Frequently Asked Questions

When we are born – and our skin is soft, smooth, plump, and healthy – we have copious amounts of EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) proteins that signal cells in relation to repair and rejuvenation. They are vital for maintaining healthy, youthful skin functions like the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid that help keep skin thick, dense, smooth, and firm. By the time we are in our 20's, the natural production of EGF is already starting to decrease. This decrease significantly contributes to slower cell turnover and repair, eventually affecting our skin's youthful appearance – skin starts to sag, and fine lines and wrinkles appear. 

From birth until adulthood, our body produces copious amounts of growth factor proteins that are the “messengers” for our cells. There are many different types of growth factors that can be found at the surface level of our skin (the epidermal layer) through to the deeper dermis layer. EGF is one of the most important growth factor proteins for youthful, healthy skin, helping to support the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, while maintaining smooth, thick, and dense skin.

By the time we are in our 20's, the natural production of EGF in our skin is already starting to decrease. As a result, cell turnover and repair slow, eventually affecting our skin's youthful appearance. Skin starts to sag, become thinner, drier, and fine lines and wrinkles appear. 

To help combat the visible ageing effects from the loss of the EGF found in our skin naturally, BIOEFFECT scientists invented a way to produce a plant-based EGF in barley. Our Barley EGF is a sustainable, renewable ingredient produced in our ecologically-engineered greenhouse powered by geothermal energy. Barley EGF is a moisture-binding, skin-rejuvenating, and signaling protein, which helps support the skin’s natural collagen production and is essential for keeping skin looking smooth, healthy, and youthful.

EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) is a signaling protein that is vital for maintaining healthy, youthful skin functions like the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid to help keep skin thick, dense, smooth, and firm. But scientists have found that the natural levels of EGF in the skin diminish as we age.

At BIOEFFECT, we believe EGF is so important for healthy, youthful-looking skin, that our scientists spent decades researching a way to produce a plant-based EGF in barley to help combat the visible effects from the loss of the EGF found in our skin naturally. Among its many benefits, our Barley EGF significantly boosts skin hydration, helping to support the skin’s natural collagen production, and is an essential part of helping keep your skin smooth, healthy, and youthful-looking.

BIOEFFECT EGF is unlike most other commercial growth factors on the market as it is the world’s first plant-based growth factor. Most companies that use growth factors in their skincare products use proteins produced in bacteria (E. coli), yeast or human/animal cells. BIOEFFECT scientists invented a way to produce a plant-based EGF in barley for an unparalleled level of purity, quality, stability, sustainability and efficacy.

No. There is a clear difference: Growth factors are messenger proteins generally produced and used locally by the cells/tissue for repair and rejuvenation. Human growth hormones are produced by the pituitary gland for linear growth (how tall we are) and impact muscle mass and body fat.

No. Barley EGF is non-GMO. BIOEFFECT was founded by three Icelandic scientists when they discovered, after over a decade of research, a way to a way to produce plant-based replica of EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) in barley using biotechnology. The barley plants are grown in Iceland inside our high-tech greenhouse powered by geothermal energy. The end products, bioengineered Barley EGF and other Barley Growth Factors, while derived using biotechnology, do not contain any genetic material from GMO. 

Yes, BIOEFFECT products are safe and suitable for all skin types – even sensitive. They are nontoxic, alcohol-free, oil-free, fragrance-free, phthalate-free, and mineral oil-free. We recommend that people who have, or have had, a medical history of skin diseases, disorders, or are prone to allergies, to consult their health professional before using a new skin care product. 

Of course, although we recommend you adopt an EGF daily skincare routine for the best results. Our studies show the results are more powerful when layering multiple EGF products. However, if you do plan to incorporate other (non-BIOEFFECT) skincare into your routine, we suggest applying BIOEFFECT EGF products first and waiting at least 10 minutes before applying other products to allow the EGF to be absorbed and effective in a pure environment. This includes the application of makeup as well.

BIOEFFECT products do not contain vegetable or mineral oils, with the exception of the Volcanic Exfoliator which is a rinse-off product and contains Sunflower Oil. The reason most our products are oil-free is due to the fact that several ingredients, including some oils and alcohol, can diminish the performance of our Barley EGF. Barley EGF is a unique protein that requires precise formulation of compatible ingredients to ensure maximum efficacy and best results.

No, the Hydrating Cream is oil-free and does not contain Coconut Oil. We have heard some users ask if caprylic/capric triglyceride is basically a form of coconut oil. They have also wondered if it is a vegetable oil since it is a triglyceride. We have assured these users it is not. We have carefully selected all ingredients in Hydrating Cream for their synergic benefits without the negatives associated with mineral or vegetable oils. It is made differently than vegetable oils. Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a highly purified emollient and lubricant designed for oil-free moisturisers to improve application whilst helping to replenish skin leaving it soft with a non-greasy feel. Best of all we selected caprylic/capric triglyceride because it works well with our Barley EGF.

Our plant-based EGF is produced in barley plants in our ecologically-engineered greenhouse in Iceland, however, we do not use any certified organic ingredients and therefore, cannot claim that our finished skincare products are organic. 

Yes. According to EU standards, a product can be called “gluten-free” if the gluten content is below 20 parts per million (ppm). At BIOEFFECT, we conducted testing on all our products using the most sensitive method available, the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) protocol. With these sensitive techniques, the gluten concentration in all BIOEFFECT products measures between 5,000 – 50,000 times below the EU standards for claiming Gluten Free. In fact, our EGF Serum is 13,000 times below this standard. In 2013 the US FDA concurred with these standards.

BIOEFFECT EGF products do not contain any of the ingredients found on lists of skincare substances recommended to be avoided during pregnancy. In addition, all ingredients of BIOEFFECT products are legally permitted as cosmetic ingredients as per EU Directives 76/768/EEC. However, no specific studies have been conducted using BIOEFFECT EGF products during pregnancy. We recommend pregnant women to consult with their physician before using BIOEFFECT EGF products, as they would with any other active skincare product.

All BIOEFFECT products have a shelf life of 2 years, and an expiration date is printed on the bottom of the boxes along with the lot number.

Most of the main components of our primary packaging and all our secondary packaging is recyclable. Our first priority is always the safety and effectiveness of the formulations. We continue to investigate innovative sustainable packaging materials and strive to improve as modern technologies emerge.

BIOEFFECT skincare products are plant-based and do not use any animal ingredients or animal-derived ingredients.

BIOEFFECT does not test its EGF skincare products or ingredients on animals. All our products are manufactured in Iceland. We have always been committed to a cruelty-free world and are in complete compliance with the EU regulations on animal testing.

BIOEFFECT EGF Serum is an award-winning oil-free, water-based, age-defying serum that contains only 7 pure ingredients. It is the first serum to feature a plant-based EGF produced in barley using a process invented by BIOEFFECT scientists. Our Barley EGF is a sustainable, renewable ingredient produced in our high-tech greenhouse powered by geothermal energy. Barley EGF is a moisture-binding, skin-rejuvenating, and signaling protein, which helps support the skin’s natural collagen production and is essential for keeping skin looking smooth, healthy, and youthful.

BIOEFFECT EGF Serum is designed to target visible signs of ageing and rejuvenate the skin’s complexion with just 2-4 drops daily. External and in-house studies show a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and visible improvements in the firmness of skin.

Apply 2-4 drops to the face and neck on clean skin, for best results use 2x per day (e.g., day and night). You can maximize results, by adding in additional EGF skincare products, as Barley EGF does its best work in a moisture-rich environment. Try adding the EGF Essence or OSA Water Mist prior to applying the EGF Serum or add the Imprinting Hydrogel Mask on top after applying the serum. If using with other skincare products (non-BIOEFFECT), we recommend applying the serum on clean skin and waiting up to 10 minutes for absorption and efficacy of the Barley EGF without any interference.

Yes. The combined effect of the Barley EGF and hyaluronic acid hydrate the skin and boost moisture levels while nourishing and helping soften the skin. BIOEFFECT EGF Serum is particularly beneficial for visibly dry and sensitive skin and numerous users have reported that their dry spots appear to diminish as the skin becomes more fully hydrated.

BIOEFFECT EGF Serum features a plant-based EGF produced in Barley to combat the visible ageing effects from loss EGF found naturally in our skin. By the time we are in our 20's, the natural production of EGF is already starting to decrease. This decrease significantly contributes to slower cell turnover and repair, eventually affecting our skin's youthful appearance – skin starts to sag, and fine lines and wrinkles appear. Barley EGF is a moisture-binding, skin-rejuvenating, and signaling protein, which helps support the skin’s natural collagen production and is essential for keeping skin looking smooth, healthy, and youthful. Studies of the EGF Serum applied topically over 3 and 6 months have shown a significant reduction in the appearance of wrinkles.

No. BIOEFFECT EGF Serum is a fantastic moisturiser in its own right. It is possible that fatty/oily substances in traditional night creams may reduce the efficacy of the Barley EGF, we therefore recommend using EGF Serum alone during the night. However, if you would like to use other cream on top, it would be best to wait from 10 to 20 minutes before applying the next product in your skincare regimen.

We recommend using BIOEFFECT EGF Body Serum on the body. It has been specially developed to help smooth, soften and firm the appearance of the body's skin. BIOEFFECT EGF Serum can nevertheless be used on the body, although it was specifically formulated to target the delicate skin of the face and neck.

There have been no specific trials on sufferers of eczema. However, we understand eczema sufferers' skin can be easily irritated and this may be a concern when choosing skincare products. BIOEFFECT EGF Serum features only 7 pure ingredients, is fragrance-free and preservative-free. It has been shown to improve hydration and soften visibly dry skin.

No preservatives are used in the production of BIOEFFECT EGF Serum. We pride ourselves in only using those ingredients necessary to deliver the Barley EGF in its most effective form.

BIOEFFECT EGF Serum is an oil-free, water-based age-defying serum that contains only 7 pure ingredients, we like to say only the ingredients that matter. The star ingredient is our Barley EGF, which helps to boost hydration and support the skin’s natural collagen production, minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also features Hyaluronic Acid, Barley Seed Extract, Glycerin, and Icelandic water filtered through lava, so it is pure and extremely soft, free of hard minerals that leave skin dry. A water-based serum is essential for maximising and preserving the benefits of our Barley EGF.

No. We strive to keep our products as pure as possible, so no fragrances are added to any of our products.

Yes, many users prefer to apply the serum on clean skin in the morning and some use it both day and night. It is advisable not to apply makeup or any other products within 10 minutes of using BIOEFFECT EGF Serum, as it may interfere with the EGF. The serum does not contain any sun protection, so we do recommend using a sunscreen to protect from harmful UV rays. If you find the EGF Serum leaves more of a residue or sticky feeling than you would like during the day, try our EGF Day Serum which is a lighter weight formulation.

You do not need to use both the EGF Serum and EGF Day Serum, it is a matter of preference. We created the EGF Day Serum as a lighter weight formulation, more suitable to daytime use under makeup. However, many customers prefer the original EGF Serum and use it both morning and night. However, we do recommend for best results, to apply our EGF Serums 2x per day.  

Our Barley EGF works best in a moisture-rich environment. Therefore, you can maximise results by incorporating the EGF Serum into a complete EGF skincare routine. Start by prepping the skin with the OSA Water Mist or EGF Essence to improve absorption and efficacy of the EGF Serum. Further enhance results by adding the Imprinting Hydrogel Mask after applying the EGF Serum. Give your skin an intensive boost with the BIOEFFECT 30 Day Treatment which is like an age-defying boot camp for your skin. Replace the EGF Serum with the 30 Day Treatment 3-5 times per year depending on your skin needs. See significant visible results in 30 days when applied morning and night. Complement your EGF regimen with our EGF Eye Serum specifically formulated to target the delicate skin of the eye area, with a cooling roller applicator to reduce the appearance of fine lines and puffiness.

If the serum is applied on the face and neck once a day, a 15 mL vial should last about three months. Start with 2 drops and increase to 4 if needed. If you experience too much residue or a sticky feeling, it means you are applying too much on the skin.

Orders under £50 

• £4 Standard Delivery (3-5 working days) 
• £6 Next Working Day (Mon-Fri) if ordered before 1pm Mon-Fri 

Orders £50+ 

• Free Standard Delivery (3-5 working days) 
• £6 Next Working Day (Mon-Fri) if ordered before 1pm Mon-Fri 

Orders £150+

• Free Next Working Day (Mon-Fri) if ordered before 1pm Mon-Fri

IRELAND 

• £20 Standard Delivery (3-5 working days)

After your order has shipped, you will receive a Shipping Confirmation email with tracking information so that you may check status of the order at your convenience.

Once your order has shipped, you will receive a Shipping Confirmation email with a tracking number for your order. Please allow approximately 3-5 days for the processing and shipping of all orders. If you have questions about shipping or tracking your order, we can assist you if you contact us via email info@bioeffect.com, we usually answer all the mails within 24hours.

Please feel free to contact us directly by email info@bioeffect.com

BIOEFFECT’s auto-delivery program is the most convenient way for you to get the BIOEFFECT products you want delivered on your schedule. We automatically send your favorite products based upon your chosen shipment frequency.

Signing-up is easy! From the product page or while reviewing items in your shopping cart, simply select the Auto-Delivery option for your desired product, select your preferred shipment frequency and then check out as normal.

Please note that in order to subscribe to Auto-Delivery you will need a BIOEFFECT.co.uk account.

After you join auto-delivery, you will receive an email confirming your auto-delivery status and order. This email will include a link to access the ‘Auto-Delivery’ section in your account where you can manage your future orders, auto-delivery items and account information.

You will only be billed on the day the order is shipped. We will send an email reminder 10 days before each auto-delivery order. You will also receive email notifications regarding other important information related to your auto-delivery account, such as if your item is discontinued or out of stock, if you cancel your replenishment, and/or confirmation when an order is placed successfully.

You can change your next order date, skip an order, change your selected frequency, or cancel an auto-delivery by visiting the ‘Auto-Delivery’ section in your account.

Your very next scheduled orders will be listed in the ‘Auto-Delivery’ section of ‘My Account’.

All auto-delivery orders require a credit or debit card payment. Alternative payment forms, such as PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, are not applicable.