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SNAP-8

Well Studied

Acetyl Octapeptide-3 | Anti-Wrinkle & Expression Line Peptide

Dose 3-10% topical concentration (0.33-1mg injectable)
Frequency 2x daily for topical (morning and evening)
Cycle Continuous use for maintained results
Storage Topical: 4-25°C. Reconstituted injectable: 2-8°C, use within 30 days

Synthetic octapeptide functioning as topical Botox alternative, targeting dynamic facial wrinkles through SNARE complex modulation. Up to 63% wrinkle depth reduction demonstrated clinically.

Mechanism of Action

Mimics SNAP-25 protein N-terminal, competitively inhibits SNARE complex formation, reduces acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions.

Key Benefits

  • Non-invasive alternative to botulinum toxin
  • Up to 63% wrinkle depth reduction demonstrated clinically
  • Safe for sensitive periorbital areas
  • No recovery time required
  • Gradual, natural-appearing results
Molecular Weight
1,075.16 Da
Chain Length
8 amino acids
Type
Acetylated octapeptide
Amino Acid Sequence
One-letter: ?EEMQRRAD?
H₂N
H
? 1
O ‖ C
N
E 2
O ‖ C
N
E 3
O ‖ C
N
M 4
O ‖ C
N
Q 5
O ‖ C
N
R 6
O ‖ C
N
R 7
O ‖ C
N
A 8
O ‖ C
N
D 9
O ‖ C
N
H
? 10
COOH
Ac
1

Ac

Position 1

Glu
2

Glutamic Acid

Position 2

Glu
3

Glutamic Acid

Position 3

Met
4

Methionine

Position 4

Gln
5

Glutamine

Position 5

Arg
6

Arginine

Position 6

Arg
7

Arginine

Position 7

Ala
8

Alanine

Position 8

Asp
9

Aspartic Acid

Position 9

NH2
10

NH2

Position 10

N-terminus C-terminus
Hydrophobic
Polar
Positive (+)
Negative (-)
Modified

Anti-Wrinkle

  • Expression Line Reduction

    Demonstrates up to 63% reduction in wrinkle depth around eyes/forehead over 28 days.

  • Forehead Wrinkle Treatment

    Targets horizontal lines from repetitive eyebrow-raising and facial expressions.

  • Crow's Feet Improvement

    Reduces periorbital wrinkles via localized muscle relaxation without affecting natural expressions.

Muscle Relaxation

  • SNARE Complex Modulation

    43% inhibition efficiency at therapeutic concentrations.

  • Targeted Muscle Action

    Localized relaxation at application sites without systemic effects.

Skin Health

  • Preventive Anti-Aging

    Slows new expression line formation before becoming static wrinkles.

Most studied and clinically validated route; applied directly to skin for localized effects.

GoalDoseFrequencyRoute
General Anti-Aging3-5% concentration2x dailySerum/cream
Intensive Wrinkle Treatment5-10% concentration2x dailyTargeted application
Eye Area Treatment3-5% concentration2x dailyEye cream/serum
Preventive Use3% concentration1-2x dailyDaily moisturizer

Reconstitution Instructions

Materials Needed:
  • SNAP-8 peptide solution or powder
  • Base serum or cream if mixing
  • Clean applicator or dropper
  • Gentle pH-balanced cleanser
  1. 1 Cleanse face with gentle cleanser
  2. 2 Pat dry and wait 1-2 minutes
  3. 3 Dissolve powder in distilled water or add to serum base at 3-10%
  4. 4 Apply pea-sized amount to target areas (forehead, eyes, between brows)
  5. 5 Gently pat into skin—avoid rubbing
  6. 6 Wait 2-3 minutes for absorption
  7. 7 Follow with moisturizer and sunscreen (daytime)
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3)

Parent compound with same mechanism; SNAP-8 ~30% more potent; may be redundant when combined.

synergistic
Leuphasyl

Research shows 47% total inhibition combined vs 38% and 7% independently.

synergistic
GHK-Cu

Complementary mechanisms—SNAP-8 reduces expression lines; GHK-Cu promotes collagen synthesis.

compatible
Hyaluronic Acid

Excellent combination; hydration and plumping effects enhance wrinkle reduction.

synergistic
Niacinamide

Safe together; niacinamide calms barrier while SNAP-8 targets expression lines.

compatible
Retinol

Both potent actives; introduce slowly or use separately (SNAP-8 morning, retinol evening).

monitor
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)

pH differences may affect stability; use Vitamin C morning, SNAP-8 evening.

monitor
AHA/BHA Acids

Acids destabilize peptides; use at different times—acids morning, peptides evening.

monitor
Matrixyl

Complementary anti-aging—Matrixyl stimulates collagen; SNAP-8 relaxes muscles.

synergistic
Day 1-7

Skin feels slightly smoother; minimal visible changes as peptide accumulates

Week 2-3

Initial fine line reduction, especially with expressions; skin appears more relaxed

Week 4

Significant wrinkle depth reduction (~35% average); expression lines less pronounced

Week 6-8

Maximum efficacy (~63% reduction); forehead and eye area show notable improvement

Ongoing

Maintained results with continued use; effects diminish over 2-4 weeks if discontinued

Common Side Effects

  • Mild irritation or redness (especially at 5-10% concentrations initially)
  • Minimal risk on sensitive periorbital areas

Stop Signs - Discontinue if:

  • Persistent skin irritation, burning, or redness unresolved within days
  • Allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing)
  • Unusual skin discoloration in treated areas
  • Worsening skin condition after 2+ weeks of use
  • Eye irritation or vision changes if product enters eyes

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
  • Known peptide allergies

Good Signs

  • Clear, colorless to slightly yellowish solution with no visible particles
  • pH between 3.0-5.0 for stability and skin compatibility
  • Airless pump, dark glass, or UV-protected packaging
  • Subtle, measurable wrinkle reduction over 2-4 weeks

Warning Signs

  • Many commercial products contain subtherapeutic concentrations; verify 3-10% SNAP-8

Bad Signs

  • Cloudy or discolored solution—indicates degradation or contamination
  • Strong odor or unusual smell—suggests contamination or degradation
  • Argireline Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy—Randomized Controlled Trial
    (2013)

    First multicenter RCT of parent compound; 48.9% anti-wrinkle efficiency vs 0% placebo (P<0.01).

  • Synthetic Hexapeptide (Argireline) Antiwrinkle Activity
    (2002)

    Argireline reduced wrinkle depth up to 30% in 30 days; established SNARE complex destabilization mechanism.

  • Cosmeceutical Peptides—SNARE Complex Inhibition Review
    (2020)

    SNAP-8 showed 43% SNARE complex inhibition; synergistic with Leuphasyl (47% total vs 38% and 7% independently).

  • Dissolving Microneedle Patch Clinical Safety and Efficacy
    (2024)

    Microneedle patches enhanced SNAP-8 delivery and wrinkle reduction vs topical alone.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.