KGF sh-Polypeptide-3 Solution

What KGF solution is

KGF stands for keratinocyte growth factor, a signaling protein that the body uses to coordinate the growth and renewal of skin cells and of the cells around hair follicles. This solution carries a bioengineered form of it, listed in cosmetics under the INCI name sh-Polypeptide-3. It is used in high-end skin care to support skin renewal and a smoother texture, and in scalp, lash and nail products aimed at a thicker, fuller look. KGF is often combined with other growth factors such as EGF in advanced serums.

It sits with the biotech liquids in our peptide solutions section, next to epidermal growth factor EGF, its most common partner in growth factor serums.

Composition and label INCI

The INCI is Water, Ammonium Sulfate, sH-Polypeptide-3. The KGF concentration is 0.016%, or 160 mg/kg, in an ammonium sulfate buffer that keeps the protein stable. The CAS numbers are 148348-15-6 for sh-Polypeptide-3, 7732-18-5 for water and 7783-20-2 for ammonium sulfate. The solution is colorless and may show a few white specks that settle at the bottom; mix the pack gently before weighing.

What it does in skin care

In skin care, KGF is used to support the skin's own renewal, which supports the production of hyaluronan and collagen and a stronger barrier. Products built around it target wrinkles, fine lines, texture and elasticity, and help skin recover its comfort faster after salon peels and microdermabrasion. In scalp and lash serums it is used for denser, thicker looking hair. sh-Polypeptide-3 is allowed in cosmetics as a skin conditioner in the US, the EU, Canada, Japan and China.

How to use it

Add it to the water phase in a cold process, or during cool-down after the emulsion has formed and cooled to 40 °C or lower. Mix lightly and avoid high-shear mixing, which can damage the protein. Avoid extremes of pH and avoid alcohol in the same formula. Because KGF supports cell renewal, finished products should be meant for intact skin only.

Pairing ideas

Pair KGF with EGF and copper peptides in a growth factor serum, or with hyaluronic acid and panthenol in a leave-on cosmetic use serum. In scalp serums it combines well with peptide actives such as Redensyl and with caffeine. Use a gentle preservative system and a pH close to skin, around 5.5 to 6.5.

Handling a protein active

Growth factors are larger and more delicate than short peptides. Weigh KGF last, into the cooled batch, and stir by hand or with a low speed overhead mixer. Keep it away from strong surfactants, high alcohol and metal ions in the same phase.

Bench example: growth factor leave-on cosmetic use serum

This 100 g bench batch shows one way to use the material. Weigh 89.95 g distilled water, 4 g glycerin and 0.3 g sodium hyaluronate, and let the hyaluronate hydrate fully. Stir in 2 g propanediol, 1 g panthenol and 0.5 g hydroxyethylcellulose and mix until smooth. At room temperature, add 0.25 g KGF solution with gentle stirring only, followed by 1 g broad-spectrum preservative used at its supplier rate and 1 g water used to rinse the weighing cup. Check that the pH sits between 5.5 and 6.5 and fill into airless pumps.

Where it fits in a product line

KGF suits premium ampoules, post-peel leave-on cosmetic use serums, scalp tonics, lash and brow serums and nail serums.

Storage

Keep the container tightly closed, cool and away from light, and follow the storage conditions on the lot paperwork. Mix gently before use and close the pack quickly after each use. For cosmetic formulation use only.