← Library
A cosmetic ingredient, not regulated or approved as a drug. This page is educational information only, not medical advice.
IndexedBuilt automatically from public databases on 2026-09-30. Not yet hand-reviewed by PLOBT.How this works →

Acetyl octapeptide-3

Cosmetic ingredient

Cosmetic signal peptide

Also known as: SNAP-8, Ac-glu-glu-met-gln-arg-arg-ala-asp-nh2, Acetyl octapeptide-1, Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-3, Acetyl Octapeptide-8, Acetyl Octapetpide-3, SNAP8, Acetyl Glutamyl Octapeptide-3

Evidence score
23/ 100
Thin evidence

Very thin human evidence

  • Regulatory standing. Cosmetic ingredient, not regulated as a drug
  • Animal / preclinical only. Evidence is largely animal or in-vitro
  • No registered human trials. Nothing registered on ClinicalTrials.gov
  • 1 cited source. Includes primary / regulatory sources

Computed with the same four public criteria as every profile. The human-evidence grade on an indexed profile is set automatically and may change when it is hand-reviewed. It is not a safety score, not a purity rating, and not medical advice, and not a claim that this compound treats, cures, or prevents any condition.

What it is

Acetyl octapeptide-3, sold as SNAP-8, is a synthetic eight amino acid peptide used in topical skincare products. It is an extended version of acetyl hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) and is thought to mimic part of the SNAP-25 protein, possibly interfering with the nerve signaling complex that triggers muscle contraction and so softening expression lines.

What the evidence shows

Automatic summaryAnimal / preclinical

It is used as a cosmetic ingredient and is not an FDA-approved drug, with no registered human trials and only about two published papers, mostly manufacturer or lab data. Claims about wrinkle reduction have not been confirmed in independent controlled human studies.

Key facts

Molecular formula
C41H70N16O16S
Molecular weight
1075.2 g/mol

Registered human trials

Live from ClinicalTrials.gov, refreshed daily.

0registered studies
Nonemost advanced phase
0completed (sample)
0recruiting (sample)

Published literature

Live from Europe PMC. This is how much has been published, not how much is proven in humans.

2papers referencing Acetyl octapeptide-3

Efficacy of bioactive peptides loaded on hyaluronic acid microneedle patches: A monocentric clinical study.

J Cosmet Dermatol2020

Clinical Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of a Dissolving Microneedle Patch Having Dual Anti-Wrinkle Effects With Safe and Long-Term Activities.

Ann Dermatol2024

Sources

Risks, side effects and study doses are only published on hand-reviewed profiles. Want this one reviewed, or spotted something wrong? Tell us.