INCI: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Synthetic peptide, a SNAP-25 fragment. Marketed as 'botox in a jar' – suppresses neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction. In reality, the effect is orders of magnitude weaker than botulinum toxin.
Topical application
CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus.
Small industry-sponsored studies show 17–30% reduction in expression wrinkle depth over 30 days. No independent placebo-controlled RCTs. Actual penetration through the stratum corneum is the key question for all peptides.
5–10% solution (0.005–0.05% as peptide)
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (trade name Argireline by Lipotec) is a synthetic six-amino-acid peptide. The structure mimics the N-terminal fragment of SNAP-25 – a key SNARE-complex protein at neuromuscular synapses. Claimed mechanism. Competes with endogenous SNAP-25 for SNARE-complex assembly, theoretically blocking acetylcholine vesicle fusion with the presynaptic membrane – the same first step that botulinum toxin inactivates. Real-world potency is orders of magnitude lower: the peptide penetrates the epidermis poorly and does not reach the synapse at meaningful concentrations. Where applied. Anti-aging serums and creams for expression lines on the forehead, glabella, and crow's feet (5–10%). Brands include The Ordinary 'Matrixyl + HA', Sesderma Fillderma, Martiderm, Mesoestetic. Evidence base. The manufacturer (Blanes-Mira 2002, n=10) reports up to 30% wrinkle depth reduction over 30 days at 10%. An independent RCT (Wang 2013, n=60, 12 weeks) showed an 18% depth reduction vs 7% placebo – statistically significant but far weaker than botulinum therapy. The effect fades 2–3 weeks after stopping use. Safety. SCCS conditionally safe within the cosmetic peptide group. Hypoallergenic, non-irritating, non-comedogenic. Topical systemic absorption is minimal. Pregnancy and lactation – no direct data. Most gynecologists (SEGO 2023) recommend avoiding 'botox-mimic' actives in pregnancy as a precaution. Safe alternatives: adenosine, niacinamide, Matrixyl 3000 peptide complexes. Realistic take. Not 'botox in a jar'. At best, a mild toning add-on within a multi-active anti-aging serum. Not a replacement for injectable procedures.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
UnknownThe Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Safety data for Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) during pregnancy is insufficient. Best avoided when in doubt.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) suits: normal, dry, sensitive, combination, oily.
Synthetic peptide, a SNAP-25 fragment.
The INCI name is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. It may also appear as: Argireline, Ацетилгексапептид-8, Аргирелин.
5–10% solution (0.005–0.05% as peptide)
Published: · updated:
Suitable for