CosmeticsUnregulated/Therapeutic
Argireline
Synonyms: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Hexapeptide-3
Sequence: Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2
History & Discovery Timeline
Argireline was synthesized by Lipotec (Spain) in the early 2000s as a topical peptide alternative to Botulinum toxin, designed to target the SNARE complex.
What it is: It is a synthetic hexapeptide (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) categorized under Anti-aging/Cosmetic.
Proposed Mechanisms & Research Findings: It mimics the N-terminal end of SNAP-25, competing for a position in the SNARE complex, thereby inhibiting acetylcholine release and relaxing facial muscles to reduce wrinkles.
Regulatory & Safety Status: It is not FDA approved as a drug, but is approved for topical cosmetics. Online injectables are unauthorized and carry severe infection risks.
Athletic & Anti-Doping Status: It is not prohibited by WADA.
Understanding Argireline Key Facts
Primary Target System:CNS
Residue Count / Length:8 Amino Acids
Primary Action & Category:SNARE Complex Inhibitor (Cosmetics)
Primary Receptors:SNAP-25 Protein binding site
Figure 1: Detailed molecular mechanism pathways of Argireline (click to enlarge).