Cosmetic & Dermatology
SNAP-8 — 10mg
$33
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 — an 8-amino-acid acetylated peptide that mimics the N-terminus of SNAP-25 and competitively inhibits SNARE complex assembly, studied as a topical research alternative to neurotoxin-based muscle relaxation.
Cosmetic & DermatologyOverview
SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3, also called Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-1) is a synthetic eight-amino-acid acetylated peptide developed as the next-generation extension of Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3). The two additional residues at the N-terminus extend SNAP-8's structural mimicry of the SNAP-25 N-terminal domain — the docking surface that participates in SNARE complex assembly during vesicular neurotransmitter release. By occupying this binding interface, SNAP-8 acts as a competitive inhibitor of SNARE assembly without cleaving SNAP-25, distinguishing its mechanism from botulinum toxin (which proteolytically severs SNAP-25 to produce prolonged paralysis).
Mechanistically, SNAP-8 is studied as a SNARE-modulating mimetic peptide. SNAP-25 is a core component of the t-SNARE complex (along with syntaxin-1) that mediates synaptic vesicle docking and fusion at presynaptic terminals. By saturating the N-terminal binding interface, SNAP-8 reduces the efficiency of SNARE complex assembly, dampening calcium-triggered acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. The effect is biochemical, reversible, and dose-dependent — a fundamentally different pharmacology from botulinum toxin's irreversible enzymatic action.
Research applications focus on cosmeceutical and dermatological investigation, particularly studies of dynamic expression-line attenuation. In vitro and clinical assays have reported approximately 30% greater anti-wrinkle activity than its hexapeptide predecessor (Argireline) in comparable assays, with some topical formulation studies reporting up to 63% reductions in measured wrinkle depth after 28 days of twice-daily application of 10% formulations. A persistent challenge for SNAP-8 research is percutaneous penetration: the peptide is hydrophilic and large enough that delivery vehicle, formulation matrix, and skin barrier integrity meaningfully influence the fraction of compound reaching dermal layers. Modern research protocols frequently pair SNAP-8 with permeation enhancers, liposomal carriers, or microneedle-assisted delivery systems.
Mechanism of Action
Mimics the N-terminal domain of SNAP-25 to competitively inhibit SNARE complex assembly; reduces calcium-triggered vesicular release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction; produces a reversible, dose-dependent attenuation of muscle contraction strength without the proteolytic cleavage characteristic of botulinum toxin.
Research Applications
Areas of peer-reviewed scientific inquiry where this compound has appeared.
- Cosmeceutical and topical anti-aging research
- Dynamic expression-line and forehead-line studies
- SNARE complex pharmacology and SNAP-25 mimetics
- Comparative studies vs. Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
- Topical peptide delivery and percutaneous absorption research
Key Findings from the Literature
- 01Acetylated octapeptide derived structurally from Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
- 02Reported ~30% greater anti-wrinkle activity than Argireline in comparative assays
- 03Topical 10% formulations have reported up to ~63% reductions in wrinkle depth at 28 days
- 04Reversible, biochemical SNARE inhibition — distinct from botulinum toxin proteolysis
- 05Hydrophilic profile makes formulation vehicle and delivery method critical research variables
Certificates of Analysis1
Independent third-party lab reports for this peptide. Each CoA can be verified against its accession number at the testing lab.
1 independent test by Freedom Diagnostics Testing
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Purity (HPLC) | 99.53% |
| Identity (MS) | Pass |
| Endotoxins (LAL) | Pass |
Lab: Freedom Diagnostics Testing
Accession: 2604200078
Reports are verifiable against the issuing lab using the accession or batch identifier above.
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