What is acetyl hexapeptide-8?
Acetyl hexapeptide-8 is a synthetic chain of six amino acids, widely sold under the trade name Argireline. It is modeled on part of a protein (SNAP-25) involved in the signals that make facial muscles contract.
What it does for skin
It is thought to dampen those muscle signals slightly at the skin, which may soften the look of lines that form with expression, such as crow’s feet. It is sometimes called “Botox-like”, but a topical peptide is far weaker than an injected neurotoxin and is not a substitute for one.
What the research shows
In a randomized, placebo-controlled study of 60 Chinese adults, an Argireline product or a placebo was applied around the eyes twice daily for 4 weeks (3 people on the peptide for every 1 on placebo). On subjective assessment, 48.9% of the peptide group improved compared with none of the placebo group, and skin-replica measurements of roughness fell significantly only in the peptide group.
It was a single, short study in one population.
In DermaGlass®
Acetyl hexapeptide-8 is listed 12th of 21 ingredients. The pack does not state its concentration.
See the full DermaGlass® ingredient list or how to use the mask.
Safety
Acetyl hexapeptide-8 is generally well tolerated in cosmetic products.
Questions
Is acetyl hexapeptide-8 the same as Botox?
No. Botox is an injected neurotoxin. Acetyl hexapeptide-8 is a cosmetic peptide applied to the skin, with a much milder effect.
What is Argireline?
Argireline is a trade name for acetyl hexapeptide-8.
How long does it take to see a difference?
In the main controlled study, measurements were taken after 4 weeks of twice-daily use.
Sources
General information, not medical advice. Read our terms.