Sh-Oligopeptide 1 is a member of a group of peptides known as growth factors. Growth factors stimulate cell division, growth, and differentiation. In epithelial cells like we find in your skin EGF is tone of the keys to cell turnover and your skin cycle.
By the way, epithelial cells are cells designed to form a protective barrier over various organs including your dermis. Heat, light, sensations, irritants, gases and even pathogens must cross this boundary in order to effect your bodily organs. Epithelial cells come in several shapes like: cubes, columns, hair like, irregular and and "squamous" (flat) in your skin. These amazing protective barriers, (liker the epidermal layer on top of your dermis that forms what we call your "skin") can be just one cell thick around some organs or, like your epidermis, constructed of several layers.
When included as an ingredient in skincare products Sh-Oligopeptide-1, (Epidermal Growth Factor, or EGF) has been shown to accelerate wound healing and collagen production. It can also visibly reduce dark and brown spot, and even reduce acne breakouts by what is believed to be its contribution to the improvement of the epidermal barrier.