Sr-Horse Oligopeptide-1: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 30, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Sr-Horse Oligopeptide-1?

Sr-Horse Oligopeptide-1 is a lab made short chain of amino acids that mimics a portion of horse epidermal growth factor, a natural protein found in horse skin that signals cells to renew and repair themselves. Researchers first explored animal sourced growth factors for wound care in the late 20th century, then moved to bioengineered versions to avoid animal extraction and to create cleaner, repeatable results. Today cosmetic chemists insert the gene that codes for the horse EGF fragment into harmless bacteria or yeast. These microorganisms grow in stainless-steel tanks, churn out the peptide, and are later filtered and purified to cosmetic grade. Once isolated, the ingredient is blended into water based formulations where it stays active and stable.

You will most often spot Sr-Horse Oligopeptide-1 in lightweight serums, sheet masks, anti aging creams, overnight repair balms, spot treatments aimed at post breakout marks and hydrogels designed to calm freshly exfoliated skin.

Sr-Horse Oligopeptide-1’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In skin care formulas Sr-Horse Oligopeptide-1 is classified as a skin protecting agent. By supporting the skin’s natural barrier it helps hold moisture, shields against everyday irritants like pollution and friction, soothes the look of redness after sun or shaving and encourages a smoother surface over time.

Who Can Use Sr-Horse Oligopeptide-1

Sr-Horse Oligopeptide-1 is gentle enough for dry, normal, combination and oily skin. Its barrier supporting action can be especially helpful for sensitive or mature skin that struggles with rough texture or tightness. There are no known reasons to avoid it if you have acne prone skin since the peptide is water based and non greasy. The only group that may want to proceed with extra care is anyone with a known allergy to ferment derived ingredients because the peptide is grown in yeast or bacteria.

The peptide itself is produced through biofermentation so no animal tissue is used in the final ingredient. That makes formulas containing Sr-Horse Oligopeptide-1 suitable for vegans and vegetarians as long as the rest of the product is also free from animal sourced materials such as beeswax or lanolin.

Current research has not flagged any specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when this peptide is applied to skin. Still this is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should run any new skincare product past their doctor just to be safe.

Sr-Horse Oligopeptide-1 does not increase photosensitivity so you can use it morning or night. Normal sun protection habits still apply. No special storage conditions are needed beyond keeping the product tightly closed and away from extreme heat.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects and reactions to topical Sr-Horse Oligopeptide-1 vary from person to person. The points below list potential but uncommon issues. When the ingredient is formulated and conserved correctly most users will not notice any problems.

  • Mild redness or warmth
  • Temporary tingling on freshly exfoliated or shaved skin
  • Rare allergic response such as itching or swelling in those sensitive to ferment byproducts
  • Breakout flare if used in an overly rich cream on skin already prone to clogged pores

If you notice irritation stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0/5 – Non-comedogenic. Sr-Horse Oligopeptide-1 is a small water soluble peptide that absorbs quickly without leaving an oily film or heavy residue that could block pores. It is used at low percentages and is typically delivered in lightweight bases, giving it virtually no capacity to trigger blackheads or whiteheads.

Because of this, the ingredient is considered suitable for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts.

No evidence links it to fungal acne flare-ups, and it plays well with common blemish fighters such as salicylic acid or niacinamide.

Summary

Sr-Horse Oligopeptide-1 is a bioengineered growth factor fragment that helps skin lock in moisture, fortify its protective barrier and soften rough texture. By signaling cells to renew more efficiently it gradually improves comfort, firmness and tone while offering a soothing shield against daily stress.

The peptide is not yet a household name like retinol or vitamin C, yet interest is growing among K-beauty and barrier-repair lines that favor gentle science-backed actives.

Overall safety is high, with only isolated reports of mild irritation in people sensitive to fermentation byproducts. Still, it is wise to patch test any new product so you can confirm personal compatibility before applying it to your whole face.

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