How Argireline works
A topical cosmetic peptide with small, mixed wrinkle studies and limited skin penetration.
Also called: Acetyl hexapeptide-8, Acetyl hexapeptide-8 amide, Acetyl hexapeptide-3 (older name), AH8, Ac-EEMQRR-NH2.
Cosmetic peptides · SNAP-25-mimicking cosmetic hexapeptide.
In lab tests, this peptide interferes with proteins that help nerve cells release chemical signals. Ordinary creams deliver very little through skin. Whether enough reaches facial nerves to explain wrinkle changes is unproven.
- SNAP-25 / SNARE complex: Mimics part of SNAP-25 and can disrupt signal-release machinery in laboratory models.
- Skin barrier: The outer skin limits delivery; moisturizing ingredients can also change wrinkle appearance.
Half-life: No human blood or skin half-life established.
Related to Argireline
- Matrixyl: A topical cosmetic peptide with limited human evidence for making fine lines less visible.
- GHK-Cu: A copper-binding skin peptide with small topical studies and untested systemic injections.
Sources
- Bulk Drug Substances Used in Compounding Under Section 503A of the FD&C Act, FDA · FDA · 2026
- Pyrogen and Endotoxins Testing: Questions and Answers, FDA · 2026
- The 2026 Prohibited List, World Anti-Doping Agency · WADA · 2026
- Bulk Drug Substances Nominated for Use in Compounding Under Section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, FDA · FDA · 2025
- Consumer products: cosmetics, Office for Product Safety and Standards · 2025
- HFP Centers of Excellence 2023-24 Annual Report, FDA · 2024
- Sterile Drug Products Produced by Aseptic Processing — Current Good Manufacturing Practice, FDA · 2004
- Allergens in Cosmetics, U.S. Food and Drug Administration · FDA
- Cosmetic ingredient database, European Commission
- Cosmetics, Therapeutic Goods Administration
- Microbiological Safety and Cosmetics, U.S. Food and Drug Administration · FDA
- Notification of Cosmetics, Health Canada
- Shelf Life and Expiration Dating of Cosmetics, FDA
- Wrinkle Treatments and Other Anti-aging Products, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- DES-mediated self-assembled polypeptides: Synergistic neuromuscular signaling inhibition for anti-aging., Bai D et al. · Biomaterials advances · 2026
Sources checked: 2026-10-18.
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