Skip to content
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.
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.