SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3)

SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) is a topical neurotransmitter-inhibitor peptide — an eight-amino-acid extension of the Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8) sequence — studied for reducing the depth of dynamic expression lines such as forehead and crow's-feet wrinkles. It works by interfering with the formation of the SNARE complex that mediates neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) release at the neuromuscular junction, modestly reducing the muscle contraction that creates expression lines. This is a topical, far milder analogue of the mechanism by which botulinum toxin reduces wrinkles, and it does not enter systemic circulation. SNAP-8 is used in cosmetic serums at low percentages and, like all topical peptides, its delivered dose is governed by absorption through the stratum corneum (~500 Da cutoff; Bos & Meinardi, 2000, PMID: 11168751).

Related guides: Topical peptides for wrinkles · Best topical peptides

Part of the Aevitas Peptide Glossary.