What is EGF, what does it do for skin, and what are its benefits in skincare? What separates BIOEFFECT EGF from other EGF? Here’s everything you need to know – and then some more!

What is EGF, and what is its role in skin?

EGF, or Epidermal Growth Factor, is a certain type of a signaling protein which naturally occurrs in the skin. It plays a vital role in skin health, vitality, and appearance as it affects our natural production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, contributing to skin firmness, density, and moisture levels.

EGF is most commonly found in the dermis layer of the skin, where it communicates with cells; sending messages to repair and rejuvenate. From birth until adulthood, our bodies naturally produce the skin-replenishing signaling proteins. However, the natural production of growth factors starts to decrease when we reach maturity, and already in our twenties the decline is rapidly accelerating. During menopause the depletion has become significant.  As a result, cell turnover and repair slow, eventually affecting our appearance – skin starts to sag and fine lines and wrinkles start to appear. To combat these visible signs of skin ageing, our scientists developed a method to bioengineer a plant-based EGF and use as a skincare ingredient.

What is BIOEFFECT Barley EGF?

The majority of manufactured EGF available in the world is produced via bacteria (often E. Coli), yeast, or human/animal cells. In that process a certain biproduct, endotoxin, is synthesised. Endotoxins can have harmful effects on the human body and cause irritative skin reactions as well as inhibit the skins natural healing process.

At BIOEFFECT, we have used cutting-edge biotechnology to bioengineer a plant-based replica of EGF. The purely plant-based origin is what makes our EGF unlike most other growth factors out there.

BIOEFFECT scientists developed a method to produce a EGF in barley plants for an unparalleled level of purity, stability, sustainability, and efficacy. As BIOEFFECT EGF is produced in a plant it is therefore free of harmful bi-products and remains pure, clean, and effective – making it the perfect choice for clean and healthy skincare.

How is EGF used in skincare, and how does it work?

In BIOEFFECT skincare products, EGF is used as an active ingredient to combat the visible effects of natural growth factor reduction in skin. As evident in our efficacy studies, topically applied BIOEFFECT EGF skincare products have been shown to reduce appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, improve skin texture, and boost hydration levels.

BIOEFFECT EGF can also help regulate moisture levels within skin by boosting production of hyaluronic acid, enhancing moisture retention, and helping prevent dehydration for a healthier looking complexion.

Proven results of a BIOEFFECT EGF skincare regimen.

Plant-based EGF, produced in barley, is our signature ingredient featured in our skincare range. We pride ourselves on the proven effect of our EGF skincare regimen. Results of countless in-house efficacy studies clearly show that topical application of BIOEFFECT EGF has a powerful and positive effect on the skin’s appearance – boosting hydration, improving visible skin elasticity, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It has even been shown to help support skin’s natural collagen production to keep it looking smooth, healthy, dense, and youthful.

About the production of BIOEFFECT EGF in barley.

Why barley?

The main reason we have chosen barley to host our plant-based EGF are its stability, self-pollinating abilities, and the fact it has to be cultivated to grow. The barley plant is a closed biological and ecological system, making it a stable choice. Here, you can read more about our choice to use the barley plant. 

Grown in ecologically engineered greenhouse in Iceland.

Our signature barley plants, in which we bioengineer our growth factors, are grown in our own high-tech, eco-friendly greenhouse in Iceland. The ecologically engineered greenhouse is located in a black lava field in the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark. It features a hydroponic system with no soil. There, the barley plants are grown in inert volcanic pumice, minimising the risk of possible contamination, and watered with pure Icelandic water enriched with nutrients.

In Iceland, most of the electricity is provided by local, renewable energy sources, primarily hydropower and geothermal power. This allows us to use sustainable and so-called green electricity throughout our production. Our very own greenhouse in Iceland is, of course, powered by Iceland’s geothermal and renewable energy.

A rich source of proteins, vitamins, and actives.

We strive for optimisation and sustainability. This is why we have set out to fully utilise our barley plants; optimising our protein purification to harvest as must protein as possible as well as extracting unique proteins, vitamins, and other actives from the barley plant itself.

Watered with pure, Icelandic water.

BIOEFFECT is an Icelandic brand. We believe in harnessing the natural resources Iceland has to offer as much as we responsibly can, which is why we utilise pure Icelandic water in our production. Water is one of Iceland's purest and most abundant natural resources. Over time, Icelandic water is geologically filtered through layers of inert volcanic lava. This natural purification process delivers clean water; unpolluted, unspoiled, and in no need for any chemical purification. Icelandic water is soft, meaning it has a low concentration of hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium – making it less likely to dry or irritate skin. This is the water we use to water the barley plants at our hydroponic greenhouse, and as an ingredient in our products to ensure the purest formulation.

Which other skincare ingredients work well with BIOEFFECT Barley EGF?

We aim to use as few ingredients as possible and only those our skin can truly understand, as evident in our product range which contains as few as 7 to 23 ingredients per product.

We have a very good understanding and knowledge of what ingredients complement and work well together while also working in synergy with the EGF and other growth factors in our products. When choosing ingredients our main priority is that the growth factors remain potent and active throughout the lifetime of each product. We refrain from using ingredients that have been shown to change the structure of the growth factors, decrease their efficacy, or become problematic when in contact with them (some oils, alcohols, etc.).

Conclusion: The benefits of BIOEFFECT EGF skincare.

If you're looking for an easy way to add this powerful ingredient into your skincare routine, then look no further than BIOEFFECT EGF products! With regular use you'll be able to enjoy all the amazing benefits that come from having healthy looking – and healthy feeling – skin.

Our amazing EGF Serum Value Set features a selection of our bestselling EGF products. Ideal for those wanting to try a variety of EGF skincare, or fans looking to restock on some of their favourites. Whatever the case, EGF Serum Value Set is a fan favourite sure to suit every skincare enthusiast out there, looking for real and profound results!

Top tip to enhance results of BIOEFFECT EGF skincare.

Our EGF can do its best work in a moisture-rich environment, meaning it is most effective when skin is hydrated. Moisture supercharges the EGF so it better absorbs into skin, improving its efficacy. This is why we always recommend pairing your EGF skincare products with either the EGF Essence – featured in our EGF Serum Value Set – or Imprinting Hydrogel Mask maximising the benefits and results.