Ingredient
SH-Polypeptide-1
SH-Polypeptide-1 is flagged for pregnancy. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- Oligopeptide-1
- rh-Oligopeptide-1
- Recombinant Human Oligopeptide-1
- EGF
- Epidermal Growth Factor
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Caution Advised
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 1 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 1 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
SH-Polypeptide-1 and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
SH-Polypeptide-1, also known as Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), is a cell-signaling peptide that promotes cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. In cosmetics, it's used for its wound-healing and anti-aging properties. EGF is naturally present in the human body and plays crucial roles in normal development. While topical EGF has limited skin penetration due to its large molecular size, specific safety data for pregnancy is lacking. The theoretical concern is that growth factors could potentially affect fetal cell development if they were to reach systemic circulation, though this is unlikely with topical application. Some dermatologists advise caution with growth factor products during pregnancy simply because they haven't been adequately studied in pregnant populations, following the general principle of minimizing exposure to ingredients that directly affect cell signaling during fetal development. There are no official guidelines from ACOG or FDA specifically addressing topical EGF in pregnancy. Many dermatologists take a conservative approach and suggest postponing growth factor products until after pregnancy, not because of known harm but due to insufficient safety data combined with the ingredient's cell-proliferative mechanism. Women concerned about this can use other peptides with better-established pregnancy safety profiles.
SH-Polypeptide-1 and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
SH-Polypeptide-1 (EGF) is a large peptide molecule used in skincare for its cell-communicating and skin-repair properties. Peptides generally have poor skin penetration and minimal systemic absorption. Due to its large molecular size and protein structure, topical EGF is highly unlikely to penetrate through skin layers and into the bloodstream in meaningful amounts. Even if minimal absorption occurred, EGF is a naturally occurring protein in the body, and the small additional exposure from cosmetics would be negligible. No concerns about EGF passing into breast milk have been raised in medical literature. Most dermatologists consider topical peptides, including growth factors, safe for use during breastfeeding. The AAD does not list EGF as a concern for breastfeeding mothers. Standard precaution of avoiding direct application to breast and nipple area before breastfeeding applies to any cosmetic product.
SH-Polypeptide-1 and postpartum
Safe to Use
SH-Polypeptide-1 (EGF) is a cell-signaling ingredient that promotes skin repair and regeneration. These properties make it potentially beneficial for postpartum skin recovery, including stretch marks and loss of elasticity. For postpartum women not breastfeeding, EGF products can safely be used and may actually provide benefits for skin healing and improvement of pregnancy-related skin changes. Studies on EGF in wound healing and skin rejuvenation show positive effects on collagen production and skin texture.
SH-Polypeptide-1 and trying to conceive
Safe to Use
SH-Polypeptide-1 (EGF) is a topical skincare ingredient with minimal systemic absorption. It has no known effects on fertility or reproductive function. While some women trying to conceive choose to adopt pregnancy precautions early, the concern about growth factors during pregnancy relates to fetal development, not conception. Topical EGF would not affect ovulation, implantation, or early embryo development. Women who become pregnant while using EGF products can simply discontinue use at that point if they prefer a conservative approach.
SH-Polypeptide-1 and PCOS
Safe to Use
SH-Polypeptide-1 (EGF) is a cell-communicating ingredient that promotes skin healing and repair. It has no hormonal activity and does not affect endocrine function. There is no relationship between topical EGF and PCOS or hormonal balance. EGF works through cell signaling pathways that are distinct from hormonal systems. It does not affect androgens, insulin, or other hormones relevant to PCOS. Women with PCOS can safely use products containing EGF. The wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties may actually benefit acne and skin inflammation often associated with PCOS. Some research suggests growth factors can help with acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
SH-Polypeptide-1 and general use
Safe to Use
SH-Polypeptide-1, also called Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), is a protein naturally produced by the body that plays a key role in cell growth, healing, and skin renewal. In cosmetics, it's typically produced through recombinant technology and used for anti-aging, wound healing, and improving skin texture and tone. The main theoretical concern about EGF in skincare relates to cancer risk, as growth factors promote cell proliferation. However, the scientific consensus based on current evidence is that topical EGF in cosmetics does not pose cancer risk for several reasons: (1) EGF molecules are too large to penetrate deeply into skin or reach systemic circulation, (2) studies show EGF remains in the epidermis and doesn't accumulate, and (3) numerous clinical studies on topical EGF products have not shown increased cancer risk. The CIR reviewed growth factor peptides and concluded they're safe for cosmetic use. Topical EGF products have been used extensively in South Korea and increasingly worldwide for over a decade with good safety records. The ingredient is approved in EU, US, and Korean cosmetics. Some dermatologists recommend avoiding EGF products for individuals with active skin cancer or strong family history of skin cancer as a precautionary measure, though this is based on theoretical concerns rather than documented cases.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of SH-Polypeptide-1, each one with its own page here.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
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A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.
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