Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Also known as: Argireline, Acetyl Hexapeptide-3
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (also called Argireline or Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) is a cosmetic SNARE-targeting peptide. Acetyl hexapeptide-8, commonly sold as Argireline, mimics the N-terminal sequence of SNAP-25, one of the three SNARE proteins that assemble to fuse neurotransmitter vesicles with the presynaptic membrane.
For research use only.
Key Facts
- CAS
- 616204-22-9
- Molecular Weight (MW)
- —
- Half-life
- Topical; systemic PK not established
- FDA status
- Not Approved
- Administration Route
- Topical
- Frequency
- —
- Last updated
- Aug 30, 2026
- Reviewed
- Aug 30, 2026
- Targets
- SNAP-25 / SNARE complex
Vendor price snapshot
Each vendor's price is the median price per mg of its own listings; with fewer than 3 vendors there is no typical range. From public vendor listings collected in Dec 2025, so confirm the live price on the vendor site. Peptide Library does not sell peptides.
- Vendors listing this peptide
- 1
- Listed offers
- 1
- Price per mg
- $1.10/mg
Research summary
Topical hexapeptide (Argireline) used in cosmetics as a SNAP-25 fragment analog. Marketed to soften expression lines; not an FDA-approved drug.
Peptide Library's Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 profile summarises 5 cited studies listed in the Science section, the compound's regulatory status, and research-protocol parameters reported for it. It is a research reference, not medical advice.
Protocol
- Dosage Range
- Per cosmetic formulation
- Frequency
- —
- Cycle
- —
- Administration Route
- Topical
- Reconstitution Guide
- —
- Concentration Example
- Typical 0.005–0.01% (brand literature)
Not yet checked against primary sources
These figures are compiled from earlier reference material. They have not been verified against FDA labelling, registered trials or published literature, no citation is attached to them, and none of them is a recommended dose. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is queued for dosage evidence review.
Compare reported doses across the whole librarySequence & molecular data
| Amino acid sequence | Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | Varies by salt/hydration (see PubChem/INCI) |
| Molecular weight | — |
| CAS number | 616204-22-9 |
| Half-life | Topical; systemic PK not established |
| Appearance | White powder |
| Formulation | Topical Cream |
| PubChem CID | 71587772 |
| FDA UNII | L4EL31FWIL |
| DrugBank | DB11709 |
Identifiers link to the public PubChem, FDA Substance Registration (UNII), ChEMBL and DrugBank records for the same entity.
Science
Mechanism of Action
Acetyl hexapeptide-8, commonly sold as Argireline, mimics the N-terminal sequence of SNAP-25, one of the three SNARE proteins that assemble to fuse neurotransmitter vesicles with the presynaptic membrane. By competing for a position in the SNARE complex it is reported to destabilise assembly, reducing calcium-dependent catecholamine and acetylcholine release in model systems. The intended cosmetic consequence is reduced contraction of facial expression muscles and therefore softened dynamic lines — a mechanism conceptually parallel to botulinum toxin, which cleaves SNAP-25 enzymatically, but far weaker and non-enzymatic. The central open question is topical delivery: a hydrophilic hexapeptide penetrates intact stratum corneum poorly, and most supporting data comes from small formulation studies.
Origin
Synthetic acetylated hexapeptide used as a cosmetic active.
Targets
Studies
- The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline, a synthetic hexapeptide, in Chinese subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study
- Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 in Cosmeceuticals-A Review of Skin Permeability and Efficacy
- Cosmeceuticals in photoaging: A review
- The effect of a serum containing acetyl hexapeptide-8, dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate and gluconolactone on skin biomarkers, wrinkles and skin texture: Ex vivo and clinical studies
- Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 as a Topical Alternative to Botulinum Toxin: A Review of the Literature
Regulatory & research status
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is not an FDA-approved product. It is sold for laboratory research and has no approved medical use.
| FDA status | Not Approved |
|---|---|
| Availability | OTC / Supplement |
| WADA (sport) | Permitted |
| Library classification | Research-Only |
Benefits
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 side effects
Side Effects
- Mild irritation
- Redness
- Contact dermatitis (uncommon)
Stacking
Common stacking partners
Combinations that include Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, with the proposed rationale, an evidence grade and what is not established, are catalogued in the peptide stacks directory.
Storage & stability
Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder is far more stable than the reconstituted solution. Keep sealed vials cold, dry and away from light; long-term storage is typically frozen, with short-term refrigeration for vials in use.
Once reconstituted in bacteriostatic water, keep the solution refrigerated, avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles and agitation, and label the vial with the reconstitution date and concentration. Discard any solution that turns cloudy or shows particulates.
Degradation rates differ by sequence: peptides containing methionine, cysteine, asparagine or glutamine are more prone to oxidation and deamidation, so shelf life after reconstitution is compound-specific rather than universal.
Cosmetic peptides in this library are formulated into topical products; follow the product label rather than the reconstitution guidance above.
Read the full guide: how to store peptides before and after reconstitution →
Source: Manning MC, Chou DK, Murphy BM, Payne RW, Katayama DS. Stability of protein pharmaceuticals: an update. Pharm Res. 2010;27(4):544–575. (PMID 20143256). General guidance for research handling; not product-specific instructions.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8: frequently asked questions
What is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8?
Topical hexapeptide (Argireline) used in cosmetics as a SNAP-25 fragment analog. Marketed to soften expression lines; not an FDA-approved drug.
How does Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 work?
Acetyl hexapeptide-8, commonly sold as Argireline, mimics the N-terminal sequence of SNAP-25, one of the three SNARE proteins that assemble to fuse neurotransmitter vesicles with the presynaptic membrane. By competing for a position in the SNARE complex it is reported to destabilise assembly, reducing calcium-dependent catecholamine and acetylcholine release in model systems.
Is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 FDA approved?
No. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is not approved by the FDA for any indication and is categorised as otc / supplement. It has not been reviewed for safety or efficacy as a medicine, and published research should be read as investigation rather than established use.
What is the half-life of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8?
Reported half-life for Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is Topical; systemic PK not established. Half-life describes how long the compound persists in circulation, not how long any effect lasts, and published figures vary with route of administration, formulation and the population studied.
What is the amino acid sequence of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8?
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has the sequence Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg, giving a chain of 6 amino acids. Its molecular formula is Varies by salt/hydration (see PubChem/INCI).
Is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 banned in sport?
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is recorded here as permitted in sport. Anti-doping status is revised annually, so athletes subject to testing should confirm against the current WADA Prohibited List before use.
References
- PubChem ArgirelineExternal reference
- The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline, a synthetic hexapeptide, in Chinese subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study — Am J Clin Dermatol, 2013External reference
- Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 in Cosmeceuticals-A Review of Skin Permeability and Efficacy — Int J Mol Sci, 2025External reference
- Cosmeceuticals in photoaging: A review — Skin Res Technol, 2024External reference
- The effect of a serum containing acetyl hexapeptide-8, dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate and gluconolactone on skin biomarkers, wrinkles and skin texture: Ex vivo and clinical studies — Int J Cosmet Sci, 2026External reference
- Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 as a Topical Alternative to Botulinum Toxin: A Review of the Literature — J Drugs Dermatol, 2025External reference
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Compiled by Peptide Library Editorial · Reviewed Aug 30, 2026 · Updated Aug 30, 2026 · Version 1
This Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 profile is compiled from published literature (5 cited studies linked above), public regulatory records and chemical registries. It describes what research reports; it is not medical advice, and nothing here is a dosing recommendation for humans. Peptide Library does not sell peptides. Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled · Report an error
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