SNAP-8
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 · Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-1
Popular for:Anti-wrinkle, topical Botox alternative, expression line reduction
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Total Studies
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Human Studies
Preclinical
Evidence Level
Not Approved
FDA Status
Overview
SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is a topical anti-aging peptide designed to mimic the mechanism of botulinum toxin (Botox) at the neuromuscular junction, but applied topically to the skin. It is an extension of the Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) concept, with two additional amino acids for enhanced activity.
Developed by Lipotec (now part of Lubrizol), SNAP-8 competes with SNARE complex proteins to reduce the release of neurotransmitters at the neuromuscular junction. This reduces muscle contraction intensity in facial expression muscles, softening expression lines and wrinkles without injection.
Mechanism of Action
SNAP-8 mimics the N-terminal end of SNAP-25 (Synaptosomal-Associated Protein 25 kDa), a component of the SNARE complex required for neurotransmitter vesicle fusion at the neuromuscular junction. By competing with native SNAP-25 for SNARE complex assembly, it partially inhibits acetylcholine release, reducing the force of muscle contractions. This is the same fundamental mechanism as botulinum toxin, but achieved topically rather than by injection.
Key Research Benefits
Clinical Evidence Summary
Research Pipeline
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Total Studies
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Human Studies
Not FDA-approved as a drug. Available as a cosmetic ingredient. Widely used in commercial skincare formulations. Research compound. No prescription required for topical use.
Key Studies / PubMed References
Study references being compiled.
Side Effects & Safety
Known Interactions
No curated interaction entry is live for SNAP-8 yet.
Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Research Disclaimer
This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. SNAP-8 is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.