NO. 042 · BASIC · Lv. 55 · HP 85
ARGIRELINE
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 · SNAP-25 Fragment
ALIASES
Argireline, acetyl hexapeptide-8, AH-8, AHK-8, SNAP-25 mimic
CLASS
Synthetic hexapeptide · SNAP-25 N-terminal mimic (cosmetic)
FORMULA
C34H60N14O12S
SEQUENCE
Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2
HALF-LIFE
n/a · topical · no systemic exposure
ROUTES
Topical (cosmetic)
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2) · synthetic mimic of the N-terminal SNAP-25 fragment that competitively inhibits SNARE-complex formation at the neuromuscular junction. Reduces acetylcholine release and the muscle contractions that form expression-line wrinkles. Topical-cosmetic application.
EVIDENCE GRADES
Blanes-Mira 2002 (PMID 18494888) reported 30% wrinkle-depth reduction with 10% topical Argireline at 28 days.
Well-characterized competitive inhibition of SNAP-25 in SNARE-complex assembly assays.
Multiple small cosmetic trials. Limited large-scale RCT evidence.
MECHANISM CATEGORIES
RESEARCH CONDITIONS
SAFETY
Side effects
- Topical · rare mild irritation
- No systemic absorption documented
Known interactions
- No documented topical-systemic drug interactions
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to peptide ingredients
REGULATORY STATUS
FDA · Cosmetic ingredient · not a drug. No FDA pharmaceutical approval required for topical cosmetic use.
WADA · Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List (cosmetic ingredient, no systemic exposure).
STORAGE
Lyophilized · Room temperature, light-protected
Reconstituted · n/a · supplied in cream/serum vehicle
PEER-REVIEWED EVIDENCE
- Blanes-Mira C, Clemente J, Jodas G, et al.. A synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) with antiwrinkle activity. Int J Cosmet Sci 2002. PMID 18494888. link →
- Lupo MP, Cole AL. Cosmeceutical peptides. Dermatol Ther 2007. PMID 18045357. link →
FAQ · 8 QUESTIONS
▶ What is Argireline?
Argireline is the brand name for acetyl hexapeptide-8, a synthetic hexapeptide that mimics the N-terminal sequence of SNAP-25, a protein component of the SNARE complex at the neuromuscular junction. Topical application reduces acetylcholine release and the muscle contractions that form expression-line wrinkles.
▶ Argireline vs Botox · what's the difference?
Both target the SNARE complex but at different points. Botox (botulinum toxin) is an injected protease that cleaves SNAP-25 enzymatically, producing a strong and durable (3-4 month) effect at the neuromuscular junction. Argireline is a topical peptide that competitively inhibits SNAP-25 in the SNARE complex, producing a milder and shorter-duration effect without injection. Argireline does not replace Botox; it is a topical cosmetic complement.
▶ How does Argireline work?
Argireline mimics the N-terminal six residues of SNAP-25 and competes with native SNAP-25 for binding to syntaxin-1 in the SNARE complex assembly. The blocked SNARE complex cannot mediate acetylcholine vesicle fusion at the neuromuscular junction, reducing muscle contractions that drive expression-line wrinkles.
▶ Is Argireline FDA-approved?
Argireline is a cosmetic ingredient, not a drug. The FDA does not pre-approve cosmetic ingredients in the same way as drugs. Topical cosmetic use of Argireline is widespread under existing FDA cosmetic-ingredient regulations.
▶ Argireline vs SNAP-8 · which is stronger?
SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) extends the Argireline sequence by two N-terminal residues for a larger competitive footprint against the SNARE complex. In-vitro and supplier-data comparisons describe stronger SNARE inhibition with SNAP-8; head-to-head clinical data is limited.
▶ What concentration of Argireline is effective?
Cosmetic formulations typically use 5-10% Argireline. The Blanes-Mira 2002 study used 10% topical application for 28 days. Lower concentrations (1-3%) are common in retail products with less documented effect size.
▶ Is Argireline safe for systemic absorption?
Topical Argireline does not produce documented systemic absorption at cosmetic concentrations. The peptide is too large for significant transdermal absorption into the bloodstream. Systemic side effects are not described.
▶ How long does Argireline take to work?
Published trials show measurable wrinkle-depth reduction at 28 days of twice-daily topical application. The effect is dose- and duration-dependent and reverses with cessation of application.
APPEARS IN STACKS
SIGNATURE MOVES
Competitively inhibits SNAP-25 in the SNARE complex.
Topical reduction of expression-line depth. Lupo + Cole 2007.
SOURCED FROM PEPPU LABS
Reference compounds documented on this page are available as research-grade material at Peppu Studio · ≥99% purity · per-batch Certificate of Analysis. For laboratory research use only. No human dose is recommended by this wiki.
▶ LAST UPDATED · 2026-05-25