What it is
SNAP-8 is a peptide made of 8 amino acids. It is made in a lab. Lipotec, a cosmetic ingredient company, developed it as a longer version of Argireline, a 6 amino acid peptide. It copies the front end of SNAP-25. SNAP-25 is one of the proteins nerves need to release the chemical signal that makes a muscle contract. The idea is that SNAP-8 gets in the way of that process, so face muscles contract less strongly. It is used in skin creams aimed at expression lines, the wrinkles made by repeated face movements. Other names: Acetyl Octapeptide-3.
What researchers study it for
- Expression wrinkles around the eyes and forehead
- The SNARE complex, the group of proteins nerves use to release signals
- Skin cream formulas
What the studies found
1. Its parent peptide cut wrinkle depth by about 30 percent.
This 2002 study tested Argireline, the shorter peptide SNAP-8 was built from. It did not test SNAP-8. In lab tests, Argireline blocked the SNARE complex from forming and lowered signal release from nerve cells. In 10 women ages 35 to 55, a cream used twice a day for 30 days reduced wrinkle depth around the eyes by about 30 percent, measured with silicone skin molds. The study was small.
2. A review groups it with skin peptides that lower muscle signals.
This 2009 review sorted skin care peptides into four groups by how they work. SNAP-8 falls in the group that blocks nerve signals to face muscles. The review looked at controlled studies for each peptide. It gives an overview of how strong the evidence is for this kind of ingredient.
How much research exists
Very little independent research. Most SNAP-8 data comes from its maker. The popular "63 percent wrinkle reduction" figure does not come from a study indexed in PubMed. Human studies are small.
Facts
- Formula: C41H70N16O16S
- Weight: 1075.2 g/mol
- CAS number: 868844-74-0
- Sequence: Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2
- Time in the blood: not measured. It is used on the skin.
- Storage: keep in the fridge away from light.
Legal status
Used as a cosmetic ingredient in skin products. Not approved by the FDA or any other agency as a drug.
For research use only. Not for human use. Nothing here is medical advice.