Introduction to Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Acetyl hexapeptide-8, also known as acetyl hexapeptide-3 and hexapeptide, with the commercial name Argireline, is a highly acclaimed ingredient in the cosmetics industry, excelling in anti-wrinkle and anti-aging applications.

I. Basic Information

1. CAS Number: 616204 - 22 - 9

2. Molecular Formula: C34H60N14O12S

3. Molecular Weight: 888.9

4. Appearance: It typically appears as a white powder with a purity of ≥99% and a peptide content of ≥85%.

II. Source and Preparation

Acetyl hexapeptide-8 is not directly extracted from natural organisms. Instead, it is obtained through chemical synthesis. The synthesis process adheres to strict Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. It goes through a series of professional steps, including synthesis, drying, cleavage, purification, freeze - drying, packaging, and warehousing. No additional components, preservatives, or antioxidants are added, and finally, a multi - morphological crystalline powder is obtained to ensure product quality compliance.

III. Mechanism of Action

Muscle contraction is regulated by motor neurons. When neurotransmitters are released and bind to receptors on muscle cells, muscle contraction is triggered. Acetyl hexapeptide-8 can mimic the SNAP - 25 protein domain fragment and compete for the binding site of SNAP - 25 in the SNARE complex. The SNARE complex is composed of three proteins: VAMP, Syntaxin, and SNAP - 25. Once the stability of the SNARE complex is affected, vesicles cannot effectively release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. As a result, muscle cells do not receive contraction signals, and muscle contraction activity is weakened, effectively reducing wrinkles caused by frequent muscle contractions, especially dynamic wrinkles. Additionally, acetyl hexapeptide-8 can stimulate skin cells to promote the synthesis of collagen (such as type I and type III collagen) and elastin, contributing to enhanced skin elasticity and improved skin laxity.

IV. Efficacy Characteristics

1. Wrinkle Reduction and Smoothing: As a high - quality anti - wrinkle ingredient, it exhibits high anti - wrinkle activity. It can effectively reduce dynamic wrinkles on the face caused by facial expressions, such as crow's feet, glabellar lines, and forehead wrinkles. Clinical studies have shown that among Chinese healthy female volunteers with an average age of 46.0 years (±7.2 years), continuous use of products containing 200ppm of acetyl hexapeptide-8 for 4 weeks can significantly reduce facial wrinkles. In 2002, the International Journal of Cosmetic Science reported that after continuous use of a 10% hexapeptide emulsion on healthy female volunteers for 30 days, the average wrinkle depth was reduced by 30%.

2. Skin Tightening: By promoting the production of collagen and elastin, it strengthens the skin's supporting structure, making the skin firmer and more elastic. It improves skin sagging and gives a more streamlined facial contour.

3. Gentle and Safe: Compared to botulinum toxin, acetyl hexapeptide-8 does not require injection. This avoids risks such as pain, erythema, and edema caused by puncture, as well as side effects such as upper eyelid ptosis, facial asymmetry, and speech difficulties due to toxin diffusion. It is safer and more gentle, making it suitable for a wider range of people.

4. Moisturizing and Antioxidant: Acetyl hexapeptide-8 has certain moisturizing properties, helping the skin retain moisture and maintain a hydrated state. It also has antioxidant activity, which can neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress damage to the skin, and contribute to delaying skin aging.

V. Application Fields

Acetyl hexapeptide-8 is mainly applied in the cosmetics industry and is often added to various high - end skin care products.

1. Facial Care Products: Products such as serums and facial creams can comprehensively improve the condition of facial skin, reduce wrinkles, and enhance skin firmness and radiance. For example, La Mer Crème de la Mer, Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting Crème, Hanshu Double - Tube Serum, and UNISKIN Firming Cream all contain this ingredient.

2. Eye Care Products: The addition of acetyl hexapeptide-8 to eye creams and eye masks can specifically address eye - area skin problems, reducing crow's feet and dark circles, and making the eye - area skin firmer and smoother. Products like Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream and Winona Firming Eye Cream contain this ingredient.

3. Neck Care Products: Used in neck care products, it helps reduce neck wrinkles and improve the elasticity and firmness of neck skin.

VI. Usage Recommendations

1. Dosage: In cosmetic formulations, the recommended dosage of acetyl hexapeptide-8 is 20 - 500ppm, with a recommended dosage of more than 100ppm. The specific dosage may vary depending on product type and expected efficacy.

2. Storage Conditions: The product should be stored at 2 - 8°C in a dark place. The shelf life is usually 24 months to ensure its activity and stability.

3. Combined Use: To further enhance skin - care effects, acetyl hexapeptide-8 can be combined with palmitoyl peptides (such as palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4), hyaluronic acid, collagen, and antioxidant components (such as vitamin E and vitamin C). These components work synergistically with acetyl hexapeptide-8 to better care for the skin in terms of anti - wrinkle, moisturizing, and antioxidant effects.

 Chemical & Physical Properties

Synonyms