Argireline
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 · Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 · AH3
A synthetic acetyl hexapeptide that mimics the N-terminus of SNAP-25, inhibiting neuromuscular signalling to relax facial muscles and reduce expression-line wrinkles — widely used in cosmetic skincare.
Half-Life
N/A (topical cosmetic)
MW
888.99 Da
Amino Acids
6 AA
Evidence
Moderate Evidence
Regulatory Status
Cosmetic ingredient globally. INCI: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. No therapeutic claims permitted.
In Plain English
A six-amino-acid peptide that gently competes with one of the proteins your nerve cells use to tell muscles to contract. The result: facial muscles relax slightly, softening expression lines like forehead wrinkles and crow's feet — without needles.
Overview
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, now also called Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 per INCI nomenclature) is one of the most commercially successful cosmetic peptides globally. It was designed to mimic the N-terminus of SNAP-25, a SNARE complex protein involved in vesicle docking and neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction. By competing with SNAP-25 for SNARE complex formation, Argireline reduces acetylcholine release at the NMJ, temporarily relaxing facial muscles and reducing the depth of dynamic expression lines. It is nicknamed "topical Botox" though the mechanism and penetration are fundamentally different from botulinum toxin.
Common Formats
- Topical serum
- Cream formulation
- Eye cream
Storage Notes
Room temperature in opaque packaging. pH 5-7 optimal for stability. Avoid prolonged UV exposure.
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Related Compounds
Matrixyl
A palmitoylated pentapeptide and one of the most widely studied and used cosmetic anti-aging peptides, functioning as a matrikine to stimulate collagen and extracellular matrix production.
GHK-Cu
A naturally occurring copper complex peptide with potent wound healing, anti-aging, and regenerative properties studied extensively for skin and tissue applications.
Snap-8
An extended octapeptide analogue of Argireline that adds additional SNARE complex inhibition domains, studied for greater potency in reducing expression-line wrinkles compared to Argireline alone.
Palmitoyl GHK (Pal-GHK)
Lipophilic derivative of GHK peptide with enhanced skin penetration — cornerstone of anti-aging skincare formulations.
Educational Disclaimer: All information on this page is for educational and research purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.