[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":285},["ShallowReactive",2],{"ingredient-egf":3},{"id":4,"title":5,"body":6,"category":239,"commonProducts":240,"description":246,"extension":247,"icon":248,"inciName":31,"irritantReason":249,"isCommonIrritant":250,"keyFacts":251,"localNames":261,"meta":263,"navigation":264,"path":265,"relatedArticles":266,"seo":270,"severity":271,"slug":272,"stem":273,"subtitle":274,"symptoms":275,"synonyms":281,"__hash__":284},"ingredients/learn/ingredients/egf.md","EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor)",{"type":7,"value":8,"toc":230},"minimark",[9,14,26,37,41,44,47,75,79,119,122,160,163,167,200,204],[10,11,13],"h2",{"id":12},"what-is-egf","What is EGF?",[15,16,17,21,22,25],"p",{},[18,19,20],"strong",{},"Epidermal Growth Factor"," (EGF) is a natural signaling protein that was first discovered by Stanley Cohen in the 1960s — a discovery that earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1986. EGF is produced naturally by your body and plays a critical role in ",[18,23,24],{},"wound healing, cellular proliferation, and skin regeneration",". It binds to EGF receptors on skin cells and triggers them to divide, speeding up the turnover of damaged or aging skin.",[15,27,28,29,32,33,36],{},"Cosmetic EGF (usually listed as ",[18,30,31],{},"sh-Oligopeptide-1",", meaning synthetic human oligopeptide-1) is produced via recombinant biotechnology in yeast or bacteria to create a bioidentical version. It became famous in Korean skincare as a premium \"repair\" ingredient and has since entered global anti-aging lines. Its effects include ",[18,34,35],{},"improved wound healing, reduced scar formation, collagen stimulation, and measurable fine line reduction"," with consistent use.",[10,38,40],{"id":39},"why-is-egf-well-tolerated-but-controversial","Why is EGF well tolerated but controversial?",[15,42,43],{},"EGF has a generally good topical safety profile at cosmetic concentrations. Patch test data show rare cases of contact dermatitis. It doesn\\u2019t cause irritation, peeling, or sun sensitivity.",[15,45,46],{},"Several important caveats:",[48,49,50,57,63,69],"ul",{},[51,52,53,56],"li",{},[18,54,55],{},"Cell proliferation concern"," — Because EGF tells cells to divide, some dermatologists worry about its use in skin with pre-existing cancers or precancerous lesions. Users with a history of skin cancer should consult a dermatologist before using EGF products.",[51,58,59,62],{},[18,60,61],{},"Pregnancy"," — Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Most dermatologists recommend avoiding EGF during these periods out of caution.",[51,64,65,68],{},[18,66,67],{},"Stability"," — EGF is a delicate protein. Low-quality formulations may contain denatured (non-functional) EGF. Premium products often require refrigeration to maintain activity.",[51,70,71,74],{},[18,72,73],{},"Penetration debate"," — EGF is a relatively large molecule (53 amino acids). Whether it penetrates intact skin effectively enough to trigger receptors remains a scientific debate.",[10,76,78],{"id":77},"in-indian-products","In Indian products 🇮🇳",[15,80,81,82,85,86,85,89,92,93,96,97,100,101,85,104,85,107,110,111,114,115,118],{},"EGF is a newer but growing category in Indian skincare, mostly in premium and imported formulations. Products: ",[18,83,84],{},"Minimalist EGF Peptide Serum",", ",[18,87,88],{},"Foxtale EGF Serum",[18,90,91],{},"Re'equil EGF Serum",", and select offerings from ",[18,94,95],{},"Deconstruct"," and ",[18,98,99],{},"Dot & Key",". Imported Korean brands: ",[18,102,103],{},"Klairs",[18,105,106],{},"Mizon Peptide 500",[18,108,109],{},"Some By Mi Retinol Intensive Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream"," (with EGF), ",[18,112,113],{},"Dr. Ceuracle",", and ",[18,116,117],{},"Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 + Peptides",".",[15,120,121],{},"Indian-context use cases:",[48,123,124,130,136,142,148,154],{},[51,125,126,129],{},[18,127,128],{},"Post-procedure recovery"," — After microneedling, lasers, chemical peels at Indian dermatology clinics, EGF accelerates healing and reduces downtime.",[51,131,132,135],{},[18,133,134],{},"Acne scar remodeling"," — Used alongside microneedling and other acne scar treatments.",[51,137,138,141],{},[18,139,140],{},"Anti-aging for 40s and 50s"," — Users with more advanced photoaging benefit from EGF\\u2019s regenerative action.",[51,143,144,147],{},[18,145,146],{},"Skin barrier repair"," — Helps compromised skin recover from over-exfoliation or retinoid damage.",[51,149,150,153],{},[18,151,152],{},"Stretch mark treatment"," — Used alongside other scar-remodeling ingredients.",[51,155,156,159],{},[18,157,158],{},"Premium Korean beauty routines"," — Popular in Indian K-beauty enthusiast communities on Instagram and YouTube.",[15,161,162],{},"EGF serums in India range from ₹800–3500 depending on concentration and brand. Look for products that specify the EGF concentration and manufacturer (e.g., \"sh-Oligopeptide-1 from recombinant yeast\").",[10,164,166],{"id":165},"how-to-use-egf-well","How to use EGF well",[168,169,170,176,182,188,194],"ol",{},[51,171,172,175],{},[18,173,174],{},"Apply at night on clean skin"," — Maximize absorption into clean skin.",[51,177,178,181],{},[18,179,180],{},"Store as directed"," — Some premium products require refrigeration.",[51,183,184,187],{},[18,185,186],{},"Use consistently for 8–12 weeks"," — Regenerative effects are gradual.",[51,189,190,193],{},[18,191,192],{},"Avoid during pregnancy"," — Safety not established.",[51,195,196,199],{},[18,197,198],{},"Consult dermatologist if you have skin cancer history"," — Cell proliferation concern.",[10,201,203],{"id":202},"safer-alternatives","Safer alternatives",[48,205,206,212,218,224],{},[51,207,208,211],{},[18,209,210],{},"For pregnancy and breastfeeding",": Matrixyl and Argireline are clearer safety choices.",[51,213,214,217],{},[18,215,216],{},"For post-procedure recovery",": Copper peptides, centella asiatica, and panthenol are well-studied alternatives.",[51,219,220,223],{},[18,221,222],{},"For gentle anti-aging",": Matrixyl 3000 gives collagen stimulation without cell proliferation concerns.",[51,225,226,229],{},[18,227,228],{},"For wound healing",": Panthenol and allantoin are simpler, more established options.",{"title":231,"searchDepth":232,"depth":232,"links":233},"",2,[234,235,236,237,238],{"id":12,"depth":232,"text":13},{"id":39,"depth":232,"text":40},{"id":77,"depth":232,"text":78},{"id":165,"depth":232,"text":166},{"id":202,"depth":232,"text":203},"peptide",[241,242,243,244,245],"Post-procedure recovery serum","Premium anti-aging serum","Wound healing cream","Korean ampoule","Scar treatment","A growth factor protein that triggers skin cell proliferation and regeneration, used in premium anti-aging and post-procedure serums.","md","🧪",null,false,[252,255,258],{"label":253,"value":254},"Nobel Prize origin","EGF was discovered by Stanley Cohen in the 1960s, earning him the Nobel Prize in 1986",{"label":256,"value":257},"Cellular proliferation","EGF binds to receptors on skin cells and triggers them to divide, accelerating turnover and repair",{"label":259,"value":260},"Common concentration","0.001–0.01% in cosmetic serums (EGF is active at very low concentrations)",[262],"ईजीएफ",{},true,"/learn/ingredients/egf",[267],{"slug":268,"title":269},"/learn/reading-cosmetic-labels","How to Read Cosmetic Labels",{"title":5,"description":246},"low","egf","learn/ingredients/egf","A cellular signaling protein that accelerates skin regeneration and wound healing",[276,277,278,279,280],"Rare allergic reactions","Possible concern about cell proliferation in pre-existing skin cancers","No sun sensitivity","Pregnancy safety uncertain — check with doctor","Requires cold storage in some formulations",[31,20,282,283],"Human Oligopeptide-1","rh-EGF","I2Lh1y-TWQnX6UfrUqstOjicsmWh_onvMBxqBUvDpHk",1777530817747]