Argireline
Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8, formerly acetyl hexapeptide-3) is a widely used topical cosmetic peptide marketed for the temporary appearance of reduced expression lines. It is applied to the skin in cosmetic formulations and is often described as a 'topical alternative' to injectable neuromodulators. Independent, high-quality efficacy evidence is limited and comes mainly from small cosmetic studies; it is a cosmetic ingredient, not an approved therapeutic.
Mechanism
In plain terms, argireline is designed to slightly reduce the muscle contractions that cause expression lines, applied topically rather than by injection. Technically, it is a peptide that mimics the N-terminal end of SNAP-25, a component of the SNARE protein complex that nerve endings use to release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. By competing with SNAP-25 it is proposed to modestly interfere with SNARE-complex formation and neurotransmitter release, softening the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. How much of this effect actually occurs in human skin from topical application in normal use is debated.
Regulatory Status by Region
- United States (FDA)Not an FDA-approved drug. Marketed as a topical cosmetic ingredient (INCI: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8); cosmetic ingredients are not subject to FDA pre-market approval, and no therapeutic (drug) claims are authorised.
- Australia (TGA)Permitted in topical cosmetics as a cosmetic ingredient; not an approved therapeutic (medicinal) product.
- European Union (EMA)Permitted as a cosmetic ingredient (INCI: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) under EU cosmetics regulation; no medicinal marketing authorisation.
- WADANot listed on the Prohibited List; a topical cosmetic peptide with no relevance to sport doping.
Key Studies
- A synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) with antiwrinkle activity (Blanes-Mira C, Clemente J, Jodas G, et al. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2002;24(5):303-310. DOI 10.1046/j.1467-2494.2002.00153.x)
Related Clinical Trials
- A Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Effects of an Eye Serum on Improving the Appearance of the Periorbital AreaN/A · Completed
- Investigating the Wrinkle Reduction Potential of a Novel Compounded Skin Care CreamEARLY_Phase 1 · Completed
- Topical Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and the Cosmetic Appearance of Oily SkinN/A · Completed
- Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 for BlepharospasmPhase 2 · Terminated
- A Study of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (AH8) in Treatment of BlepharospasmPhase 1/Phase 2 · Completed
- Argireline in Treatment of Periorbital WrinklesPhase 3 · Completed