Difference between sh-oligopeptide-1 EGF and glycine-histidine-lysine GHK in skin care

As an additive in skin care products, EGF is often confused with Glycine-histidine-lysine, so let's try to explain the difference between the two.

Sh-Oligopeptide-1 EGF is a famous molecule, also known as epidermal growth factor or EGF. Chemically speaking, growth factors are either large peptides or small proteins, or in other words, medium-length amino acid sequences (EGF consists of 53 amino acids). Biologically speaking, growth factors are cell signaling molecules that can stimulate cell growth, proliferation, healing or differentiation.

Sh-Oligopeptide-1 is a special substance in skin care because it was the first growth factor to enter the skin care field and the most common growth factor. American biochemist Stanley Cohen discovered EGF and won the Nobel Prize for it in 1986. As the Nobel Prize shows, this molecule is significant and powerful, directly stimulating epidermal cell proliferation.

When it comes to Sh-Oligopeptide-1 EGF in skin care, it has fairly established wound healing and skin renewal properties. It may even do more than that. According to a 2012 study of serums containing barley bioengineered epidermal growth factor, "clinical evaluations showed that fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, pore size, and various pigment abnormalities were significantly improved within the first month of use, and continued to improve during the study period (3 months). "

While the China National Drug Administration's "Frequently Asked Questions on Cosmetic Supervision and Management (I)" mentioned: Sh-oligopeptide-1, also known as Epidermal Growth Factor, is a "53 peptide" composed of 53 amino acids with a molecular weight of 6200 Dalton units. It is generally used more in the medical field, and its clinical indications are external use for the treatment of burns, trauma and surgical wound healing, and to accelerate the growth of transplanted epidermis. Due to its large molecular weight, Sh-Oligopeptide-1 is difficult to be absorbed under normal skin barrier conditions. Once the skin barrier function is incomplete, it may cause other potential safety issues. Based on effectiveness and safety considerations, EGF shall not be used as a cosmetic raw material.

Glycine-histidine-lysine is a synthetic peptide containing three amino acids: glycine, histidine, and lysine. Its sequence is GHK. Glycine-histidine-lysine can be directly absorbed by the human body without digestion. It has the characteristics of fast transport, low energy consumption, and not easy to saturate. Glycine-histidine-lysine is included in China's "Catalogue of Used Cosmetic Raw Materials" (2015 edition) and "Catalogue of Used Cosmetic Raw Materials" (2021 edition), and is generally used as a skin conditioner.

When it comes to Glycine-histidine-lysine in skin care, it has Moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, repair effect.  Glycine-histidine-lysine contains a large number of hydrophilic genes like amino, hydroxyl, carboxyl on the surface of the molecular stereostructure, and has extremely strong water-locking properties. It can make the skin soft and smooth, enhance skin elasticity, and improve fine wrinkles, while has a good repairing effect on human skin, etc.

In summary, although sh-oligopeptide-1 EGF and Glycine-histidine-lysine GHK are both used in skin care, Glycine-histidine-lysine is relatively safer and more effective than sh-oligopeptide-1 EGF. You can choose different products as needed.