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Acetyl Hexapeptide-3

Neuropeptide known as Argireline® — "botox in a bottle" without injections. It blocks the release of neurotransmitters at neuromuscular synapses, reducing the intensity of facial muscle contractions and smoothing out expressive wrinkles. A safe alternative to botulinum toxin for topical use.

neuropeptideArgirelinemyorelaxing effectanti-aging
⚠ Use with Caution
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 competitively inhibits the SNARE complex: it binds to SNAP-25 and syntaxin, blocking the exocytosis of acetylcholine at synapses. Result: reduced amplitude of facial muscle contractions → less deep facial expressions → smoothing of dynamic wrinkles. Difference from botox (botulinum toxin): does not completely block but reduces intensity → natural expression is preserved. Molecular weight ~888 Da — relatively large for a peptide. Palmitoyl analog (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 = Argireline Amplified): additional palmitic acid for deeper penetration; both variants may appear in INCI. Concentration in products: 5–10%.

Anti-wrinkle serums for facial mimicry, products for the skin around the eyes and lips, "express lifting" serums, daytime care for the prevention of mimic wrinkles.

Key Benefits

Reduction of mimic wrinkles — clinical data
Clinical study by Lipotec (10% acetyl hexapeptide-3, 30 days): reduction of wrinkle depth on the forehead and around the eyes by 17–27% compared to placebo. The effect is cumulative: maximum result — 4–8 weeks of regular use. Areas: horizontal forehead wrinkles, "crow's feet", wrinkles above the bridge of the nose (glabellar — "eleven lines"). Important: effective specifically for dynamic (mimic) wrinkles, not for static ones.
Safe alternative to botulinum
Unlike botulinum toxin (botox): does not completely block the synapse, but only reduces the amplitude of contraction → natural facial expression is preserved. Does not penetrate systemically (large molecule, topical application). No risk of "frozen face" or swallowing difficulties. Suitable for those who want a milder effect or are not ready for injections. Can complement the effect of botox — studies show a synergistic effect.
Prevention of new wrinkles
Regular use reduces the intensity of muscle contractions over time → reduces the "fixation" of mimic folds in the form of deep wrinkles. Especially effective in prevention: start at 25–35 years old, when wrinkles are still superficial. Synergy: with palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (collagen stimulation) + retinol (cell renewal) — a comprehensive anti-aging approach.

Suitable for

mature skinskin with mimic wrinklespreventive care 25+

Main Actions

✓ myorelaxing effect on mimic muscles✓ reduction of dynamic wrinkles✓ prevention of new wrinkles
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 vs Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3: original Argireline — without a lipid tail, water-soluble. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8: Argireline Amplified — with palmitic acid → better penetration into the stratum corneum, potentially more effective at lower concentrations. In INCI: "Acetyl Hexapeptide-3" or "Acetyl Hexapeptide-8". In practice, both ingredients are sold as Argireline or Argireline Amplified. Effective concentration: 5–10%. <1% — marketing "trace".

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