Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline)
Synthetic hexapeptide modeled on part of the SNAP-25 protein and marketed as a topical alternative to botulinum toxin. It inhibited neurotransmitter release only in vitro. In skin ex vivo, it hardly got past the stratum corneum
Evidence by route
Topical application
In one placebo-controlled trial (60 people, four weeks), wrinkles improved, but the groups were compared only on subjective assessment. An independent double-blind split-face study (19 women) found no difference. Ex vivo, the peptide barely gets past the stratum corneum. A botox-like effect has not been shown
- Wang Y et al. The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline, a synthetic hexapeptide, in Chinese subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2013;14(2):147-53. PMID 23417317
- Henseler H Investigating the effects of Argireline in a skin serum containing hyaluronic acids on skin surface wrinkles using the Visia(®) Complexion Analysis camera system for objective skin analysis. GMS Interdiscip Plast Reconstr Surg DGPW. 2023;12:Doc09. PMID 38024099
- Raikou V et al. The efficacy study of the combination of tripeptide-10-citrulline and acetyl hexapeptide-3. A prospective, randomized controlled study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017;16(2):271-278. PMID 28150423
- Blanes-Mira C et al. A synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) with antiwrinkle activity. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2002;24(5):303-10. PMID 18498523
- Kraeling ME et al. In vitro skin penetration of acetyl hexapeptide-8 from a cosmetic formulation. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2015;34(1):46-52. PMID 24754410
- Johnson W Jr et al. Safety Assessment of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 Amide as Used in Cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2025;44(2_suppl):54S-63S. PMID 40673537
- An JH et al. Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy of Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid-Based Microneedle Patch with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Epidermal Growth Factor on Korean Skin. Ann Dermatol. 2019;31(3):263-271. PMID 33911590
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
Tolerability and safety
- Working concentrations
- The developers reported positive results with emulsions containing 10% (Blanes-Mira 2002). The abstract does not say whether this means the peptide or the trade solution. The CIR panel considers the peptide safe up to 0.005% (50 ppm) and found data insufficient above that (Johnson 2025)
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Unknown
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Sensitive, Combination, Oily
About this ingredient
Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (raw-material trade name Argireline) is a synthetic peptide modeled on the N-terminal end of SNAP-25. This protein is part of the SNARE complex that drives neurotransmitter release. In vitro it interfered with the SNARE complex and inhibited neurotransmitter release, with much lower efficacy than botulinum toxin A (Blanes-Mira 2002). In human skin ex vivo, most of the peptide from a 10% emulsion stayed on the surface. The stratum corneum held 0.22% of the dose. The authors found none in the dermis (Kraeling 2015). A botox-like effect through the skin has therefore not been shown. Human results conflict. The developers reported wrinkles up to 30% shallower after 30 days with a 10% emulsion, with no control group described (Blanes-Mira 2002). In a placebo-controlled trial in China, 60 people were randomized 3:1 for four weeks (Wang 2013). On global assessment 48.9% responded vs 0% on placebo. Replica roughness fell only in the peptide group, but the groups were not compared directly. In an independent double-blind split-face study, 19 women applied a serum with the peptide to one side and without it to the other. After four weeks the sides did not differ (p=0.829, Henseler 2023). In a small RCT, 24 volunteers were split into four groups, and one group used the peptide alone under its former INCI name, acetyl hexapeptide-3 (Raikou 2017). At day 20, skin roughness fell more in that group than in the control without peptides, but the abstract does not report this difference at day 60. In 52 women, a dissolving microneedle patch with the peptide reduced wrinkles more than the same patch without actives over 29 days (An 2019). Microneedles bypass the stratum corneum, so this result does not apply to creams. The CIR panel considers it safe up to 0.005% and found data above that level insufficient (Johnson 2025). There are no data on use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
Is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) safe during pregnancy?
Safety data for Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) during pregnancy is insufficient. Best avoided when in doubt.
What skin types is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) for?
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) suits: normal, dry, sensitive, combination, oily.
What is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) and what does it do in cosmetics?
Synthetic hexapeptide modeled on part of the SNAP-25 protein and marketed as a topical alternative to botulinum toxin.
What's the INCI name for Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline)?
The INCI name is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. It may also appear as: Argireline.
What concentration of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) is effective?
The developers reported positive results with emulsions containing 10% (Blanes-Mira 2002). The abstract does not say whether this means the peptide or the trade solution. The CIR panel considers the peptide safe up to 0.005% (50 ppm) and found data insufficient above that (Johnson 2025)
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