Cosmetic & skin-signalling peptides
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8)
Also known as acetyl hexapeptide-3 · acetyl hexapeptide-8 · SNAP-8 (octapeptide analogue)
A synthetic hexapeptide patterned on the N-terminus of SNAP-25, studied as a topical "Botox-like" anti-wrinkle ingredient.
In 60 seconds
A widely used cosmetic ingredient with several small clinical studies; skin penetration is a recognised limitation. Topical studies report it as well tolerated; it is far less potent than botulinum toxin, which is the safety rationale for its design.
- Describes Argireline’s design as a SNARE-complex-inhibiting peptide and its anti-wrinkle activity.
- Reported reductions in facial wrinkle measures with topical Argireline.
- A randomised double-blind trial compared acetyl hexapeptide-3 and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 creams on crow’s feet.
Mechanism
Argireline competes with SNAP-25 for a place in the SNARE complex, the protein machinery that releases neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction. Reduced vesicle release is proposed to relax expression lines. SNAP-8 is an octapeptide extension of the same idea.
Research status
A widely used cosmetic ingredient with several small clinical studies; skin penetration is a recognised limitation.
Key studies
Describes Argireline’s design as a SNARE-complex-inhibiting peptide and its anti-wrinkle activity.
A synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) with antiwrinkle activity — Int J Cosmet Sci, 2002 · PMID 18498523
Reported reductions in facial wrinkle measures with topical Argireline.
The anti-wrinkle efficacy of Argireline — J Cosmet Laser Ther, 2013 · PMID 23464592
A randomised double-blind trial compared acetyl hexapeptide-3 and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 creams on crow’s feet.
Double-blind, Randomized Trial on the Effectiveness of Acetylhexapeptide-3 Cream and Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 Cream for Crow’s Feet — J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 2023 · PMID 36909866
Addressed Argireline’s limited skin permeation through molecular modification.
Enhanced Skin Permeation of Anti-wrinkle Peptides via Molecular Modification — Sci Rep, 2018 · PMID 29371611
Safety signals in the literature
Topical studies report it as well tolerated; it is far less potent than botulinum toxin, which is the safety rationale for its design.
Legal status (South Africa)
Cosmetic-ingredient peptides; research use only in the form we would supply.
Related compounds we stock
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Comparisons
Questions
What is Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8)?
A synthetic hexapeptide patterned on the N-terminus of SNAP-25, studied as a topical "Botox-like" anti-wrinkle ingredient. Argireline competes with SNAP-25 for a place in the SNARE complex, the protein machinery that releases neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction. Reduced vesicle release is proposed to relax expression lines. SNAP-8 is an octapeptide extension of the same idea.
What is the research status of Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8)?
A widely used cosmetic ingredient with several small clinical studies; skin penetration is a recognised limitation.
What safety signals are reported for Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8)?
Topical studies report it as well tolerated; it is far less potent than botulinum toxin, which is the safety rationale for its design.
Does Living Water Labs stock Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8)?
Not at present. Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) is profiled here for reference, with citations to the published literature. You can ask to be notified if we add it. Cosmetic-ingredient peptides; research use only in the form we would supply.
Deep dives
More in Skin peptides
Research reference only. This page summarises published literature; it is not medical advice and contains no guidance on human use. Products supplied by Living Water Labs are for laboratory research only.
