Peptide Profile
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
SNARE complex inhibitor that reduces expression wrinkles through topical neuromuscular modulation — the 'Botox in a bottle' peptide.
Dose Range
5%-10%%
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Topical
Cycle Length
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence
Limited
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C35H62N14O11S
Molecular Formula
887.0 Da
Molecular Weight
Topical stability dependent on formulation; methionine residue susceptible to oxidation; stable at pH 5.5-7.7
Half-Life
Limited skin penetration (0.22-0.54%); primarily acts at stratum corneum and superficial epidermis; O/W emulsions enhance delivery
Bioavailability
616204-22-9
CAS #
71587772
PubChem ID ↗
Developed By · 1999
Antonio Ferrer Montiel and research team
University of California San Diego / University of Elche, Spain
Primary Benefits
Clinically demonstrated 48.9% reduction in periorbial wrinkles after 4 weeks through SNARE complex inhibition and neuromuscular modulation.
Provides botulinum toxin-like wrinkle reduction mechanism in a topical format — no needles, no neurotoxin, no downtime.
Exceptional safety demonstrated in cytotoxicity studies with 100-fold margin over toxic references and no serious adverse effects in clinical trials.
Amino Acid Sequence
Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2 (Ac-EEMQRR-NH2), modeled on the N-terminal domain of SNAP-25Dosing
How much
do I take?
Timing
Best time to take
Apply Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) to clean, dry skin. For best results, use consistently at the same time(s) each day. Evening application is often preferred to allow overnight absorption, unless otherwise directed.
With food?
As a topical product, Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) is not affected by food intake. Apply to clean skin and allow adequate absorption time before covering the area.
If stacking
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. If combining with other medications or supplements, discuss potential interactions with your provider. Avoid combining with compounds that have overlapping mechanisms unless specifically guided by a medical professional.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've tolerated the current dose for the recommended period without significant side effects
- +Therapeutic goals haven't been met at the current dose level
- +Your healthcare provider recommends dose escalation based on your response
- +Lab work or clinical assessments support a higher dose
Decrease if
- -Side effects are bothersome or impacting daily life despite management strategies
- -You experience any signs of an adverse reaction
- -Lab results indicate the need for dose reduction
- -Your healthcare provider recommends a lower dose based on your response
Signs of right dose
- ✓Therapeutic goals being met with minimal side effects
- ✓Stable and consistent response to treatment
- ✓Lab values or clinical markers trending in the right direction
- ✓Good tolerance with manageable or absent side effects
Dosing Calculator
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Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
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.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×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)
Use with caution if
- !You are taking other medications—discuss potential interactions with your healthcare provider
- !You have a history of liver or kidney disease
- !You are elderly or have multiple medical conditions
- !You are planning surgery in the near future—inform your surgeon about Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) use
- !You have any chronic health conditions that require regular monitoring
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) in its prescribed form
- •Clean, dry storage container
- •Measuring device if applicable (oral syringe, measuring cup)
- •Calendar or reminder app for dosing schedule
Injection
Route
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) is administered Topical—no injection required
Best sites
- •Not applicable—this is not an injectable formulation
Technique
- 1.Follow the specific administration instructions for your Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) formulation
- 2.Take or apply as directed by your healthcare provider
- 3.Store properly between uses according to package instructions
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
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.
Evidence comes from multiple clinical studies demonstrating safety at cosmetic concentrations, including 4-week dermatological safety trials showing no systemic toxicity or significant adverse effects. The mechanism of action is well-characterized in vitro and validated through efficacy studies. Data suggests the peptide's large molecular size and poor transepidermal penetration provide a natural safety barrier, preventing systemic effects even with prolonged topical use.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Mild Skin Irritation
Rare mild irritation in sensitive individuals, typically during initial use. Generally self-resolving.
Management: Start with once daily application. If persistent, reduce concentration or discontinue.
Transient Redness
Temporary redness at application site, particularly on thin or sensitive periorbital skin.
Management: Patch test before full application. Allow skin to acclimate over first few days.
Slight Dryness
Minor dryness when peptide solution is used without adequate moisturization in dry environments.
Management: Always follow with a hydrating moisturizer or use Argireline in a cream-based formulation.
Stinging on Compromised Skin
Brief stinging if applied to areas where skin barrier is disrupted (after exfoliation or sun exposure).
Management: Avoid application on freshly exfoliated or sunburned skin. Wait for barrier recovery before use.
Less Common
- •Contact Dermatitis
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Severe or worsening side effects that don't improve with dose adjustment or supportive care
- ×Signs of an allergic reaction—rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
- ×Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation based on your clinical response
- ×Development of any new medical condition that may be contraindicated with Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
- ×Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
- ×Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) should only be started, adjusted, or discontinued under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abrupt discontinuation may have consequences.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
With medications
- !Vitamin C at Very Low pH (<3.5) - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !Benzoyl Peroxide - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !Strong AHA/BHA Peels - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
With supplements
- ✓Multivitamins - Generally safe to take alongside Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline). Space doses apart if taking oral formulations to ensure optimal absorption.
- ✓Electrolyte supplements - Helpful if experiencing any GI side effects that could lead to dehydration. Safe to combine.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Limited human trials
What to Expect
Weeks 1-2
What you might notice
- •SNARE complex modulation begins at the cellular level
- •Neuromuscular signaling partially reduced in treated areas
- •Surface wrinkle changes not yet visible
What's normal
- •Full integration of Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) into physiological systems is established
- •Long-term Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) response remains personalized to your physiology
- •Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) tolerance is well-maintained with consistent dosing
What's next
- →Maintain your established Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) protocol for sustained benefits
- →Continue periodic monitoring to confirm Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) efficacy
- →Review comprehensive Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) response with your provider
Weeks 2-4
What you might notice
- •Expression lines begin to soften as reduced muscle contraction allows collagen relaxation
- •Clinical data shows measurable roughness and wrinkle depth improvements emerging at 4 weeks
What's normal
- •Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) is now achieving steady-state pharmacokinetics
- •Measurable changes aligned with Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)'s mechanism may appear
- •Initial adjustment effects typically resolve by this point
What's next
- →Maintain Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) dosing exactly as established
- →Track progress toward intended outcomes in detail
- →Review lab work or biomarker changes with your healthcare team
Weeks 4-8+
What you might notice
- •Maximum wrinkle reduction achieved (up to 48.9% improvement)
- •Expression lines appear visibly diminished
- •Continued application maintains results;
- •effects are reversible within 4-8 weeks of discontinuation
What's normal
- •Characteristic effects of Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) are becoming established
- •Repeated Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) doses show predictable pharmacological effects
- •Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) tolerance patterns are developing normally
What's next
- →Evaluate Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) efficacy relative to treatment goals
- →Discuss potential protocol adjustments with your healthcare provider
- →Continue regular Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) monitoring at current frequency
Signs It's Working
Treatment Response
- ✓Improvement in the primary symptoms or condition being treated
- ✓Positive changes in relevant lab values or clinical markers
- ✓Consistent, stable response to Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) over time
- ✓Reduction in symptom frequency or severity
General Well-being
- ✓Improved energy levels and daily functioning
- ✓Better quality of life related to the treated condition
- ✓Manageable or absent side effects indicating good tolerance
- ✓Positive feedback from healthcare provider during check-ups
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Not at therapeutic dose yet—initial doses are for building tolerance, not maximum effect
- •Insufficient time at target dose—most compounds need several weeks to show full benefits
- •Inconsistent dosing schedule—regular, consistent use is crucial for optimal results
- •Individual variation in response—genetics, metabolism, and other factors affect outcomes
- •Underlying conditions or medications interfering with absorption or effectiveness
- •Improper storage leading to degraded product—always verify proper storage conditions
Key Research
"The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline in Chinese subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study"
Research investigators, 2020
Finding: A landmark clinical trial showed 48.9% wrinkle reduction in Chinese subjects using 10% Argireline over 4 weeks—significantly better than placebo. Skin roughness decreased across all measured parameters, proving this peptide's effectiveness at reducing expression lines.
View Study"First multicenter clinical and experimental study of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) anti-wrinkle efficacy"
Research investigators, 2020
Finding: This multicenter study confirmed Argireline achieved 48.9% wrinkle reduction in humans while increasing type I collagen in aged mice—about 40% more collagen was produced. Both human skin and animal models showed dramatic improvements in skin structure.
View Study"Histological evaluation of Argireline anti-wrinkle efficacy in aged mice"
Research investigators, 2020
Finding: Aged mice treated with Argireline showed improved skin histology with type I collagen increased significantly while type III collagen decreased. The peptide successfully reversed aging-related skin deterioration at the cellular level.
View Study"A synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) with antiwrinkle activity: mechanistic study"
Research investigators, 2020
Finding: In vitro mechanistic studies confirmed that Argireline inhibits neurotransmitter release by preventing SNARE complex formation—the same biological target as botulinum toxin. This competitive mechanism works without the risks of injectable neurotoxins.
View Study"Cellular cytotoxicity study of argireline — an anti-aging peptide"
Research investigators, 2020
Finding: Safety testing demonstrated Argireline is non-cytotoxic to human cell lines with a 100-fold safety margin over toxic reference compounds. No genotoxicity was detected, establishing exceptional safety for cosmetic use.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions