SNAP-8
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Cosmetic octapeptide, SNAP-25 analog
About SNAP-8
SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) is a synthetic cosmetic peptide that reproduces the N-terminal end of the SNAP-25 protein.
It is a two-amino-acid elongation of the hexapeptide argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-3). Its proposed mechanism consists of competing with SNAP-25 for its place in the SNARE complex, destabilizing the machinery that allows neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction. It is being investigated as a topical alternative for expression lines.
Quick guide · 5 key points
SNAP-8 and expression lines
SNAP-8 is an eight-amino-acid topical peptide that mimics a fragment of SNAP-25, a protein key to muscle contraction. Here are five things the research shows.
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1
Argireline, extended by two amino acids
The SNAP-8 sequence is Ac-EEMQRRAD-NH₂: the six amino acids of argireline (Ac-EEMQRR-NH₂) plus alanine and aspartic acid. Both peptides mimic the N-terminal end of the SNAP-25 protein.1,2,3
6 + 2Argireline's amino acids plus two more -
2
It interferes with the SNARE machinery
In lab studies of argireline, the peptide interfered with formation of the SNARE complex, which nerves need to release neurotransmitters. It inhibited that release with a potency similar to botulinum toxin A, but much lower efficacy.2
Botulinum toxin AStrong, long-lasting anti-wrinkle effect, but highly neurotoxic.ArgirelineMimics its action on the SNARE complex, with much lower efficacy and no oral toxicity in the study.SNAREProtein complex that releases neurotransmitters at the muscle -
3
The parent peptide in human studies
In healthy female volunteers, an emulsion with 10% argireline was associated with wrinkle depth reduced by up to 30% after 30 days. In a randomized trial in 60 Chinese subjects, anti-wrinkle efficacy on periorbital lines (subjective assessment) was 48.9% versus 0% with placebo at 4 weeks.2,3
48.9%Anti-wrinkle efficacy at 4 weeks, versus 0% with placebo -
4
SNAP-8 in combination formulas
Published studies of acetyl octapeptide-3 use microneedle patches with several ingredients. In 24 healthy adults, one patch was associated with improved eye-area wrinkles versus a placebo patch, with no adverse effects, at 28 days. Another, in a single-center study, was associated with 25.8% fewer fine lines at 12 weeks.4,5
25.8%Fewer fine lines at 12 weeks, with a multi-ingredient patch -
5
Limits of the evidence
Peer-reviewed data are mostly for argireline or combination formulas, not SNAP-8 alone. Argireline penetrates skin poorly because of its large size and hydrophilic, charged form, and its methionine oxidizes in some cosmetics; SNAP-8 carries the same methionine. In 2025, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that acetyl hexapeptide-8 (argireline) is safe in cosmetics only up to 0.005%; data were insufficient for higher concentrations.6,7,1,8,9
TopicalHuman studies used application on the skin
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 76283482, Acetyl octapeptide-3. Official source
- Blanes-Mira C, et al. A synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) with antiwrinkle activity. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2002;24(5):303-10. PMID 18498523
- Wang Y, et al. The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline, a synthetic hexapeptide, in Chinese subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2013;14(2):147-53. PMID 23417317
- Shin JY, et al. Clinical safety and efficacy evaluation of a dissolving microneedle patch having dual anti-wrinkle effects with safe and long-term activities. Ann Dermatol. 2024;36(4):215-224. PMID 39082657
- Avcil M, et al. Efficacy of bioactive peptides loaded on hyaluronic acid microneedle patches: a monocentric clinical study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19(2):328-337. PMID 31134751
- Lim SH, et al. Enhanced skin permeation of anti-wrinkle peptides via molecular modification. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):1596. PMID 29371611
- Kluczyk A, et al. Argireline: needle-free botox as analytical challenge. Chem Biodivers. 2021;18(3):e2000992. PMID 33482052
- Johnson W Jr, et al. Safety Assessment of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 Amide as Used in Cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2025;44(2_suppl):54S-63S. PMID 40673537
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 71587772, Argireline (synonym: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8). Official source
Structure and sequence
Sequence
Five findings from studies
Summary of results reported in the scientific literature. Each finding describes what was observed in the cited study, in its specific population and conditions; it does not constitute a therapeutic indication.
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Clinical study
In manufacturer studies (Lipotec) with female volunteers, a cream with 10% SNAP-8 has been associated with a reduction in wrinkle depth of up to 63% at 28 days.
Lipotec S.A.U. SNAP-8 technical dossier (manufacturer data, not peer-reviewed) -
In vitro
In in vitro studies, the SNAP-25-mimetic hexapeptide (argireline) has shown interference with SNARE complex formation and inhibition of neurotransmitter release.
Blanes-Mira C et al. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2002;24:303-310 · PMID 18498523 -
Clinical study
In female volunteers, the precursor hexapeptide (argireline) at 10% has been associated with a reduction in wrinkle depth of up to 30% at 30 days.
Blanes-Mira C et al. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2002;24:303-310 · PMID 18498523 -
Clinical study
In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in a Chinese population, the precursor peptide (argireline) has shown anti-wrinkle efficacy significantly greater than placebo in the periorbital area.
Wang Y et al. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2013;14:147-153 · PMID 23417317 -
Review
In a review of topical peptides for aging skin, SNAP-25 analogs are classified within the group of topically applied neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides.
Gorouhi F, Maibach HI. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2009;31:327-345 · PMID 19570099
