Skin & cosmetic
Oligopeptide-1
Epidermal Growth Factor, EGF, rh-Oligopeptide-1
Oligopeptide-1 is recombinant human epidermal growth factor used in skincare. Unlike most cosmetic "peptides" it is a full 53-amino-acid protein and a genuine growth factor.
Also known as: epidermal growth factor, rh-Oligopeptide-1, sh-Oligopeptide-1
- Status
- Oligopeptide-1 is used as a cosmetic or over-the-counter ingredient, not as an approved drug.
- Evidence
- Early human data. Only small or early-phase studies in people so far.
- Half-life
- Not applicable — acts locally in skin.
- How it's taken
- Topical, in a leave-on serum
- Mechanism
- Cosmetic / topical
How Oligopeptide-1 works
EGF binds the epidermal growth factor receptor on keratinocytes and fibroblasts, activating signalling that drives cell proliferation, migration and matrix production. The receptor and pathway are among the best-characterised in biology — EGFR is a major oncology drug target. In wound healing, topical EGF has an established role.
What research has looked at
- Topical EGF has genuine, well-documented efficacy in wound healing, including approved products for diabetic foot ulcers in some countries.
- The receptor biology is thoroughly characterised, unlike most cosmetic peptide claims.
- Cosmetic studies report improvements in skin texture and fine lines.
Evidence level: Early human data. Only small or early-phase studies in people so far. These are areas studied or reported, not promised effects.
Reported side effects and risks
- Its size — 53 amino acids, around 6 kDa — makes penetration of intact skin poor. Its established efficacy is in wounds, where the barrier is already breached; extrapolating to intact skin is not straightforward.
- EGFR signalling drives proliferation, and stimulating a growth-factor pathway on skin that may carry undetected pre-malignant cells is a theoretical concern that has not been resolved by long-term data.
- Cosmetic peptide claims are supported largely by manufacturer-funded studies with small numbers and short duration; independent replication is uncommon.
- It is unstable and requires careful formulation and storage; activity in a finished product is rarely verified.
- It is a cosmetic ingredient in this context, not a drug, and is not evaluated by the FDA for efficacy.
Sources
- PubMed research on topical EGF skin penetration wound healing · NIH · National Library of Medicine
- DrugBank record for epidermal growth factor · DrugBank
- Active clinical trials for epidermal growth factor · U.S. National Library of Medicine
Track Oligopeptide-1 in Peptide Vault
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Related compounds
Oligopeptide-1 FAQ
What is Oligopeptide-1?
Oligopeptide-1 is recombinant human epidermal growth factor used in skincare. Unlike most cosmetic "peptides" it is a full 53-amino-acid protein and a genuine growth factor.
How does Oligopeptide-1 work?
EGF binds the epidermal growth factor receptor on keratinocytes and fibroblasts, activating signalling that drives cell proliferation, migration and matrix production. The receptor and pathway are among the best-characterised in biology — EGFR is a major oncology drug target. In wound healing, topical EGF has an established role.
Is Oligopeptide-1 FDA approved?
No. Oligopeptide-1 is used as a cosmetic or over-the-counter ingredient, not as an approved drug. Evidence level: early human data. Only small or early-phase studies in people so far.
What is the half-life of Oligopeptide-1?
Reported half-life: Not applicable — acts locally in skin.
How is Oligopeptide-1 taken?
Topical, in a leave-on serum.
What side effects have been reported with Oligopeptide-1?
Reported in the sources: Its size — 53 amino acids, around 6 kDa — makes penetration of intact skin poor. Its established efficacy is in wounds, where the barrier is already breached; extrapolating to intact skin is not straightforward; EGFR signalling drives proliferation, and stimulating a growth-factor pathway on skin that may carry undetected pre-malignant cells is a theoretical concern that has not been resolved by long-term data; Cosmetic peptide claims are supported largely by manufacturer-funded studies with small numbers and short duration; independent replication is uncommon; It is unstable and requires careful formulation and storage; activity in a finished product is rarely verified; It is a cosmetic ingredient in this context, not a drug, and is not evaluated by the FDA for efficacy.
Educational summary compiled from the sources listed above. Not medical advice. Peptide Vault does not sell, source or recommend any compound. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting or changing anything.