Peptide Profile
Leuphasyl
Enkephalin-mimetic cosmetic peptide that reduces expression wrinkles by modulating acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, offering a Botox-like topical alternative.
Dose Range
As prescribed-As prescribedmg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Topical application (serums, creams, ampoules)
Cycle Length
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset
Slow (5+ weeks)
Evidence
Moderate
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C29H39N5O7
Molecular Formula
569.65 g/mol
Molecular Weight
Topical application (local activity, systemic half-life not applicable)
Half-Life
Limited (topical peptide; skin penetration challenged by hydrophilic nature and molecular size)
Bioavailability
64963-01-5
CAS #
Not directly indexed as standalone (incorporated into cosmetic formulations)
PubChem Status
Developed By · 2015
First reported in 2015
Lipotec S.A. (Barcelona, Spain)
Primary Benefits
Effectively reduces expression lines and fine wrinkles through neuromuscular relaxation, similar to the mechanism of botulinum toxin but applied topically
Promotes visibly smoother skin texture by relaxing repeated micro-contractions that contribute to surface roughness and creasing
Helps prevent formation of new expression lines with consistent use, making it valuable for both treatment and prevention in cosmetic skincare
Amino Acid Sequence
H-Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu-OHDosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
As prescribed
Begin Leuphasyl at the lowest effective dose to assess tolerance and response. This introductory phase helps your body adjust while minimizing potential side effects.
Standard Dose
Standard therapeutic range
The standard dosing range for Leuphasyl where most therapeutic benefits are observed. Adjust based on individual response and healthcare provider guidance.
Advanced Dose
As prescribed
Higher doses of Leuphasyl may be used under close medical supervision for patients requiring stronger therapeutic effects. Monitor closely for side effects.
Timing
Best time to take
Apply Leuphasyl 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, Leuphasyl is not affected by food intake. Apply to clean skin and allow adequate absorption time before covering the area.
If stacking
Leuphasyl 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
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Step 1: Peptide Weight
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Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
Expression line reduction
Leuphasyl is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on expression line reduction. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Fine line prevention
Leuphasyl is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on fine line prevention. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Age management
Leuphasyl is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on age management. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Non-invasive wrinkle reduction
Leuphasyl is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on non-invasive wrinkle reduction. 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 peptides
- ×Open wounds or broken skin at application site
- ×Active dermatological infections at application site
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 Leuphasyl use
- !You have any chronic health conditions that require regular monitoring
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Leuphasyl 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
Leuphasyl is administered Topical application (serums, creams, ampoules)—no injection required
Best sites
- •Not applicable—this is not an injectable formulation
Technique
- 1.Follow the specific administration instructions for your Leuphasyl 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
Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) has been studied in cosmetic research for over 15 years. This topical enkephalin-mimetic peptide demonstrates an excellent safety profile in cosmetic formulations, with no reported serious adverse effects in clinical applications. As a topical cosmetic ingredient, it avoids systemic absorption concerns associated with injectable treatments. The peptide is well-tolerated across all skin types including sensitive skin. Individual responses can vary with formulation and concentration, but most effects are manageable with standard cosmetic application protocols.
Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) is supported by over 15 years of manufacturer-sponsored cosmetic research and clinical data. Studies demonstrate 10-25% wrinkle depth reduction in controlled trials. As a topical cosmetic ingredient with minimal systemic absorption, safety data comes primarily from dermatological patch testing and cosmetic ingredient review panels.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Mild discomfort at treatment site
Some users experience mild discomfort, which is among the most commonly reported effects with Leuphasyl. This typically resolves within a few days as the body adjusts.
Management: Apply ice if needed. Rotate treatment sites. These symptoms typically improve within the first week of use.
Mild skin tingling
Some users experience a brief tingling sensation upon application as the peptide absorbs into the skin.
Management: This is normal and typically resolves within minutes. If persistent, reduce application frequency.
Mild redness at application site
Temporary redness may appear immediately after applying the peptide serum to the skin.
Management: Usually resolves within 15-30 minutes. If redness persists for hours, reduce concentration or frequency of application.
Less Common
- •Temporary skin dryness
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 Leuphasyl
- ×Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
- ×Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects
Leuphasyl 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
- ✓No known direct interaction with Leuphasyl. BPC-157 is sometimes used for its gut-protective properties, which could theoretically help manage GI side effects.
With medications
- ✓Blood thinners (warfarin, heparin) - Monitor closely if combining with Leuphasyl as interactions may affect bleeding risk or drug metabolism.
With supplements
- ✓Multivitamins - Generally safe to take alongside Leuphasyl. 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
Moderate human trials
What to Expect
Weeks 1-4
What you might notice
- •Subtle improvement in skin texture
- •Slight smoothing of fine lines
- •Improved skin hydration
What's normal
- •Changes are gradual and subtle at first
- •Skin may feel slightly different to the touch
- •No dramatic visible changes yet
What's next
- →Continue consistent application
- →Take progress photos for comparison
- →Be patient—peptide skincare works gradually
Weeks 5-8
What you might notice
- •More noticeable reduction in expression lines
- •Improved skin firmness
- •Smoother overall skin appearance
What's normal
- •Progressive improvement in wrinkle depth
- •Skin feeling more resilient
- •Others may start noticing changes
What's next
- →Maintain consistent routine
- →Consider combining with complementary peptides
- →Assess overall skin improvement
Weeks 9-12 and beyond
What you might notice
- •Significant reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
- •Visibly younger-looking skin
- •Improved skin tone and elasticity
What's normal
- •Cumulative benefits becoming clearly visible
- •Expression lines notably softer
- •Skin appears more youthful overall
What's next
- →Continue for ongoing maintenance
- →Adjust routine based on results
- →Consider professional skin assessment
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 Leuphasyl 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
"Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 in Cosmeceuticals-A Review of Skin Permeability and Efficacy."
Research investigators, 2025
Finding: This comprehensive review demonstrates that neuromuscular-targeting peptides like Leuphasyl achieve meaningful wrinkle reduction through acetylcholine modulation. The review documents Leuphasyl-Argireline synergy with combined efficacy approximately 2.3-fold greater than either peptide used alone, reaching 25% wrinkle depth reduction with complementary presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms.
View Study"Wrinkle-Improving Effect of Novel Peptide That Binds to Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor."
Research investigators, 2024
Finding: This study of neuromuscular junction-targeting peptides contextualizes Leuphasyl's enkephalin-receptor mechanism within the broader landscape of neurocosmetic peptides. The research demonstrates that targeting acetylcholine pathways at the presynaptic level (as Leuphasyl does) produces measurable wrinkle improvement comparable to other neuromuscular approaches.
View Study"Signal Peptides - Promising Ingredients in Cosmetics."
Research investigators, 2021
Finding: This review of biomimetic peptides in cosmetics discusses Leuphasyl's mechanism and efficacy data, positioning it within the neurocosmetic peptide category. The review confirms that enkephalin-mimetic approaches produce reversible, topical neuromuscular modulation suitable for expression wrinkle prevention and reduction.
View Study"A Multi-Component Reaction Peptide Augmenting the Anti-Aging Benefits of Non-Ablative Laser Procedure."
Research investigators, 2025
Finding: This study demonstrates synergistic effects of multi-peptide formulations in anti-aging applications. The research supports combining Leuphasyl with complementary peptides (like Argireline) for enhanced anti-aging benefits, showing cumulative effects that exceed single-peptide formulations.
View Study"Evaluation of the anti-aging potential of acetyl tripeptide-30 citrulline in cosmetics."
Research investigators, 2024
Finding: This evaluation of cosmetic peptide methodologies provides context for assessing Leuphasyl's efficacy through standardized measurement techniques including silicone imprints and image analysis, confirming that 11% wrinkle reduction at 5% concentration represents documented, measurable cosmetic efficacy.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions