Also known as: Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Argireline-Extended, Inyline
Half-life: Topical (residence time on skin)
Last reviewed: · Published:
SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is an extended-length analog of Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 / -8). Both peptides act by mimicking the SNAP-25 N-terminus, the same target attacked by botulinum toxin A. By competitively interfering with SNARE-complex assembly at the neuromuscular junction, the peptides reduce acetylcholine release from motor neurons and produce a localized, mild relaxation of underlying expression muscles. The extended octapeptide sequence of SNAP-8 is marketed as having higher affinity for the SNARE complex than the parent hexapeptide and therefore producing greater wrinkle reduction at the same concentration.
Critically, the SNARE-modulating activity of these peptides applied topically is many orders of magnitude weaker than that of injected botulinum toxin: the peptide must penetrate the stratum corneum (a substantial barrier), reach motor neurons in concentrations sufficient to compete with the native SNAP-25 N-terminus, and persist long enough to matter. Cosmetic-industry studies show measurable but modest reductions in expression-line depth with sustained topical use at 5-10% concentration. The effect is real but should not be compared to injectable neuromodulators in magnitude.
SNAP-8 is incorporated into anti-wrinkle topical formulations marketed to consumers who want a non-injectable approach to expression lines. It is a topical cosmetic ingredient, not an injectable peptide. Research-chemical vendors do sell pure powder for formulators, but the safety of injecting SNARE-modulating peptides has not been characterized and could theoretically have systemic neuromuscular consequences if injected.
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) was developed by Lipotec in Spain in the early 2000s as the first topical peptide marketed as a "botox alternative." SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) was introduced subsequently as an optimized variant with extended length and reportedly improved affinity. The Lipotec / Provital product portfolio popularized both peptides through cosmetic-industry licensing throughout the 2000s and 2010s.
Topical SNAP-8 has an excellent safety profile, with cosmetic-industry data showing very low rates of irritation or sensitization in normal use. Because the peptide acts on the SNARE complex, theoretical concerns exist about systemic absorption affecting neuromuscular transmission, but in practice topical bioavailability is too low for this to be clinically meaningful. The peptide is not intended for injection and injectable safety is unstudied.
Dose Range
5-10% w/w in topical formulation
Frequency
Once or twice daily
Duration
8-12 weeks minimum for visible results
Dosing information is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.
Typical Vial Size
10 mg
Water Type
Not applicable — topical cosmetic ingredient
Mixing Volume
N/A mL
Half-Life
Topical (residence time on skin)
Molecular Weight
~889 Da
SNAP-8 is incorporated into cosmetic formulations at 5-10% concentration. Stable in standard aqueous cosmetic vehicles. Compatible with most other anti-aging actives. Not intended for injection.
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FDA Status
Cosmetic ingredient (not regulated as a drug).
Legal Status
Legal as cosmetic ingredient worldwide.
USA
Cosmetic ingredientPermitted in topical cosmetic products
EU
Cosmetic ingredientListed in EU Cosing database as Acetyl Octapeptide-3
UK
Cosmetic ingredientPermitted in cosmetic products
Australia
Cosmetic ingredientPermitted in topical formulations
Canada
Cosmetic ingredientPermitted in topical formulations
Wang Y, Wang M, Xiao S, Pan P, Li P, Huo J
International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2013)
Direct comparison of Argireline (hexapeptide-3) and SNAP-8 (octapeptide-3) showing the longer octapeptide variant produced modestly greater wrinkle-depth reduction in controlled clinical assessment.
View Study →Blanes-Mira C, Clemente J, Jodas G, Gil A, Fernández-Ballester G, Ponsati B, Gutierrez L, Pérez-Payá E, Ferrer-Montiel A
International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2002)
Foundational mechanistic study from the Lipotec / Universitat Miguel Hernández groups characterizing how SNAP-25-mimetic peptides interfere with neuromuscular SNARE assembly, establishing the rationale for both Argireline and SNAP-8.
View Study →Ferreira MC, Brito MJ, Costa AC
Aesthetic Surgery Journal (2014)
Practical comparison framing the difference in magnitude between injectable botulinum toxin and topical SNARE-mimetic peptide formulations, useful context for setting consumer expectations about SNAP-8.
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