Peptides Academy
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8)
Various (Topical Cosmetic)
Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8, formerly acetyl hexapeptide-3) is a synthetic hexapeptide patterned on the N-terminal of SNAP-25, a SNARE protein required for neurotransmitter vesicle fusion. Its mechanistic claim is to competitively interfere with the SNARE complex and dampen acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction — the same target as botulinum toxin, but through a topical, reversible, and mechanistically less complete mechanism. In practice, the effect size is modest. Typical formulations at 5-10% show roughly 10-20% reduction in expression-wrinkle depth in split-face studies — meaningful but substantially less than intradermal botulinum toxin (which can approach 50-70% reduction). Argireline's appeal is as a needle-free, reversible, maintenance option or for users avoiding injectables. Real-world use is often combined with Matrixyl 3000 (which targets collagen synthesis rather than neurotransmission) for a complementary effect on both dynamic and static wrinkles.
Source references
Specifications
| Origin / Manufacturer | Synthetic (INCI-listed) |
| Form Factor | Serum, cream, or eye treatment |
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
Every clinical claim on this page traces to a primary peer-reviewed source.
- 1Blanes-Mira C, Clemente J, Jodas G, et al.. A synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) with antiwrinkle activity. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2002;24(5):303-10. doi:10.1046/j.1467-2494.2002.00153.x PMID:18498523
Reviewed by
Clinical Research Review Board
Pharmacology & Endocrinology Review
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Consumer products featuring Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8)
All skincare →Finished serums, creams, and treatments that contain Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8). Links go to retailers; we may earn a commission.
Protini Polypeptide Cream
Drunk Elephant
Signal-peptide moisturizing cream combining pygmy waterlily stem cell extract with nine signal peptides and amino acid complexes.
$68-78
Liquid Peptides
Medik8
Medik8's flagship multi-peptide serum with Argireline, copper peptides, and a signal-peptide complex in a lightweight fluid.
$70-90
Peptide Booster
Paula's Choice
Concentrated multi-peptide booster designed to layer under any serum or moisturizer. Contains Matrixyl 3000, palmitoyl tripeptide-38, and acetyl hexapeptide-8.
$45-55
High Potency Classics: Eye Lift
Perricone MD
Peptide-forward eye treatment targeting dark circles, puffiness, and crow's feet with palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and proprietary DMAE complex.
$65-78
Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Serum
Peter Thomas Roth
Peptide-forward anti-aging serum featuring 21 peptides and neuropeptides alongside squalane and hyaluronic acid, positioned as a premium Argireline-plus alternative.
$90-105
TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus
StriVectin
Neck and décolletage peptide cream featuring Gravitite-CF Lifting Complex, NIA-114 technology, and a collagen-boosting peptide blend.
$85-105
Argireline Solution 10%
The Ordinary
Water-based serum with 10% Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) targeting dynamic expression lines — forehead, crow's feet, between the brows.
$10-14
Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%
The Ordinary
Multi-peptide serum combining Matrixyl 3000, Argireline, SYN-AKE, Relistase, and 1% Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu) in a single formulation.
$28-32