peptide wiki

Argireline

aka Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 · Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 · Ac-EEMQRR-NH2

Healing & Recovery unscheduled

Mechanism

Argireline is a synthetic, topically applied cosmetic hexapeptide (N-acetylated, C-terminal amide; Ac-EEMQRR-NH2) corresponding to the N-terminal fragment (residues 12–17) of the SNARE protein SNAP-25. It is marketed as an anti-wrinkle agent that competitively interferes with SNARE complex assembly, attenuating catecholamine and acetylcholine release and thereby reducing the muscle contractions that drive expression lines — a botulinum-toxin-like mechanism but far weaker. In the U.S. it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient, not as an FDA-approved drug.

Studied uses

Identification

CAS number616204-22-9
Molecular formulaC35H62N14O11S
SequenceEEMQRR
Typical doseTopical only; formulated in cosmetics at roughly 5–10% of the supplier's peptide solution (which is itself dilute), applied to the skin. Not dosed systemically.
Half-lifeNot well characterized for topical use; peptide is subject to dermal peptidase degradation.

Safety

Regulated by the FDA as a cosmetic ingredient (topical), not approved as a drug; cosmetic anti-aging efficacy claims rest on limited, mostly manufacturer-funded studies. Generally well tolerated topically, with occasional mild local irritation. Not intended for injection. Not a WADA-prohibited substance.

Vendors selling Argireline

No vendor listings on file yet.

Research

Cosmetic potential of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) extract in a topical cream formulation
Dikmen Kucuk S, Jabet P, Groso A, Collet G, Daniellou R, Karadeniz B. · International journal of cosmetic science (2026) ·

Objective The primary objective of this study was to investigate the biological activities of freeze-dried Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) extract obtained from hazelnut pruning waste and to compare its antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibitory and cytotoxic properties with two widely used cosmetic actives-argireline peptide and α…

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DES-mediated self-assembled polypeptides: Synergistic neuromuscular signaling inhibition for anti-aging
Bai, Wang Z, Liu T, Wang M, Zhang J. · Biomaterials advances (2026) ·

Skin aging involves complex mechanisms such as overactivation of neuromuscular signals and oxidative stress.

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Oral and topical peptides for skin aging: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Nukaly HY, Halawani IR, Irtaza HM, Alturkistani T, Serafi MR, Alhawsawi W, Bogari HO, Ahmed FA, Alhaddad Y, Shadid A, Alharithy R, Jfri A. · Frontiers in medicine (2026) · review

Introduction Skin aging manifests as wrinkles, reduced elasticity, and roughness due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Peptide-based therapies enhance collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix integrity.

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Transdermal Delivery of Botulinum Toxin for the Management of Oily and Acne-Prone Skin Using TDA Technology
Schulz S, Lamprecht S. · Journal of cosmetic dermatology (2026) · cohort

Background Intradermal botulinum toxin injections have been shown to reduce sebaceous gland activity and improve skin texture in patients with oily and acne-prone skin. However, needle-based application is associated with discomfort and potential side effects.

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BAK and ARG Have Moisturizing, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antioxidant Bioactivities, in the Zebrafish Model
Jiang X, Wang W, Wei Y, Cheng W, Li S, Du L, Xu W, Zhang Y. · Journal of cosmetic dermatology (2025) · animal

Background Bakuchiol (BAK) and acetyl hexapeptide-8 have favorable biological activities and have promising applications in the cosmetic industry. However, the evaluation of the biological activity of both alone or in combination has not been reported.

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Current Approaches in Cosmeceuticals: Peptides, Biotics and Marine Biopolymers
Badilli U, Inal O. · Polymers (2025) · review

Today's consumer perception and expectations of personal care have gone beyond merely cleansing, moisturizing, and makeup products, focusing more on the reduction or elimination of signs of aging.

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Peptides: Emerging Candidates for the Prevention and Treatment of Skin Senescence: A Review
Pintea A, Manea A, Pintea C, Vlad RA, Bîrsan M, Antonoaea P, Rédai EM, Ciurba A. · Biomolecules (2025) · review

One class of cosmetic compounds that have raised interest of many experts is peptides. The search for ingredients with good biocompatibility and bioactivity has led to the use of peptides in cosmetic products.

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Public Interest in Acetyl Hexapeptide-8: Longitudinal Analysis
Olsson SE, Sreepad B, Lee T, Fasih M, Fijany A. · JMIR dermatology (2024) ·

Background Acetyl hexapeptide-8, also known as Argireline, is a topical, short-acting, synthetic peptide that has recently gained popularity for its antiwrinkle effects. This agent has emerged as a more accessible alternative to botulinum neurotoxin.

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Influence of the modification of the cosmetic peptide Argireline on the affinity toward copper(II) ions
Wyrzykowski D, Wieczorek R, Kloska A, Errante F, Papini AM, Makowska J. · Journal of peptide science : an official publication of the European Peptide Society (2024) ·

Argireline (Ac-EEMQRR-NH 2 ), a well-known neurotransmitter peptide with a potency similar to botulinum neurotoxins, reveals a proven affinity toward Cu(II) ions.

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Cosmeceuticals in photoaging: A review
Chan LKW, Lee KWA, Lee CH, Lam KWP, Lee KFV, Wu R, Wan J, Shivananjappa S, Sky WTH, Choi H, Yi KH. · Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI) (2024) · review

Background Photoaging is a process of the architecture of normal skin damaged by ultraviolet radiation. Topical cosmeceuticals have been used to treat this condition. The authors aimed to understand the mechanism and level of evidence of different commonly used cosmeceuticals used to treat photodamaged skin.

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Investigating the effects of Argireline in a skin serum containing hyaluronic acids on skin surface wrinkles using the Visia<sup>®</sup> Complexion Analysis camera system for objective skin analysis
Henseler H. · GMS Interdisciplinary plastic and reconstructive surgery DGPW (2023) ·

Objective To analyze the effects of Argireline on skin surface wrinkles using the Visia ® camera system developed by Canfield Scientific Inc., U.S.A., for facial image capture. Method Nineteen female participants were recruited from a plastic surgery clinic.

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Polydioxanone Bioactive Sutures-Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline): An Intelligent System for Controlled Release in Facial Harmonization
Velazco de Maldonado GJ, Suárez-Vega DV, Miller-Kobisher B, García-Guevara VJ. · Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery (2023) ·

Introduction We propose a new facial lifting protocol using polydioxanone (PDO) threads embedded in acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline [Arg]). We assume that Arg reinforces the effects of PDO threads, as it is a mimetic of botulinum toxin.

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A Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Effects of an Eye Serum on Improving the Appearance of the Periorbital Area
· ClinicalTrials.gov (2023) · rct

This study will evaluate the efficacy of the DIME Beauty Luminosity Eye Serum in improving the appearance of skin in the periorbital eye area. This study will last for 60 days. The study will be conducted as a single-arm trial in which all participants will use the test products.

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Investigating the Wrinkle Reduction Potential of a Novel Compounded Skin Care Cream
· ClinicalTrials.gov (2019) · rct

In the realm of cosmetics, skin care accounts for a significant share accounting for 35.3% of the global market, creating a $121 billion industry. While many of the products claim to have unique, natural formulations that boost skin care, many products contain chemicals that are potentially damaging to skin.

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Topical Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and the Cosmetic Appearance of Oily Skin
· ClinicalTrials.gov (2016) · rct

This is a randomized double-blinded study examining the effect of topical Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 AH8) for improving the cosmetic appearance and experience of oily skin.

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Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 for Blepharospasm
· ClinicalTrials.gov (2012) · rct

Background: \- Blepharospasm is caused by excessive contraction of the muscles that close the eye. One treatment is botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), which works by weakening those muscles. Like BoNT, acetyl hexapeptide-8 (AH-8) works to weaken the muscles, but is available as a skin cream.

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A Study of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (AH8) in Treatment of Blepharospasm
· ClinicalTrials.gov (2009) · rct

Background: * Blepharospasm is caused by excessive contraction of the muscles that close the eye. It can be treated with injections of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), which works by weakening those muscles.

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Argireline in Treatment of Periorbital Wrinkles
· ClinicalTrials.gov (2009) · rct

The purpose of this study is to determine whether La Jolie gel is effective in the treatment of periorbital wrinkles.

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