What it is
Sh-Oligopeptide-1 is a single-chain peptide whose amino acid sequence corresponds to human epidermal growth factor, produced through biotechnology (the "sh-" prefix denotes a synthetic peptide identical to a human sequence). In cosmetics it is used as a skin-conditioning ingredient and is a hallmark component of products marketed around the EGF concept. It is typically present at very low concentrations and is paired with stabilizing and barrier-supporting ingredients.
Safety & warnings
At the low levels used in cosmetics, sh-Oligopeptide-1 is generally well tolerated. Peptides of this type are large molecules and are not typically associated with irritation or comedogenicity. Note that cosmetic skin-conditioning use does not imply any drug or wound-healing effect.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic, produced by recombinant biotechnology. It is manufactured by engineered microorganisms or cell cultures rather than extracted from human or animal tissue, yielding a peptide that matches the human EGF sequence.
Questions everyone asks
Is this the same as EGF?
Its amino acid sequence matches human epidermal growth factor, and it is the ingredient behind products marketed around the EGF concept; it is made synthetically by biotechnology.
Is it derived from humans?
No. It is produced by recombinant biotechnology using engineered cells, not extracted from human tissue.