What is Pentapeptide-18?
Pentapeptide-18 is a five-amino-acid peptide sold under the name Leuphasyl. A 2026 study describes it as a neuromodulator that can inhibit neurotransmitter release.
It is used in anti-wrinkle and eye products aimed at lines caused by repeated movement.
How it is thought to work
The 2026 study combined spectroscopy with computer modelling, including docking and molecular dynamics, to examine how the peptide might bind to proteins in ageing pathways such as TGF-β and NF-κB. These are simulations and lab measurements, not skin tests.
A 2020 study added a D-tyrosine to the end of pentapeptide-18. The modified peptide reduced melanin in human cells and in a 3D skin model. That is a different molecule from the plain ingredient.
What the studies show
Every record below was checked against the paper. Where a result is from cells, animals or a combination product, the entry says so.
Akhan D, et al. Comput Biol Chem. 2026;123:108952. (opens in a new tab)
Design. Computer modelling (density functional theory, docking and molecular dynamics), spectroscopy and ADMET prediction. The abstract reports no skin or animal tests.
Finding. The authors present the peptide as a candidate on the basis of modelling and spectroscopy. The abstract reports no human or animal results.
Park J, et al. Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):262. (opens in a new tab)
Design. Human melanoma cells, primary melanocytes and a 3D human skin model, testing peptides with an added D-tyrosine. Pentapeptide-18 was one of them.
Finding. The modified pentapeptide-18 reduced melanin content in cells and in the 3D skin model. The plain ingredient was not the molecule tested.
Pawłowska M, et al. Life. 2024;14(10). (opens in a new tab)
Industry-authored
Design. Volunteer study of a semi-solid product containing retinol and a peptide (pentapeptide-18, per the abstract) in lipid nanoparticles. Some authors are from a company, Dottore Polska Sp. z o.o.
Finding. The product reduced sebum secretion and the number of facial wrinkles in volunteers. Because retinol was part of the product, the peptide’s share of that result cannot be isolated.
How it is used
Found in some anti-ageing and eye products, under the name Pentapeptide-18 or Leuphasyl. Concentrations are rarely listed.
Products that combine it with retinol are not peptide-only products. Judge each product on its own label.
Safety
The retinol-and-peptide study reports lower irritation from retinol when it is carried in lipid nanoparticles. It gives no separate safety data for the peptide.
Retinol can increase sun sensitivity, so use sun protection. Stop and seek advice if you have stinging or redness.
Talk to a doctor, dermatologist or pharmacist before starting a new active, especially if you are pregnant, have a skin condition, or use prescription treatments.
Questions
Is Leuphasyl the same as pentapeptide-18?
Yes. Leuphasyl is the trade name the 2026 study uses for pentapeptide-18.
Does it reduce wrinkles on its own?
The records checked for this page include modelling, cell work and a volunteer study of a retinol-and-peptide product. None is a controlled trial of pentapeptide-18 alone.