Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) vs Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
SNARE complex inhibitor that reduces expression wrinkles through topical neuromuscular modulation — the 'Botox in a bottle' peptide.
Keratin-stimulating lipopeptide specifically designed to enhance eyelash and eyebrow growth through hair follicle activation.
Written by Michael Carroll — Owner, Director of Research · Reviewed by the Peptide Initiative Research Team · Editorial standards
Quick comparison
Dose range
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
5–10 %
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
0.001–0.1 %
Frequency
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Once daily
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Once daily
Administration
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Topical
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Topical
Cycle length
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Ongoing/indefinite
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset speed
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence level
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Limited human trials
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Limited human trials
Benefit ratings
Expression Wrinkle Reduction
Non-Invasive Treatment
Safety Profile
Eyelash Growth
Hair Strengthening
Compound specifications
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Molecular formula
C35H62N14O11S
Molecular weight
887.0 Da
Half-life
Topical stability dependent on formulation; methionine residue susceptible to oxidation; stable at pH 5.5-7.7
Bioavailability
Limited skin penetration (0.22-0.54%); primarily acts at stratum corneum and superficial epidermis; O/W emulsions enhance delivery
CAS number
616204-22-9
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Molecular formula
C41H81N9O6
Molecular weight
796.2 Da
Half-life
Topical application; sustained follicular activity with daily reapplication
Bioavailability
Enhanced follicular penetration via myristic acid (C14) lipid conjugation
CAS number
959610-30-1
Dosing compared
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Topical
5-10% concentration (cream or serum)
Twice daily (morning and evening) · Minimum 28-30 days; ongoing use to maintain effect
Used as a leave-on skin cream or serum. In studies, a 10% formula applied twice a day around the eyes reduced wrinkle depth by about 17% after 15 days and up to 27-30% after 30 days. It works on the skin surface only and is not injected. [1][2]
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Topical
0.001-0.1% in finished serum (supplied as a 0.1% / 1000 ppm active solution)
Once or twice daily to lash line / brows · 8-16 weeks for visible lash effect
Cosmetic lash/brow active applied to the lash line; typical eye-area use concentrations and the 1000 ppm supplier solution define the formulation dose [6]. Topical only; not dosed systemically.
Best suited for
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Individuals seeking non-invasive reduction of expression lines and dynamic wrinkles
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on individuals seeking non-invasive reduction of expression lines and dynamic wrinkles. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Those with needle phobia who want botulinum toxin-like effects without injections
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on those with needle phobia who want botulinum toxin-like effects without injections. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
People targeting crow's feet, forehead lines, and glabellar creases
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on people targeting crow's feet, forehead lines, and glabellar creases. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Individuals looking for preventive anti-wrinkle treatment to slow expression line formation
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on individuals looking for preventive anti-wrinkle treatment to slow expression line formation. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Individuals seeking longer, fuller eyelashes without prostaglandin-based prescriptions
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on individuals seeking longer, fuller eyelashes without prostaglandin-based prescriptions. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Those with naturally thin or sparse eyebrows wanting natural enhancement
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on those with naturally thin or sparse eyebrows wanting natural enhancement. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
People recovering from lash or brow loss due to extensions, aging, or over-plucking
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on people recovering from lash or brow loss due to extensions, aging, or over-plucking. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Users wanting a gentle peptide-based alternative to bimatoprost (Latisse)
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on users wanting a gentle peptide-based alternative to bimatoprost (latisse). Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Side effects
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Common
- Mild Skin Irritation
- Transient Redness
- Slight Dryness
- Stinging on Compromised Skin
Uncommon
- Contact Dermatitis
Serious
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Common
- Mild Tingling at Lash Line
- Temporary Eyelid Dryness
- Product Residue Buildup
- Lash Shedding During Initial Phase
Uncommon
- Periorbital Sensitivity
Serious
- Allergic Contact Reaction
- Lipid Peroxidation and Oxidative Stress
Safety & evidence
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Evidence level
Limited human trials
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 demonstrates an excellent safety profile for topical cosmetic use with no serious adverse events reported in clinical studies. At the 10% concentrations used in cosmetic formulations, systemic absorption is minimal and no neurotoxicity has been observed despite its mechanism of action on the neuromuscular junction. The peptide shows a safety margin of approximately 100-fold compared to toxic reference compounds. Primary concerns are limited to local skin irritation in sensitive individuals, such as mild erythema, transient stinging, or contact dermatitis in those with peptide hypersensitivity.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to acetyl hexapeptide-3 or formulation components
- Active skin infections or open wounds at the application site
- No known systemic contraindications at cosmetic concentrations
- Use with caution in individuals with neuromuscular disorders (theoretical concern)
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Evidence level
Limited human trials
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
Myristoyl pentapeptide-17 demonstrates excellent cosmetic safety with GRAS/safe-for-use status in topical formulations up to 3% concentration. No serious adverse events in 10+ years of cosmetic industry application; mild skin irritation rare (<1%) at recommended concentrations. Dermal penetration limited to epidermis; no systemic absorption in vitro. Well-tolerated in combination with other anti-aging ingredients; photostability adequate for cosmetic formulations.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to myristoylated peptides or formulation components
- Active eye infections, styes, or periorbital dermatitis
- Post-surgical eye conditions where topical application is contraindicated
- Concurrent use of prescription eyelash growth products without medical guidance
Which is right for you?
Choose Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) if...
- Individuals seeking non-invasive reduction of expression lines and dynamic wrinkles
- Those with needle phobia who want botulinum toxin-like effects without injections
- People targeting crow's feet, forehead lines, and glabellar creases
- Individuals looking for preventive anti-wrinkle treatment to slow expression line formation
Choose Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 if...
- Individuals seeking longer, fuller eyelashes without prostaglandin-based prescriptions
- Those with naturally thin or sparse eyebrows wanting natural enhancement
- People recovering from lash or brow loss due to extensions, aging, or over-plucking
- Users wanting a gentle peptide-based alternative to bimatoprost (Latisse)