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supplement Cosmetic & Skin

Acetyl Octapeptide-3

also known as: SNAP-8, Super Argireline

The 'Super Argireline' — an extended SNAP-25 fragment peptide that reduces expression wrinkles without injections.

An 8-amino-acid acetylated peptide that inhibits SNARE complex assembly at the neuromuscular junction, reducing muscle contraction and expression wrinkles — marketed as a more potent topical alternative to Argireline.

Mechanism of action

Mimics the SNAP-25 protein's N-terminal domain, competitively inhibiting SNARE complex formation required for acetylcholine vesicle release at the neuromuscular junction. Reduces muscle contraction magnitude — a topical 'botox-like' mechanism.

Primary uses

  • Expression wrinkle reduction
  • Topical alternative to botulinum toxin
  • Anti-aging serums and creams

Typical dosing

3-10 % in formulation twice daily (topical)

Often combined with Argireline and Leuphasyl. Effects gradual (2-4 weeks) and reversible.

Regulatory status

Cosmetic ingredient (Lipotec SNAP-8). Not FDA-approved as a drug. Positioned as second-generation Argireline with two extra amino acids for enhanced SNARE inhibition.

References

  1. [review] Blanes-Mira C, et al. "A synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) with antiwrinkle activity." Int J Cosmet Sci. 2002;24(5):303-310.

Related peptides

Argireline

A cosmetic-industry hexapeptide marketed as "topical Botox" — reduces muscle contraction signaling at the neuromuscular junction; modest but documented effects on expression-line depth.

SNAP-8

An octapeptide cosmetic ingredient extending the Argireline concept — same SNAP-25 competitive mechanism with two additional residues and claims of enhanced activity.

Leuphasyl

A cosmetic-ingredient pentapeptide modeled on leucine-enkephalin — marketed by Lipotec as a post-synaptic adjunct to Argireline-class pre-synaptic peptides for expression-line reduction.

Pentapeptide-3

Vialox — the "curare-mimetic" cosmetic peptide (GPRPA). Acts post-synaptically on peripheral nicotinic ACh receptors, unlike the pre-synaptic SNAP-25-mimetic Argireline class. Sometimes marketed as a snake-venom-inspired Botox alternative; efficacy data are primarily from the manufacturer.

Syn-Ake

A "snake-venom mimetic" cosmetic tripeptide modeled on Waglerin-1 (Tropidolaemus wagleri venom) — blocks post-synaptic acetylcholine receptors rather than acting pre-synaptically like Argireline; modest reductions in expression-line depth in manufacturer studies.

Botulinum Toxin

The most potent biological toxin known, purified and used in precisely-controlled microdoses as the world's leading cosmetic procedure and an FDA-approved therapeutic for migraine, hyperhidrosis, spasticity, and dystonia.

Guides & tools

Disclaimer

This entry is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosing information reflects published regulatory or research data and is not a recommendation. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use in the United States. Consult a licensed medical professional before considering any peptide therapy.