A to Z / Cosmetic / skin

EGF

Also known as Epidermal Growth Factor, sh-Oligopeptide-1, rh-EGF.

Best known for The luxury skincare growth factor with an unresolved safety debate

Evidence★★☆☆☆

Safety dataPoorly characterised

Route Topical

United StatesCosmetic status varies

AustraliaSchedule 7 (Dangerous Poison), except in preparations for human therapeutic use; Appendix G and Appendix J controls

as at 16 September 2026

What it is

Epidermal Growth Factor is a 53-amino-acid protein that signals skin cells to divide and migrate. It is a true growth factor, a Nobel Prize-winning discovery, used in some medical wound products and in high-end skincare, with some human topical data.

Unlike the cosmetic peptides in this book, EGF is a signalling protein that instructs cells to proliferate. That distinction shapes the whole safety discussion.

What the full entry covers

The book carries the rest of this entry:

Where the research stands, with every claim cited
What people commonly ask, and what the research shows so far
Dosing in four labelled bands, described and not recommended
Side effects, serious risks, cautions and interactions
Questions to discuss with your doctor
How it compares with GHK-Cu, Matrixyl, Argireline, IGF-1 LR3

Related entries

GHK-CuSkin renewal and collagen support · Evidence ★★☆☆☆
MatrixylOne of the best-evidenced cosmetic peptides · Evidence ★★★☆☆
ArgirelineThe expression-line peptide often called "topical Botox" · Evidence ★★★☆☆
IGF-1 LR3The long-acting IGF-1 with a serious risk profile · Evidence ★☆☆☆☆

A certificate of analysis tells you what is in a vial. The evidence rating above tells you whether the compound has been shown to work in humans. Neither answers the other's question. How to read a certificate of analysis.

This page describes what is known and not known about EGF. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use it.