Q&A

What are cellular activators? Cellular activators are proteins that are natural to the human body and stimulate the renewal and specialization of cells. There are many different types of cellular activators and they all have their unique function. back to top

What does EGF mean? EGF stands for Epidermal Growth Factor. EGF is a natural protein (cellular activator) produced within the skin cells for maintenance of the skin. The EGF contained in the serum from Sif Cosmetics is produced via patented biotechnological methods in barley by ORF Genetics. back to top

How long does it take for the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum to work? The effectiveness depends on age and the general condition of the skin. Younger skin reacts more quickly to the serum than older skin. Many people notice changes after just a few days of use such as increased glow, moisture and a more even skin tone. It takes longer for the serum to exert its effect on deeper layers of the skin and for wrinkles to be reduced. back to top

When should I apply the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum? For optimal results, apply the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum onto cleansed skin in the evening. back to top

Is it possible to apply the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum on all types of skin? The formulation of the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum was specifically designed to maintain and stimulate the activity of the EGF cellular activator, independent of skin type. Use of the serum has had an equally excellent impact on all types of skin, including sensitive skin. back to top

If I use the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum at night, do I need to apply a night cream afterwards? No, that is not necessary. The BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum also moisturizes. It is also possible that fatty substances in traditional night creams might reduce the effectiveness of the EGF cellular activator, so it is best to just use BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum before bed. back to top

Can I put make-up over the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum? It is fine to use make-up over the serum, but we recommend using the serum at night before bed so that skin can rest while it is being revitalized. back to top

What should I use with the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum? We recommend using the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum as a nourishing night treatment. It is not necessary to apply another cream in the evening. Continue to use whichever creams and other skin care products that have proved effective during the day while you‘re using BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum. back to top

Can I apply the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum somewhere else besides my face and neck? Yes, it is fine to apply the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum on other parts of the body. back to top

How long will the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum last? If the serum is applied on the face and neck once a day, a 15 ml vial (the larger vial) should last about three months. You can expect a 4.5 ml vial to last about one month with regular use. back to top

Is the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum moisturizing? Yes, the great moisturizing effect of the serum is the result of the combined effect of the EGF cellular activator and hyaluronic acid; so using another moisturizing cream after BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum is unnecessary. The BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum is particularly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin because of its moisturizing properties. Numerous users have reported that their dry spots disappeared after using the serum. back to top

Why do wrinkles reduce after using the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum? Wrinkles get reduced because of the skin‘s cells renewal, and the production of intercellular substances such as collagen and elastin increases. back to top

Does the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum help get rid of bags under the eyes? Many users have seen bags reduce in size or simply disappear when using the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum. back to top

I have eczema. Is the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum suitable for me? Many users with minor eczema or other skin conditions have reported great satisfaction with the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum. Specific trials have not, however, been carried out on the serum‘s effect on eczema; eczema is a broad term in that it can be of many different types. back to top

Are fragrances added to the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum? We strive to keep our products as pure as possible and no fragrances are added to the serum. back to top

Does the serum contain fat or oils? The BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum contains neither oils nor fat, as this would inhibit the activity of the EGF cellular activator. All of the ingredients are water-soluble. back to top

What preservatives are used in BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum? The serum only contains necessary ingredients and no preservatives are used in the production of BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum. back to top

What is the shelf life of BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum? It is possible to store BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum for at least two years at room temperature. The serum does not need to be refrigerated. The expiry date is printed on the packaging. back to top

Why is the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum available in drop form but not as a white cream? The BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum it is vital to maintain function of the EGF cellular activator and can easily break down, rendering it completely ineffective. BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum has been specially developed by scientists to preserve the EGF cellular activator‘s properties and provide skin with nourishment and moisture. Each ingredient in the solution has a specific role, and we endeavor to keep it as pure and free of additives as possible in order to avoid allergic reactions. The scientists at Sif Cosmetics are now working towards the development of a white cream containing EGF cellular activator by using special methods to preserve the activity protein. back to top

I notice that my skin gets slightly warm when I put BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum on. Why is that? The warmth felt by some users after applying the EGF BIOeffect Serum™ is a sign of the increased activity-taking place within the skin. back to top

I think I‘ve developed some pimples after I began using BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum. Can the serum be related to that? Some people have noticed the formation of minor pimples when they began using BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum. The serum contains highly active ingredients and like other skin cleansing and activating treatments, the serum can cause minor pimples, due to increased cellular activity at the skin’s surface. The pimples have usually disappeared after one to two weeks. If the pimples do not disappear after two weeks, discontinue use. back to top

How is EGF produced in barley? The Orfeus™ system that ORF Genetics has developed uses seeds of the barley plant as a factory for cellular activators. Synthetic genes encoding for the cellular activators are placed into the barley, leading to a formation of a new strain of barley, which is identical to other barley except that it produces this particular protein in its seeds. After harvesting the seeds, the cellular activators are extracted from the seed and precise quality assurance testing is performed before sale or usage. Using this method results in production of purer and more active cellular activator than have previously been available in cosmetics. back to top

How are cellular activators in BIOeffect™ different from other cellular activators? The cellular activators in the BIOeffect™ products, which are produced with the Orfeus™ system by ORF Genetics, are unique and unlike all other growth factors on the market. The Orfeus™ system is a plant system in which proteins are produced in the seeds of barley plants. All other companies which use cellular activators in their skin care products use proteins produced in genetically modified bacteria (E. coli), hamster cells or yeast. By producing the EGF cellular activator in plants, it is possible to achieve an unparalleled level of purity and activity. If a cellular activator is produced in bacteria, animal cells or fungi and not adequately purified, there‘s a risk of it causing allergic reactions when used in skin care products. That risk is not present with cellular activators produced in barley. back to top

Is EGF scientifically proven to work? A number of clinical studies have shown that topically applied cellular activators can have a dramatic positive effect on skin. There is currently research underway in cooperation with a distinguished American dermatologist, which is intended to corroborate the findings of many other trials on the efficacy of EGF cellular activator in a cosmetic formulation. back to top

Is there a connection between EGF and cancer? EGF strengthens the collagen net inside skin cells. It works by binding with a certain receptor on skin cells, which also recognizes other transmitter substances. No trials have shown that EGF causes abnormal cell proliferation. An emollient salve with highly concentrated EGF cellular activator is a registered drug that is applied to open wounds to aid in the healing process. EGF and related cellular activators are considered completely safe in the concentration used in skin care products. Scientists have conducted research on genetically modified mice that produce copious amounts of the EGF cellular activator without it having lead to abnormal proliferation of cell growth back to top

Are there are other cellular activators that could be put into creams? Yes, more than 20 cellular activators have been associated with skin care products and cellular activators could possibly be used to fight against hair loss and various skin problems. Sif Cosmetics will continue to research the effects of various growth factors and develop new products with differing functions. back to top

What is the difference between BIOEFFECT™ EGF and BIOEFFECT™ EGF plus? In a pre-market trial performed in Iceland on the serum‘s effectiveness two concentrations of the EGF cellular activator were used. The higher concentration version, which was called “BIOEFFECT™ EGF plus” in the trial, delivered better results and that is the concentration currently used in the serum on the market called BIOEFFECT™ EGF. Therefore the available serum is actually the “plus-edition.“ back to top

Is there genetically modified barley in the serum? Yes, innovative genetic engineering that ORF Genetics developed is the key to production of the EGF cellular activator in adequate amounts, with the desired purity and efficacy to place in skin care products. The serum contains extract from genetically modified barley seeds with the EGF cellular activator. Other manufacturers obtain their cellular activators from genetically modified bacteria (E. coli), hamster cells or yeast that produce by-products generally considered undesirable in cosmetic products. back to top

Is BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum “organic?“ The BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum is developed on a scientific basis, responsibly manufactured and contains only pure, safe ingredients. No preservatives, fragrances or colorants are added to the serum. The active ingredient, EGF cellular activator, is produced in genetically modified barley by ORF Genetics in a green production system in Iceland. The serum is therefore a very pure and organic skin care product. However genetic engineering and science form the foundation for the serum‘s production, so it doesn‘t belong in the group of products classed as “organic“ certified. back to top

Is it safe to use skin care products with genetically modified ingredients? Yes. Proteins that are produced in genetically modified organisms are in no way unlike other proteins. The EGF cellular activator is natural to the human body and produced within every skin cell. back to top

Is nanotechnology used in the production of the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum? No. Nanotechnology is not used in the production of the BIOEFFECT™ EGF Serum. The cellular activators are large molecules that do not enter into the bloodstream when applied topically to skin. The cosmetic industry mainly utilizes nanotechnology for sun block products. back to top