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Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8)

Skin, Hair & Beauty · ['Acetyl Hexapeptide-8', 'Acetyl Hexapeptide-3', 'Argireline', 'Acetyl hexapeptide-8 amide']

A synthetic acetylated hexapeptide widely used as a cosmetic ingredient, modeled on the N-terminal sequence of SNAP-25 and studied for interference with SNARE-mediated neurotransmitter release — the basis of its reputation as a topical 'expression-line' peptide.

🔬 Research use only — not for human or veterinary use. K4 Elite does not provide dosing instructions.
Molecular Formula
C35H62N14O11S
Molecular Weight
887.0 g/mol
PubChem
CID 71587772 ↗
Research Level
Well Researched
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Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) chemical structure

Argireline, whose INCI name is acetyl hexapeptide-8 (also historically labeled acetyl hexapeptide-3), is a synthetic acetylated hexapeptide developed as a topical cosmetic ingredient. Its sequence corresponds to the N-terminal region of SNAP-25, a SNARE-complex protein involved in vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release. It is among the most-studied of the 'neurotransmitter-inhibiting' cosmetic peptides.

PubChem indexes acetyl hexapeptide-8 under CID 71587772, with molecular formula C35H62N14O11S and a molecular weight of approximately 887.0 g/mol. It is positioned in the cosmetic "skin, hair and beauty" space and is frequently studied in the context of the appearance of dynamic expression lines. Compared with many cosmetic peptides, Argireline has a comparatively larger body of published investigation, including early controlled cosmetic studies.

This entry is for laboratory and educational reference only. It reports the proposed mechanism and research context and does not constitute an efficacy claim or a recommendation for human or veterinary use.

Argireline is proposed to mimic the N-terminal end of SNAP-25 and to compete with native SNAP-25 for incorporation into the SNARE complex that mediates synaptic-vesicle docking and fusion. By destabilizing SNARE-complex assembly, the peptide is theorized to reduce catecholamine and acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, thereby attenuating the muscle contractions that produce expression lines.

This is conceptually analogous to the SNARE-disrupting action of botulinum neurotoxin but far weaker. The extent to which a topically applied hexapeptide penetrates to relevant tissue depths remains debated, and effect sizes reported in cosmetic studies are modest. The mechanism is supported by cell-based work but has not been established with the rigor of pharmaceutical trials.

  • SNARE-complex interference — in-vitro work reported that acetyl hexapeptide inhibits catecholamine release via SNARE modulation (Blanes-Mira et al., 2002).
  • Cosmetic wrinkle studies — controlled cosmetic studies have measured periocular wrinkle appearance after topical application (Blanes-Mira et al., 2002).
  • Cosmetic peptide reviews — the ingredient is a central example in reviews of neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides (Gorouhi & Maibach, 2009).
  • Peptide skin permeation — delivery research informs debate over topical activity.
  • Comparative peptide studies — Argireline is often benchmarked against related peptides such as Snap-8.
📋 How published studies were conducted — a research reference summarizing study designs from the literature. This is not usage, dosing, or administration guidance. K4 Elite does not provide dosing instructions; determining any research protocol is the sole responsibility of the qualified researcher.

Blanes-Mira et al. (2002), published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, reported both an in-vitro assay showing that acetyl hexapeptide inhibited catecholamine release via interference with SNARE-complex formation, and a small controlled cosmetic study in which a topical oil-in-water emulsion containing the peptide was applied around the eyes, with reported reductions in wrinkle-depth measures relative to control. This is reported to describe what the study did and observed.

Gorouhi & Maibach (2009) reviewed acetyl hexapeptide within the broader class of cosmetic neuromodulatory peptides, summarizing the SNARE rationale and noting the modest and variable nature of independent evidence. These descriptions report published findings and are not recommendations or guarantees of effect.

Combinations examined in the research literature. Descriptive only — not a recommendation to combine compounds.

Snap-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3)Compatible
An octapeptide extension of the same SNAP-25 concept; frequently compared and co-formulated with Argireline.
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)Compatible
A collagen-oriented cosmetic peptide often combined with Argireline in formulation studies.
Botulinum toxinNeutral
Shares a conceptual SNARE target but is a pharmacologically distinct injectable agent of far greater potency.
RetinoidsCompatible
Commonly co-formulated in cosmetic products; no specific adverse peptide interaction reported in the reference literature.
Hyaluronic acidCompatible
A frequent co-formulated humectant vehicle component; no reported peptide interaction.
  1. PubChem CID 71587772 (Acetyl hexapeptide-8)
  2. Blanes-Mira et al., A synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) with antiwrinkle activity (2002), Int J Cosmet Sci
  3. Gorouhi & Maibach, Role of topical peptides in skin care (2009), Int J Cosmet Sci
  4. Wang et al., The anti-wrinkle efficacy of Argireline (2013), J Cosmet Laser Ther
What is Argireline?
It is acetyl hexapeptide-8, a synthetic acetylated six-amino-acid cosmetic peptide based on the SNAP-25 sequence. PubChem CID 71587772, formula C35H62N14O11S, molecular weight about 887.0 g/mol.
Is it the same as acetyl hexapeptide-3?
Yes. The ingredient has been labeled both acetyl hexapeptide-3 and, under updated INCI nomenclature, acetyl hexapeptide-8; they refer to the same peptide.
How is it proposed to work?
It is theorized to compete with SNAP-25 in the SNARE complex, reducing neurotransmitter release associated with expression-line muscle contractions.
How strong is the evidence?
Argireline has a comparatively larger published literature than many cosmetic peptides, including early controlled cosmetic studies, though reported effects are modest and topical penetration is debated.
Can I use this as a cosmetic or drug?
No. This entry is for research and educational reference only. It does not assert product efficacy and is not a recommendation for human or veterinary use.
Disclaimer: This profile summarizes published preclinical and laboratory research for reference only. It is not medical advice and makes no claim of safety or efficacy in humans. Determining any research protocol is the sole responsibility of the qualified researcher. Products are sold strictly for in-vitro research and have not been evaluated by the FDA.