Modeled on a genuine wound healing signaling protein
Marketed for skin regeneration claims
Used at very low concentrations
Part of a broader growth factor category of ingredients
Oligopeptide-1 Description
Oligopeptide 1 is a synthetic peptide engineered to replicate human epidermal growth factor, a signaling protein that binds receptors on skin cells to stimulate proliferation and migration, biology that is well established in genuine wound healing research using pharmaceutical grade recombinant EGF at much higher doses than any cosmetic product uses.
The cosmetic version is marketed as replicating this activity topically at very low concentrations. A directly relevant, independent peer reviewed paper examining cosmetic trials of this exact peptide concluded the clinical studies behind it have no established scientific basis, that the preclinical activity of the molecule has not been proven, and that it is not functionally equivalent to genuine human EGF despite how it is often marketed.
Oligopeptide-1 References
Topical application of sh oligopeptide 1 and clinical trials with cosmetic preparations, risk or fraud, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023
Peptides stimulating synthesis of extracellular matrix used in anti ageing cosmetics, are they clinically tested, a systematic review, Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 2019
Our team reviews ingredient research and uses up-to-date evidence to rate ingredients based on the categories below.
Best
Ingredients with the most rigorous and convincing evidence. These are the standouts backed by consistent findings across independent, peer reviewed clinical research.. When we call an ingredient Best, it has earned that distinction through genuine, reproducible proof that it improves skin.
Good
Reliable, well tolerated ingredients that do their job without complaint. They may not carry the headline benefits of a Best rated active, but they hydrate, stabilize a formula, or support the ingredients around them in ways that make a real difference in how a product performs and feels.
Average
Ingredients that are perfectly safe and serve a clear function, typically as an emollient, thickener, or filler, but do not offer any meaningful skin benefit beyond that basic job. Not a red flag, just not a reason to choose one product over another.
Bad/Worst
Ingredients with documented potential to irritate skin, disrupt the barrier, or trigger sensitization in some users, often synthetic fragrance, drying forms of alcohol, or certain essential oils. Not automatically a dealbreaker for every skin type, but worth knowing about before you commit to a product.
