Common Name(s): Rhkgf,keratinocyte growth factor,fgf-7
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides keratinocyte-specific growth factor stimulation for barrier repair and wound healing.
Why It's Used: Keratinocyte-selective growth factor — kgf selectively stimulates keratinocytes (not fibroblasts), providing targeted epithelial repair for barrier restoration without driving dermal fibroplasia.
How It Works: Binds fgfr2b receptor expressed specifically on keratinocytes (not fibroblasts). stimulates keratinocyte migration, proliferation, and differentiation. upregulates involucrin, filaggrin, and loricrin for barrier protein synthesis. more keratinocyte-selective vs egf (which stimulates both keratinocytes and fibroblasts).
Typically Found In: Barrier repair products,wound healing,post-procedure recovery
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – recombinant kgf
Secondary Functions: Cell renewal,collagen stimulation,wound healing
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.0001%–0.01%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes – recombinant
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Biotechnology-produced (recombinant or conditioned media).
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile at cosmetic concentrations. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Hyaluronic acid,ceramides,peptides,antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: Avoid with harsh ahas that may denature protein structure
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Kgf's fgfr2b receptor selectivity is clinically exploited in wound healing: by stimulating only keratinocyte (epithelial) growth without fibroblast stimulation, kgf accelerates wound re-epithelialisation without increasing the risk of hypertrophic scarring that excessive fibroblast activation (from egf) can cause. pharmaceutical kgf (palifermin) is fda-approved for preventing oral mucositis, validating the keratinocyte selectivity mechanism.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,rubin et al. kgf wound healing review