Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline)

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, commonly known as Argireline, is a synthetic hexapeptide with the sequence Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2 that mimics the N-terminal fragment of SNAP-25, a key protein in the SNARE complex responsible for vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release at neuromuscular junctions. By competitively binding and destabilizing the SNARE complex, it inhibits acetylcholine release, reducing facial muscle contractions that contribute to dynamic wrinkles, such as crow's feet and forehead lines. This biomimetic action positions it as a topical, non-invasive alternative to botulinum toxin in anti-aging cosmetics, with demonstrated inhibition of Ca2+-evoked exocytosis in cellular models and wrinkle depth reduction in ex vivo skin studies. It is highly water-soluble, stable under neutral pH when refrigerated, and penetrates skin effectively from emulsions, promoting smoother skin appearance without systemic effects. Primarily used in serums and creams at 0.001-2% concentrations, it has been deemed safe for cosmetic applications with high purity (>95-98%) and no excipients or preservatives in formulations. No clinical data establishes it as a therapeutic target for diseases, limiting its role to cosmetic intervention in skin aging.

Other names

ArgirelineAcetyl hexapeptide-3Acetyl hexapeptide-8 amide

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 acts as the active agent via competitive inhibition of SNAP-25 in the SNARE complex, thereby inhibiting acetylcholine release and reducing facial muscle contractions. It is not a therapeutic target.