Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Also known as: SNAP-8, Acetyl Glutamyl Octapeptide-3
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (also called SNAP-8 or Acetyl Glutamyl Octapeptide-3) is a cosmetic SNARE-targeting peptide. Acetyl octapeptide-3, sold as SNAP-8, is an elongated analog of acetyl hexapeptide-8 carrying two additional residues, designed as a mimetic of the N-terminal region of SNAP-25.
For research use only.
Key Facts
- CAS
- 868844-74-0
- Molecular Weight (MW)
- ≈1075.2 g/mol
- 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 counts once, at the median price per mg of its own listings; the typical range is the middle half of vendors. From public vendor listings collected between Dec 2025 and Sep 2026, so confirm the live price on the vendor site. Peptide Library does not sell peptides.
- Vendors listing this peptide
- 14
- Listed offers
- 15
- Median price per mg
- $4.00/mg
- Typical $2.82–$5.00/mg
Research summary
Elongated Argireline analog (SNAP-8) used in topical cosmetics. Not an FDA-approved drug; not WADA-prohibited as a cosmetic peptide.
Peptide Library's Acetyl Octapeptide-3 profile summarises 2 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
- —
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 Octapeptide-3 is queued for dosage evidence review.
Compare reported doses across the whole librarySequence & molecular data
| Molecular formula | C41H70N16O16S |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | ≈1075.2 g/mol |
| CAS number | 868844-74-0 |
| Half-life | Topical; systemic PK not established |
| Appearance | White powder |
| Formulation | Topical Cream |
| PubChem CID | 76283482 |
Identifiers link to the public PubChem, FDA Substance Registration (UNII), ChEMBL and DrugBank records for the same entity.
Science
Mechanism of Action
Acetyl octapeptide-3, sold as SNAP-8, is an elongated analog of acetyl hexapeptide-8 carrying two additional residues, designed as a mimetic of the N-terminal region of SNAP-25. Like its shorter relative it is proposed to compete for a position in the SNARE complex that mediates neurotransmitter vesicle fusion, destabilising assembly and reducing calcium-dependent transmitter release in model systems, with the cosmetic aim of softening lines produced by repeated muscle contraction. The extension is claimed by suppliers to improve activity relative to the hexapeptide. Independent comparative data is scarce, and as with all peptides of this size penetration through intact stratum corneum is the limiting factor.
Origin
Synthetic acetylated octapeptide.
Targets
Regulatory & research status
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 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 Octapeptide-3 side effects
Side Effects
- Mild irritation
- Redness
Stacking
Common stacking partners
Combinations that include Acetyl Octapeptide-3, 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 Octapeptide-3: frequently asked questions
What is Acetyl Octapeptide-3?
Elongated Argireline analog (SNAP-8) used in topical cosmetics. Not an FDA-approved drug; not WADA-prohibited as a cosmetic peptide.
How does Acetyl Octapeptide-3 work?
Acetyl octapeptide-3, sold as SNAP-8, is an elongated analog of acetyl hexapeptide-8 carrying two additional residues, designed as a mimetic of the N-terminal region of SNAP-25. Like its shorter relative it is proposed to compete for a position in the SNARE complex that mediates neurotransmitter vesicle fusion, destabilising assembly and reducing calcium-dependent transmitter release in model systems, with the cosmetic aim of softening lines produced by repeated muscle contraction.
Is Acetyl Octapeptide-3 FDA approved?
No. Acetyl Octapeptide-3 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 Octapeptide-3?
Reported half-life for Acetyl Octapeptide-3 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.
Is Acetyl Octapeptide-3 banned in sport?
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 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.
What peptides are similar to Acetyl Octapeptide-3?
Compounds most often compared with Acetyl Octapeptide-3 include Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, AHK-Cu and Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1. They are grouped by shared mechanism or research area rather than by equivalence, and their regulatory status and evidence base differ.
References
- INCI / PubChem SNAP-8External reference
- Class-level evidence — D-tyrosine adds an anti-melanogenic effect to cosmetic peptides — Sci Rep, 2020External reference
- Class-level evidence — In vitro skin penetration of acetyl hexapeptide-8 from a cosmetic formulation — Cutan Ocul Toxicol, 2015External reference
Related research, comparisons & guides
Related peptides
Compiled by Peptide Library Editorial · Reviewed Aug 30, 2026 · Updated Aug 30, 2026 · Version 1
This Acetyl Octapeptide-3 profile is compiled from published literature (2 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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