Direct Answer
Oligopeptide-1 is the cosmetic INCI name for human epidermal growth factor (EGF), a signaling protein used in some topical skincare products. Human and review evidence describes effects on skin thickness and appearance, but a systematic review cautions that controlled evidence remains limited.
Summary Table
Evidence Level
High
Key Information
Classification
Key Takeaways
- Oligopeptide-1 is the cosmetic name for epidermal growth factor (EGF)
- A human study reported increased skin thickness; a review reported aesthetic benefits
- A systematic review cautioned that controlled evidence remains limited
Scientific Overview
In Plain English
Oligopeptide-1 is the cosmetic name for EGF (epidermal growth factor), a natural signaling protein included in some skincare products. A human study found topical EGF thickened skin and reduced easy-bruising lesions in older skin, and a review reported aesthetic benefits, but that review noted the controlled evidence is not yet strong.
Scientific Details
Oligopeptide-1 (epidermal growth factor, EGF) is a growth-factor protein used topically in some cosmetics. A human study of topical human EGF reported mean skin thickening (about 195 micrometers over 6 weeks) and a reduction in purpuric lesions in aging skin. A systematic review of EGF in aesthetics reported support for skin regeneration and aging appearance but cautioned that uncontrolled or randomized trials abound and do not represent enough evidence to establish its value.
How It Works
EGF is a growth-factor protein; research associates it with keratinocyte and fibroblast signaling relevant to skin renewal. Topical human studies report effects on skin thickness, while review literature notes that controlled clinical evidence remains limited.
Mechanism of Action
Growth-factor signaling
human
Research associates EGF with keratinocyte and fibroblast signaling relevant to skin renewal and thickness.
Evidence Level
Human Evidence
A human study reported topical EGF increased skin thickness and reduced purpuric lesions in aging skin; a systematic review reported aesthetic benefits with a caveat of limited controlled evidence.
Limitations
A systematic review explicitly noted that controlled and randomized evidence is insufficient to establish its value; results vary by formulation and population.
References
- Topical Human Epidermal Growth Factor in the Treatment of Senile Purpura and the Prevention of Dermatoporosis. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.Human StudyPMID: 26461827 →
- Epidermal Growth Factor in Aesthetics and Regenerative Medicine: Systematic Review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery.Reviewdoi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_25_20 →
Alternative Names
- Epidermal Growth Factor
- EGF
- rhEGF
- sh-Oligopeptide-1
Claim Boundaries
ION BLUE is an educational research aggregator. This content summarizes published scientific literature. It is not medically reviewed, is not medical advice, and is not a recommendation to use any substance. Several peptides discussed are research chemicals not approved for human use. Consult a licensed healthcare provider. Cited review notes controlled evidence is limited; this entry is not a recommendation to use topical EGF for any purpose.
This page summarizes published research and is for informational purposes only; it is not medical advice.