Designed to work through enkephalin receptors, and often paired with Argireline in the Argirelox blend.
Also known as: Pentapeptide-18
Part of the Cosmetic & skin peptides cluster
Overview
Leuphasyl (INCI: Pentapeptide-18) is a synthetic cosmetic peptide modeled on natural enkephalins, marketed to reduce the appearance of expression wrinkles. It is often combined with Argireline. This page describes it as a cosmetic ingredient for education only and makes no drug or medical claim.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Synthetic biomimetic pentapeptide modeled on natural enkephalin opioid peptides
Primary research or clinical context: Cosmetic ingredient (INCI: Pentapeptide-18), used topically in anti-wrinkle formulations; framed as a cosmetic ingredient, not a drug
Enkephalin-inspired design
Leuphasyl is a biomimetic pentapeptide whose design references the natural enkephalin opioid peptides. In cosmetic literature it is described as acting at enkephalin receptors on nerve cells to modulate signalling associated with repeated micro-contractions, the movements linked to the look of expression lines around the eyes and forehead.
Formulation and framing
It is frequently paired with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) in a blend marketed as Argirelox, on the rationale that the two act at different points in the same pathway. As a cosmetic ingredient it is discussed in terms of the appearance of wrinkles. This page is educational and does not claim any physiological treatment effect.
FAQ about Leuphasyl
What is Leuphasyl?+
Leuphasyl (INCI: Pentapeptide-18) is a synthetic cosmetic peptide modeled on natural enkephalins, marketed to reduce the appearance of expression wrinkles. It is often combined with Argireline. This page describes it as a cosmetic ingredient for education only and makes no drug or medical claim.
Is Leuphasyl an approved medicine?+
Leuphasyl is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Cosmetic ingredient (INCI: Pentapeptide-18), used topically in anti-wrinkle formulations; framed as a cosmetic ingredient, not a drug. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Leuphasyl?+
Leuphasyl is commonly described as approximately 5 amino acids (Cosmetic neuro-peptide (INCI ingredient)).