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Cosmetic ingredient peptide

Argireline

Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8, formerly acetyl hexapeptide-3) is a synthetic acetylated hexapeptide widely used as a cosmetic ingredient. Its sequence mimics a fragment of SNAP-25 and it is discussed in cosmetic science for the appearance of expression lines. Cosmetic use is not a drug claim.

By The Peptides Codex Editorial TeamReviewed July 10, 2026
Length
6 aa
Class
Cosmetic ingredient peptide
Function
SNARE-mimetic peptide studied in cosmetic wrinkle-appearance research
Context
Cosmetic ingredient in topical formulations

A 'topical-Botox' cosmetic peptide modeled on the SNAP-25 fragment targeted by botulinum toxin.

Also known as: acetyl hexapeptide-8 · acetyl hexapeptide-3

Part of the Cosmetic & skin peptides cluster

Overview

Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8, formerly acetyl hexapeptide-3) is a synthetic acetylated hexapeptide widely used as a cosmetic ingredient. Its sequence mimics a fragment of SNAP-25 and it is discussed in cosmetic science for the appearance of expression lines. Cosmetic use is not a drug claim.

Source & context

Biological / chemical source: Synthetic acetylated hexapeptide (fragment of SNAP-25)

Primary research or clinical context: Cosmetic ingredient in topical formulations

SNARE-mimetic concept

The peptide (acetyl-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-amide) corresponds to the N-terminal end of SNAP-25, a SNARE-complex protein involved in neurotransmitter vesicle fusion. In cosmetic-science literature this biomimetic design is proposed to influence the appearance of fine expression lines in topical products.

Cosmetic-ingredient framing

Argireline has been marketed as a cosmetic ingredient since the early 2000s and appears in many topical serums and creams. It is described here as a cosmetic ingredient, not a therapeutic; nothing on this page is a medical or anti-disease claim.

Sequence

One-letter sequence commonly cited for Argireline (educational; isoforms and modifications may differ):

EEMQRR

EEMQRR

E1E2M3Q4R5R6
Helical wheel projection

Residues plotted ~100° apart around an α-helix — clustering of one color reveals an amphipathic face.

Analyze sequences in the playground →

FAQ about Argireline

What is Argireline?+

Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8, formerly acetyl hexapeptide-3) is a synthetic acetylated hexapeptide widely used as a cosmetic ingredient. Its sequence mimics a fragment of SNAP-25 and it is discussed in cosmetic science for the appearance of expression lines. Cosmetic use is not a drug claim.

Is Argireline an approved medicine?+

Argireline is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Cosmetic ingredient in topical formulations. This is not medical advice.

What is the typical length of Argireline?+

Argireline is commonly described as approximately 6 amino acids (Cosmetic ingredient peptide).

Related peptides

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Thymosin beta-4
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Pramlintide
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Peptide YY
Gut hormone
Peptide YY (PYY) is a 36-amino-acid gut hormone released from intestinal L-cells after eating, where it contributes to satiety and slows gastric emptying. Named for its tyrosine residues at each end, it is a heavily studied signal in appetite and energy-balance research.

References & further reading

  1. 1.Wikipedia — Acetyl hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
  2. 2.PubChem — compound summary for Acetyl hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
  3. 3.DrugBank — Acetyl hexapeptide-3 (DB11709)
Disclaimer: Educational content only. Not medical advice. Not instructions for human use. Research peptides and unapproved products may be restricted or illegal to market for human consumption in your jurisdiction. Consult qualified professionals and applicable law.
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Cite this: Peptides Codex — Argireline educational profile.
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