NO. 044 · BASIC · Lv. 58 · HP 90
SNAP-8
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 · Extended Argireline
ALIASES
SNAP-8, acetyl octapeptide-3, AO-3, extended Argireline, SNAP-25 inhibitor
CLASS
Synthetic octapeptide · SNAP-25 mimic (cosmetic · extended Argireline)
FORMULA
C43H75N15O13S
SEQUENCE
Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2 (Argireline + Ala-Asp C-terminal extension)
HALF-LIFE
n/a · topical · no systemic exposure
ROUTES
Topical (cosmetic)
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Acetyl octapeptide-3 · two-residue extension of the Argireline hexapeptide sequence. Same SNAP-25 mimic mechanism, larger competitive footprint against the SNARE complex. Stronger acetylcholine-release inhibition than Argireline at the neuromuscular junction. Topical-cosmetic application.
EVIDENCE GRADES
Sederma / Lipotec supplier data describes increased competitive binding to syntaxin in the SNARE complex relative to the six-residue Argireline.
Wang 2013 (PMID 23625118) and adjacent literature describe topical anti-wrinkle activity in Chinese subjects.
Limited large-scale RCT evidence specific to SNAP-8.
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
- Wang Y, Wang M, Xiao S, Pan P, Li P, Huo J. The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline · a synthetic hexapeptide · in Chinese subjects. Am J Clin Dermatol 2013. PMID 23625118. link →
- Reddy BY, Hantash BM. Cosmeceutical peptides · update on the mechanism of action of anti-aging peptides. Dermatol Ther 2009. link →
FAQ · 8 QUESTIONS
▶ What is SNAP-8?
SNAP-8 is the cosmetic-industry name for acetyl octapeptide-3, a synthetic octapeptide that extends the six-residue Argireline sequence by two C-terminal residues (Ala-Asp). Same SNAP-25 mimic mechanism as Argireline with a larger competitive footprint against the SNARE complex.
▶ SNAP-8 vs Argireline · which is stronger?
SNAP-8 has a larger competitive footprint against the SNARE complex due to the two-residue extension. Supplier in-vitro data describes stronger SNARE-complex inhibition than the six-residue Argireline. Head-to-head clinical data is limited; community-reported cosmetic comparisons describe modestly stronger expression-line effect with SNAP-8 at equivalent concentrations.
▶ SNAP-8 vs Botox · what's the difference?
Both target the SNARE complex but at different points. Botox is an injected protease that cleaves SNAP-25 enzymatically with strong durable effect. SNAP-8 is a topical peptide that competitively inhibits SNAP-25 in the SNARE complex with milder, shorter effect, without injection. SNAP-8 does not replace Botox; it is a topical cosmetic complement.
▶ How does SNAP-8 work?
SNAP-8 mimics an extended N-terminal SNAP-25 sequence and competes with native SNAP-25 for binding in the SNARE complex assembly. The blocked complex cannot mediate acetylcholine vesicle fusion at the neuromuscular junction, reducing muscle contractions that drive expression-line wrinkles.
▶ Is SNAP-8 FDA-approved?
SNAP-8 is a cosmetic ingredient, not a drug. The FDA does not pre-approve cosmetic ingredients in the same way as drugs. Topical cosmetic use is widespread under existing FDA cosmetic-ingredient regulations.
▶ What concentration of SNAP-8 is effective?
Cosmetic formulations typically use 5-10% SNAP-8. Supplier data describes measurable expression-line reduction at these concentrations with twice-daily application for 28 days.
▶ Can SNAP-8 be combined with Argireline?
Both target the same SNARE-complex mechanism, so combination provides additive but not synergistic effect. Some cosmetic formulations include both; others select one. SNAP-8 with Matrixyl-3000 (dynamic + static wrinkle targeting) is a more common combination strategy.
▶ Is SNAP-8 safe?
Topical SNAP-8 has no documented systemic absorption at cosmetic concentrations. The peptide is too large for significant transdermal absorption into the bloodstream. Rare mild local irritation is reported; no systemic side effects are described.
SIGNATURE MOVES
Extended SNAP-25 mimic. Larger SNARE-complex inhibition.
Stronger ACh-release inhibition than acetyl hexapeptide-8.
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