Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effects and adverse reactions of external skin care products containing epidermal growth factor (EGF) on physiological functions of sensitive skin. Methods First, 30 patients with sensitive skin received patch test to detect contact allergy. The external skin care products containing EGF were used twice a day for 28 days according to recommended dose (0.4-0.5 mL). A non-invasive skin test was done before the trial and on the day 7, 14, 21 and 28 during the trial to evaluate the physiological function of skin. The lactic acid, the recovery of skin lesions and safety of the product were evaluated at the same time. Results The results of 30 patch tests were positive. The water content of the stratum corneum and the oil content of the skin began to increase at 14 days after treatment, and the pH value decreased (P＜0.05). The transepidermal water loss (TEWL), lactic acid test and the skin lesion improvement score showed a decreasing trend at 21 d, 7 d and 7 d, respectively (P＜0.05). The positive rates showed a decreasing trend after 7d, 14 d, 21 d and 28 d treatment (P＜0.001). Seven subjects whose lactic acid stimulation test were still positive after 28 d included 2 cases of nickel (++ ), 2 cases of 1 tested item (+ ), 1 case of 4 tested items (+ ) and 2 cases of 5 tested items (+ ). The improvement rate of skin lesions showed an increasing trend (P=0.058). There were 2 cases with 5 tested items (+) and 2 cases with 4 tested items (+ ) in 4 subjects with no significant improvement in skin lesions for 28 days. No side effects occurred before and after treatment, and none of the patients fell off. Conclusion Skin care products containing oligopeptide-1 (EGF) are effective, safe and helpful for recovering the skin barrier function in patients with sensitive skin.

Key words: skin diseases, sensitivity, skin care, products, medical, epidermal growth factor