Oligopeptide-1 is the INCI name for recombinant human Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) — a 53-amino acid polypeptide that stimulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. EGF was discovered by Stanley Cohen (Nobel Prize 1986) and is one of the most potent regenerative signals in the body. In skincare, it accelerates wound healing, stimulates collagen and elastin production, and promotes skin renewal. Popularized in K-Beauty for its transformative regenerative effects. Requires careful formulation to preserve protein stability.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Nobel Prize-winning regenerative signal (EGF)
+ Stimulates cell proliferation and renewal
+ Accelerates wound healing dramatically
+ Promotes collagen and elastin synthesis
+ Clinically proven for wound and burn healing
Pros
+ + Nobel Prize-validated biology
+ + Clinically proven regenerative effects
+ + Potent at very low concentrations
+ + Dramatic wound healing acceleration
+ + K-Beauty staple for skin renewal
Cons
− − Protein — requires careful cold-chain handling
− − Large molecule — penetration challenges
− − Expensive (recombinant biotech)
− − Short shelf life if not properly stabilized
− − Controversial in some regulatory frameworks
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Face, Eye, Body
Product Type
Leave-On
Source
Synthetic / Recombinant (biotech)
Natural Level
Synthetic
Safety Ratings
Metric
Rating
Skin Sensitivity
2/5
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
EWG Score
1/10
Regional Regulatory Limits
Region
Leave-on %
Rinse-off %
Status
EU (CosIng)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Japan (MHLW)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
ASEAN
No limit
No limit
Allowed
China (NMPA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Typical Usage % by Product Type
Product Type
Typical %
Serum / Ampoule
0.1 - 1 ppm
Moisturizer
0.05 - 0.5 ppm
References
Cohen S — EGF Nobel Lecture. Science (1986). PMID: 3529402
Brown GL et al. — EGF in wound healing. N Engl J Med (1989). PMID: 2671733
Kim JH et al. — EGF in cosmetic applications. Ann Dermatol (2016)