Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl)
Also known as: Pentapeptide-18, Leuphasyl
Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) is a cosmetic peptide used in topical anti-wrinkle formulations to reduce the appearance of expression lines. It mimics enkephalin signaling to dampen excess muscle contraction at the skin surface.
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Mechanism of Action
Pentapeptide-18 is an enkephalin-derived pentapeptide that acts on enkephalin (delta-opioid-like) receptors on the presynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction. By modulating these receptors it reduces calcium influx and acetylcholine release, lowering the intensity of muscle contractions that drive dynamic wrinkles. This complements the SNAP-25-targeting mechanism of acetyl hexapeptides, and the two are often combined for additive line-smoothing in cosmetic systems. Its action is local to the topically treated skin.
- Half-life
- Not systemically relevant; used topically with local action
- Administration Routes
- topical
- Research Status
- Research Chemical
Reported Benefits
- Helps soften the look of dynamic expression lines
- Targets neuromuscular signaling for a relaxing effect on facial muscles
- Often combined with Argireline for additive wrinkle reduction
- Non-invasive topical alternative explored versus injectable approaches
- Generally well tolerated in cosmetic formulations
Potential Side Effects
- Possible mild topical irritation or redness
- Rare contact sensitivity to formulation excipients
- Effects are modest and reverse after discontinuation
Common Dosing
For cosmetic research and formulation use only, not medical advice: typically incorporated at roughly 2-5% of a supplier trade solution in leave-on topical products, applied once or twice daily.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to the peptide or carrier ingredients
- Application to broken or actively inflamed skin
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Argireline is a topical cosmetic peptide marketed as a needle-free alternative to neuromodulators, used to soften the appearance of expression lines.
SNAP-8
SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is a topical cosmetic peptide marketed as a needle-free alternative for softening expression lines by reducing muscle contraction at the surface. It is an elongated analog of the Argireline hexapeptide.
Matrixyl
Matrixyl is a palmitoylated pentapeptide (Pal-KTTKS) used topically to stimulate collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis. It is a widely studied cosmetic anti-wrinkle peptide.
GHK (Basic) (Tripeptide-1)
GHK is a naturally occurring human tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) studied for skin remodeling, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. The copper-free 'basic' form is the parent peptide that readily binds copper in tissue.
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