Sh-Oligopeptide-1 or rh-Oligopeptide-1 — (See Growth Factors) is also called Epidermal Growth Factor or EGF. EGF is a special snowflake when it comes to skincare as the molecule directly stimulates the proliferation of epidermal cells. It was the first Growth Factor that made its way into cosmetic products and Stanley Cohen was awarded a Noble prize in 1986 for it. Sh-Oligopeptide-1 has well-established wound healing and skin renewal properties. It might even do more than that. According to a 2012 study on a serum containing barley bioengineered epidermal growth factor, "clinical evaluations showed statistically significant improvement in the appearance of fine lines and rhytids, skin texture, pore size, and various dyschromatic conditions apparent within the first month of use, and continuing improvement trends for the duration of the study" (which was 3 months).