic versus human-derived topical epidermal growth factor for facial rejuvenation and psychosocial perceptionAbud B, McGinn L, Cawthon E, Pankey A, Gandhi N, Carvajal C, Dayan S · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology · 2026
- Clinical and histological effects of topical epidermal growth factor on acne and acne scarsKim DH, Yang JH, Cho SI, Yoon JY, Kim JW, Choi S, Suh DH · Dermatology · 2022
- Instrumental in vivo assessment of cosmetic emulsions containing platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) or recombinant epidermal growth factor (EGF): a pilot compatibility studyWyganowska ML, Tyliszczak F, Marzec M, Klewin-Steinböck S, Nowak I · Pharmaceuticals · 2026
- The effect of a combination of recombinant EGF cosmetic serum and a crosslinked hyaluronic acid serum as compared to a fibroblast-conditioned media serum on the appearance of aging skinDraelos ZD · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology · 2016
- Cosmetic dermatology in pregnancy and lactation: a risk-benefit framework for clinical practiceKovacs T, et al. · International Journal of Dermatology · 2026
This page explains an ingredient. It is not medical advice, and it is not an assessment of any product. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a skin condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist.