rh-Oligopeptide-1
rh-Oligopeptide-1 (also known as SH-Oligopeptide-1, Epidermal Growth Factor, or EGF) is a single-chain recombinant human peptide of up to 53 amino acids, produced by fermentation in E. coli from a synthesized gene identical to the human EGF gene. It is a medium-length amino acid sequence classified as a cell-communicating ingredient and cellular signal molecule. The protein may contain disulfide bonds and/or sugar residues and consists of the standard amino acid sequence.
EGF has well-established wound healing and skin renewal properties by directly stimulating the proliferation of epidermal cells. A 2012 clinical study on a serum containing bioengineered EGF showed statistically significant improvement in fine lines, skin texture, pore size, and dyschromatic conditions within the first month of use, with continued improvement over three months.
Because EGF stimulates cell proliferation, individuals with cancerous skin cells, a high skin cancer risk (e.g., many moles, excessive UV history), or psoriasis are advised to avoid EGF products, as it may accelerate abnormal cell growth. Penetration into skin may be limited without a specialized delivery system due to its medium size and polar nature. EGF is mitogenic but not mutagenic in healthy skin.
