Skin & CosmeticMaturing human RCT base

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3/8

Argireline, SNAP-25-mimetic hexapeptide

A topical hexapeptide (acetyl hexapeptide-3/8) that interferes with SNARE complex formation, a mild, 'topical Botox like' approach to expression wrinkles.

Skin quality Anti inflammatory

Ac-EEMQRR

Sequence

SNAP-25

Mimics

~30%

Wrinkle depth drop

Mechanism of action

How Argireline works

A topical 'Botox like' peptide, far milder than the injectable. It dampens the nerve signal that makes muscles contract, softening expression lines.

Argireline

Ac-EEMQRR

SNAP-25 mimic

SNARE block

↓ ACh release

Eased contraction

Softer lines

Expression wrinkles

Also studied

Targets dynamic expression lines (forehead, crow's feet) by easing muscle micro contractions, not static sun damage.

See related compounds

Competitively interferes with SNARE complex formation, reducing calcium dependent acetylcholine release, a far milder cousin of botulinum toxin.

See related compounds

Excellent topical safety with no photosensitivity; effect size is modest and depends on formulation penetration.

See related compounds

Applications

Research applications

Expression wrinkles

Crow's feet / forehead

Controlled human trial

DBPC split face (2023)

Skin smoothing

Wrinkle depth

Human pilot data

10% emulsion, 30 days

Bars indicate how far the evidence has progressed (in vitro to animal to human), not the size of any effect.

Compound data

Molecular profile

CAS number616204-22-9

Molecular formulaC34H60N14O12S

Molecular weight889.0 g/mol

TypeAcetylated hexapeptide

SequenceAc-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH₂

AppearanceWhite powder

Full profile

Evidence, safety & status

Claimed benefits & evidence

Targets dynamic expression wrinkles. A 10% emulsion reduced wrinkle depth up to ~30% over 30 days; a 2023 double blind RCT found it and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 both significantly improved crow's feet. Effect size is modest and penetration dependent.

Safety & dangers

Excellent topical safety; non irritating at high doses.

Regulatory status

OTC cosmetic ingredient. WADA: not prohibited.

Administration

Topical.

Source: Fnx Performance Peptide Research Database, a synthesis of the scientific and regulatory literature, not medical advice. Anyone considering these compounds should consult a qualified physician.

For research use only

For Research Use Only. Not for human or animal consumption. Products are sold strictly for in vitro laboratory research, not for compounding or therapeutic application.