Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) Cosmetic Ingredient Supplier — UPOR Biotech
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) — a synthetic anti-wrinkle hexapeptide (Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH₂) that acts as a competitive SNAP-25 inhibitor in the SNARE complex, reducing neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction. This topical “Botox-like” alternative relaxes facial muscle contraction to visibly reduce the depth and formation of expression lines — without injection. Clinically validated to reduce wrinkle depth by up to ~30% after 30 days. Cosmetic-grade bulk supplier — premium anti-wrinkle peptide from UPOR Biotech.
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Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (CAS 616204-22-9, C₃₄H₆₀N₁₄O₁₂S, MW 888.99 g/mol) — also known by its trade name Argireline (formerly Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) — is a synthetic hexapeptide with the amino acid sequence Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH₂. Its mechanism of action is competitive inhibition of the SNAP-25 protein within the SNARE complex — the ternary protein assembly that drives synaptic vesicle docking and fusion at the neuromuscular junction. By binding SNAP-25, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 destabilizes the vesicle-docking complex, reducing the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This in turn reduces muscle contraction, relaxing the repeated micro-contractions of facial expression muscles that, over time, carve expression lines into the skin. The result is a measurable reduction in the depth and formation of expression lines — a topical “Botox-like” effect achieved without any injection. In controlled clinical studies, topical application of Argireline reduced wrinkle depth by up to ~30% after 30 days of twice-daily use.
Commercially, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is positioned as the original and most widely referenced “Botox-in-a-jar” topical peptide — a cornerstone active for anti-wrinkle and anti-expression-line serums, creams, and gels. It is water-soluble and formulated into the aqueous phase of leave-on cosmetic products at very low inclusion rates (0.005–0.01% active), making it highly cost-effective per finished unit. As a cosmetic-grade bulk supplier, UPOR Biotech provides high-purity (≥98% HPLC) Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 for B2B skincare brands, contract manufacturers, and private-label formulators, supported by ISO 9001, cGMP, FDA facility registration, HALAL, KOSHER, and COSMOS certifications and full analytical documentation (COA, MSDS, HPLC).
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) vs Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) — Two SNAP-25-Inhibiting Anti-Wrinkle Peptides
Both Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) and Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) are synthetic anti-wrinkle peptides that inhibit the SNAP-25 protein in the SNARE complex to relax expression lines — but they differ in structure and performance profile. Argireline is the original six-amino-acid hexapeptide (Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH₂), the most clinically documented and widely cited topical anti-expression-line peptide, and the benchmark “Botox-like” active. SNAP-8 is a longer eight-amino-acid octapeptide variant engineered for enhanced stability and greater potency at the neuromuscular junction, often positioned as a higher-strength alternative. For formulators, the choice comes down to potency vs cost: Argireline delivers proven clinical results at a lower cost per unit, while SNAP-8 offers a higher-strength option for premium, results-driven formulations. UPOR Biotech supplies both SNAP-25-inhibiting peptides as cosmetic-grade powders for topical anti-wrinkle products.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) — Cosmetic Grade Anti-Wrinkle Peptide |
| INCI Name | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 |
| Trade Name | Argireline (formerly Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) |
| CAS Number | 616204-22-9 |
| Molecular Formula | C₃₄H₆₀N₁₄O₁₂S |
| Molecular Weight | 888.99 g/mol |
| Peptide Sequence | Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH₂ |
| Mechanism of Action | SNAP-25 / SNARE complex inhibitor → reduced neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥98.0% |
| Peptide Content (Net) | ≥80.0% |
| Trifluoroacetate (TFA) | ≤1.0% |
| Water Content (Karl Fischer) | ≤5.0% |
| Heavy Metals (Total) | ≤10 ppm |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤1 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤1 ppm |
| Microbial Limits | TPC ≤100 CFU/g; yeast & mold ≤10 CFU/g; pathogens negative |
| Solubility | Water-soluble; incorporate into the aqueous phase |
| Recommended Usage Rate | 0.005 – 0.01% active peptide; 5–10% of a 1% solution |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Grade | Cosmetic Grade |
| Certifications | ISO 9001, cGMP, FDA facility registration, HALAL, KOSHER, COSMOS |
| Packaging | 10 g / 100 g / 1 kg |
| Storage | 2–8°C or -20°C, protected from light and moisture |
| Shelf Life | 2 years |
| Disclaimer | For cosmetic formulation use only |
Key Benefits — Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
SNAP-25 / SNARE Complex Inhibition
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 competitively binds the SNAP-25 protein within the SNARE complex, destabilizing the vesicle-docking assembly and reducing neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction — the molecular basis of its muscle-relaxing, expression-line-reducing effect.
SNARE ModulationReduces Expression-Line Depth
Clinical studies demonstrate a reduction in wrinkle depth of up to ~30% after 30 days of topical application, visibly smoothing forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet without injections.
-30% Wrinkle DepthTopical, Non-Invasive “Botox-like” Alternative
A topical alternative to injectable neuromodulators — relaxes facial micro-contractions to soften existing expression lines and delay new wrinkle formation, entirely non-invasive and needle-free.
Needle-FreeClinically Validated Anti-Wrinkle Peptide
The original and most widely referenced anti-expression-line peptide, backed by extensive clinical data and adopted globally in anti-aging serums — the benchmark “Botox-in-a-jar” active.
Clinically ProvenApplications
Anti-Wrinkle & Anti-Aging Serums
The foundational “Botox-in-a-jar” active in leave-on serums, reducing expression-line depth for visibly smoother skin.
Expression-Line (Forehead/Frown/Crow’s Feet) Treatments
Targeted topicals for the forehead, glabellar frown lines, and periorbital crow’s feet where dynamic wrinkles first appear.
Eye & Forehead Targeted Care
Precision eye and forehead concentrates delivering SNAP-25 inhibition to the zones of highest facial muscle activity.
Neck & Décolleté Smoothing Formulas
Firming neck and décolleté creams that relax muscle micro-contractions to reduce horizontal neck lines and creping.
Daily Anti-Aging Creams & Gels
Everyday moisturizers and gel textures with long-term expression-line prevention and anti-aging positioning.
Clean-Label / COSMOS-Compliant Skincare
COSMOS-certified, synthetic-peptide actives for clean-label and certified-organic-compatible anti-wrinkle formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (trade name Argireline, CAS 616204-22-9) is a synthetic hexapeptide with the sequence Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH₂. It acts as a competitive inhibitor of the SNAP-25 protein in the SNARE complex, reducing the vesicle-docking required for neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction. The result is reduced muscle contraction and a measurable reduction in the depth and formation of expression lines — a topical “Botox-like” effect without injection. Clinical studies report up to ~30% wrinkle-depth reduction after 30 days.
Both are SNAP-25 / SNARE inhibitors that relax expression lines by reducing neurotransmitter release, but they differ in structure and strength. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) is the original six-amino-acid hexapeptide — the most clinically documented and cost-effective option. SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is a longer eight-amino-acid octapeptide engineered for enhanced stability and higher potency. Choose Argireline for proven, economical anti-wrinkle performance; choose SNAP-8 for premium, higher-strength formulations. UPOR Biotech supplies both SNAP-25-inhibiting peptides.
The recommended usage is 0.005–0.01% active peptide — typically 5–10% of a 1% stock solution in the finished formula. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is water-soluble and should be incorporated into the aqueous phase during the cooling stage. Even at these low inclusion rates it delivers clinically relevant expression-line reduction, making it highly cost-effective per finished unit.
Dissolve the peptide in the aqueous phase and add it below 40°C during cool-down to preserve activity. Target a final formulation pH of 5.0–7.0. It is fully compatible with common cosmetic matrices and synergizes well with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and other moisturizing humectants in serums, creams, and gels. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme pH or high temperatures, which can degrade peptide stability.
Every shipment includes full documentation: COA (HPLC ≥98.0% purity, peptide content, heavy metals, microbial panel), MSDS, HPLC chromatogram, and residual solvent / TFA analysis. Our cosmetic-grade Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is manufactured under ISO 9001 and cGMP with FDA facility registration, and supported by COSMOS, HALAL, and KOSHER certifications with complete lot traceability.