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3 Skinceuticals Review
- BioEffect EGF
Bioeffect EGF Serum is an anti-aging serum that is claimed to significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increase skin thickness and density, and restore your skin’s youthful radiance.
The serum was developed by Icelandic company Bioeffect, a company founded by three scientists after they discovered a way to bioengineer a plant-based human replica of EGF in barley plants. Not sure what EGF is? Don’t worry, we’ll explain this and other key Bioeffect EGF Serum ingredients below.
What are the key Bioeffect EGF Serum ingredients?
One thing you may appreciate about the Bioeffect EGF Serum is the minimalist formula. In fact, there are only seven Bioeffect EGF Serum ingredients: glycerin, water, sodium hyaluronate, tromethamine, sodium chloride, barley seed extract, and EGF (Barley SH-Oligopeptide-1).
The formula contains no fragrance, alcohol, oil, or preservatives. It’s a gentle formula with a limited number of ingredients, so it’s less likely to irritate skin. Often skincare products include a large number of ingredients just to make the label more impressive. However, you end up with a lot of ingredients that could be allergens. We prefer fewer ingredients. It’s all about quality over quantity. And this formula does not disappoint.
The key ingredient (which is also the lowest concentration ingredient) is EGF, also known as epidermal growth factor. The function of all growth factors is to communicate with cells, sending messages to repair, rejuvenate, grow, etc. EGF is one of the most important growth factors for skin because it helps to increase production of collagen and elastin to maintain healthy, dense and youthful skin.
Collagen is responsible for keeping the skin strong and firm, and also plays an important role in wound healing. It can be found in the skin’s extracellular matrix (ECM), along with other important proteins like elastin. Collagen works together with elastin, which provides bounce and allows skin to return back to normal when moved. Your body produces less collagen as you age, and existing collagen breaks down at a faster age. This process begins early 30s and speeds up in your late 40s.
While a baby’s skin is thick and plump thanks to copious amounts of EGF, the body produces less and less EGF with age, which is one reason skin starts to sag and fine lines and wrinkles appear. In fact, skin density thins by one percent each year after we turn twenty. This is why topical application of EGF can help. Bioeffect EGF Serum can help replenish the body’s own natural supply of EGF and rejuvenate skin cells, thus helping to slow the aging process.
There are several EGF skin care products on the market now, but Bioeffect EGF Serum is unique because it is the world’s first plant-based EGF. Before discovering how to obtain EGF from plant sources, EGF was grown in bacteria, which poses a risk of endotoxins, or extracted from human or animal cells, which presents ethical, moral, and legal issues. Thus, producing EGF in barley results in an ingredient that is safer, purer, and more stable.
Additional Bioeffect EGF Serum ingredients that can benefit the skin include glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, which are both humectants.
A humectant is a hygroscopic substance that has a molecular structure with several hydrophilic (water loving) groups. These groups hydrogen bond with water, essentially “grabbing” it and holding it on the skin.
Humectants pull water from the dermis to the epidermis and stratum corneum. In addition, humectants can draw water vapor from the air to help moisturize the skin if the humidity is over 50 percent.
Sodium hyaluronate is unique because it is able to hold more water than any other natural substance—up to 1,000 times its weight in water! Sodium hyaluronate can help naturally reduce signs of aging by decreasing epidermal water loss associated with sun exposure, low humidity, and other external factors associated with skin dryness.
It’s also a gentle ingredient that most skin types can tolerate well.
It has a high concentration of Glycerine, which makes a hydrating base for the formula. No amount of Sodium hyaluronate will make the skin feel hydrated without Glycerine, and this formula lists Glycerine as the first ingredient.
Lastly, sodium hyaluronate has been proven to have a protective effect on collagen synthesis.
BEST ALTERNATIVE: Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum. It contains 7 peptides for smoother, firmer looking skin.
How to use Bioeffect EGF Serum
Apply 2 to 4 drops of Bioeffect EGF Serum to the face and neck on clean skin every night. It is not recommended to use another skin care product on top of Bioeffect EGF Serum.
Where is Bioeffect EGF Serum sold?
Bioeffect EGF Serum is sold on the brand’s website, as well as numerous third party online sellers such as Sephora, Amazon, and more. You can also use the store locator on the brand’s website to find a retail location near you that sells Bioeffect EGF Serum.
Is Bioeffect cruelty free?
Bioeffect is not cruelty free because the brand sells their products in mainland China, where animal testing is required by law.
What Are The Best Alternatives?
If you’re looking for skincare products to address the signs of aging, we recommend Carrot & Stick. Carrot & Stick maximizes the use of powerful ingredients and minimizes the use of superficial ones, resulting in advanced skincare solutions that help promote healthy, more youthful-looking skin.