What it is
SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) is a topical cosmetic peptide and an elongated analog of Argireline, used in anti-aging skincare to reduce the appearance of expression wrinkles. An octapeptide is a chain of eight amino acids, two more than Argireline's six.
In the PeptidesAI encyclopedia it is categorized under skin and anti-aging. It is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient.
How it's thought to work
SNAP-8 is described as an extended peptide that mimics SNAP-25, a protein involved in neurotransmitter release, and competes in the SNARE complex, the protein complex that drives vesicle fusion and release. It is thought to modestly reduce catecholamine and neurotransmitter release, which would soften repetitive facial muscle contractions. A laboratory study of Argireline, the shorter peptide, found that it inhibited neurotransmitter release by interfering with the formation or stability of the SNARE complex.
What the research says
Cosmetic-grade evidence is described as supporting a modest improvement in the appearance of wrinkles. The clinical studies cited here tested acetyl octapeptide-3 only as one ingredient in multi-ingredient microneedle patches, so their results reflect the combination and cannot be attributed to the peptide alone. One study in 24 healthy subjects reported improved eye wrinkles with such a patch compared with a placebo patch, and a 12-week study of a different patch reported a 25.8% decrease in fine lines and wrinkles. No study of SNAP-8 on its own is cited on this page. It is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient.
Reported side effects
Rare mild irritation of the skin has been reported with SNAP-8. The two microneedle-patch studies above reported no adverse effects or skin reactions with the combination products. It is not intended for injection.
Form
SNAP-8 is used in pre-formulated topical serums and creams, so it is not reconstituted.
Important notes
SNAP-8 is a topical cosmetic ingredient only and is not intended for injection. Reconstitution does not apply to it.
Sources
- A synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) with antiwrinkle activity. Blanes-Mira C et al. Int J Cosmet Sci, 2002. Preclinical
- Clinical Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of a Dissolving Microneedle Patch Having Dual Anti-Wrinkle Effects With Safe and Long-Term Activities. Shin JY et al. Ann Dermatol, 2024. Human trial
- Efficacy of bioactive peptides loaded on hyaluronic acid microneedle patches: A monocentric clinical study. Avcil M et al. J Cosmet Dermatol, 2020. Human trial
Frequently asked questions
These questions cover the same ground as the sections above, in a shorter format.
What is SNAP-8?
A topical cosmetic peptide (acetyl octapeptide-3), an elongated analog of Argireline, used in anti-aging skincare to reduce the appearance of expression wrinkles.
How is SNAP-8 thought to work?
It is described as a SNAP-25-mimicking peptide that competes in the SNARE complex, modestly reducing neurotransmitter release to soften repetitive facial muscle contractions.
What does the research on SNAP-8 say?
Cosmetic-grade evidence is described as supporting modest wrinkle-appearance improvement; the clinical studies cited tested it only inside multi-ingredient microneedle patches, so its own effect cannot be separated out.
What are the reported side effects of SNAP-8?
Rare mild irritation of the skin has been reported; it is not intended for injection.
The full entry, plus the calculator
The PeptidesAI app has the complete encyclopedia entry for SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) — one of 70 compounds covered — plus the reconstitution calculator, a dose log and reminders. Free to download on iPhone.
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