Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 vs Snap-8
Keratin-stimulating lipopeptide specifically designed to enhance eyelash and eyebrow growth through hair follicle activation.
An advanced 8-amino-acid peptide that relaxes facial muscles from the outside in—think of it as 'Botox in a bottle' that you apply to your skin to smooth expression lines without needles or injections.
Written by Michael Carroll — Owner, Director of Research · Reviewed by the Peptide Initiative Research Team · Editorial standards
Quick comparison
Dose range
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
0.001–0.1 %
Snap-8
10–10 %
Frequency
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Once daily
Snap-8
Once daily
Administration
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Topical
Snap-8
Topical application
Cycle length
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Ongoing/indefinite
Snap-8
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset speed
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Snap-8
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence level
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Limited human trials
Snap-8
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Benefit ratings
Eyelash Growth
Hair Strengthening
Safety Profile
Wrinkle Reduction
Muscle Relaxation
Skin Smoothing
Compound specifications
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
Snap-8
Molecular formula
C41H70N16O16S
Molecular weight
1075.16 g/mol
Half-life
Topical activity persists 12-24 hours on skin
Bioavailability
Penetrates stratum corneum; reaches viable epidermis with appropriate formulation
CAS number
868844-74-0
Dosing compared
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.
Snap-8
Topical
3-5% of supplied peptide solution in formulation
Once to twice daily · 4 weeks initial trial
Source class: manufacturer recommendation, not peer-reviewed clinical data. Lipotec/Lubrizol recommends 3-10% of supplied peptide solution in formulations [1][2]. No peer-reviewed study has tested any specific concentration of Snap-8 alone in a topical formulation.
10% of supplied peptide solution in formulation
Twice daily · Ongoing use
Source class: manufacturer recommendation, not peer-reviewed clinical data. Lipotec/Lubrizol recommends up to 10% concentration [1][2]. The wrinkle-reduction percentages attributed to this concentration (such as 63%) originate from manufacturer datasheets, not peer-reviewed publications, and have not been independently verified.
Best suited for
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.
Snap-8
Expression Line Fighters
If you've noticed those lines that form when you smile, frown, or squint are starting to stick around even when your face is relaxed, Snap-8 is designed exactly for this. It works on the muscle-skin connection that creates these dynamic wrinkles.
Botox-Curious but Needle-Shy
Love the idea of smoother skin but not ready for injections? Snap-8 offers a topical alternative that works through a similar mechanism as Botox—just gentler and without the commitment. Perfect for testing the waters of muscle-relaxing anti-aging.
Prevention-Focused Millennials
Starting in your late 20s or early 30s with preventive skincare? Snap-8 can help keep expression lines from becoming permanent fixtures by calming the repetitive muscle movements that eventually etch wrinkles into your skin.
Sensitive Skin Types
Unlike some anti-aging actives that can be harsh, Snap-8 is remarkably well-tolerated. If retinoids make your skin angry or acids cause irritation, peptides like Snap-8 offer effective anti-aging without the drama.
Side effects
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
Snap-8
Common
- Mild tingling sensation
- Temporary redness
- Skin dryness
Uncommon
- Contact irritation
- Skin tightness
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Safety & evidence
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
Snap-8
Evidence level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA status
Not FDA approved
Safety overview
No peer-reviewed study has tested Snap-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) alone for safety or efficacy. The compound has been included in two published multi-component microneedle patch studies, both of which combined it with several other active ingredients. Avcil et al. (2020) tested a hyaluronic acid microneedle patch loaded with acetyl octapeptide-3 plus palmitoyl tripeptide-5, adenosine, and seaweed extracts in a 12-week monocentric trial on the eye area. None of the subjects reported any primary or cumulative skin reactions [1]. Shin et al. (2024) tested a dissolving microneedle patch containing acetyl octapeptide-3, L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, and sodium cyclic lysophosphatidic acid in 24 subjects over 28 days (patch vs placebo on opposite eyes). No adverse effects were reported [2]. In both studies, multiple active ingredients were present — adverse effects cannot be attributed to or excluded from Snap-8 specifically. An FDA in vitro study of the related compound acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline, 6 amino acids vs Snap-8's 8) found that the peptide remains mostly in the stratum corneum (0.22% of applied dose in human skin) with none reaching the dermis, supporting low systemic exposure for topical SNARE-interfering peptides [4].
Contraindications
- Known allergy to peptide ingredients
- Active skin infections at application site
- Open wounds or severe skin irritation
- Pregnancy (as a precaution due to limited data)
Which is right for you?
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)
Choose Snap-8 if...
- Wrinkle reduction
- Expression line smoothing
- Preventive anti-aging
- Non-invasive cosmetic enhancement