Argireline, Acetyl Hexapeptide 8

Argireline is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, the peptide most associated with the look of expression lines — forehead creases, crow's feet, and the 11s between the brows. You blend it into your own base at 2 to 10%.

This is a formulation ingredient, not a finished serum. Do not apply it undiluted.

What is in the bottle

INCI: Water, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Two ingredients. That is the whole list.

Clear liquid. Water-soluble. Fragrance-free, paraben-free. 0.5 oz blue glass dropper bottle.

The science: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and the SNARE complex

Argireline is a six amino acid sequence, first introduced in 2001 and one of the most studied cosmetic peptides in use.

The published research centres on the SNARE complex — the protein assembly that mediates signalling at the neuromuscular junction. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has been studied for its interaction with SNARE complex formation, which is why it is grouped with the expression-line peptides rather than the collagen-support ones.

The supplier's efficacy work reports improvement in the appearance of fine lines at a 2% concentration, with measured reductions in wrinkle depth and volume.

These findings are the manufacturer's, from their efficacy dossier, and are reproduced here under our licence agreement with them. They describe testing of the raw material, not of a finished product you blend at home.

How much to add

Recommended usage rate is 2 to 10%. Using our house rate of 9 drops per 1% per fluid ounce:

Full conversions on the serum booster chart. An instruction guide and chart come with every order.

How to use it

1. Choose a water-based serum, gel, lotion or cream. Hyaluronic acid serum is the usual base.
2. Add the drops for the percentage you want.
3. Cap and shake well.
4. Refrigerate what you are not using.
5. Apply the finished blend morning and night to the forehead, around the eyes, and the lip area.

What it is for

Argireline is formulated for the lines that come from movement rather than sun or slack — the ones that deepen because your face makes the same shapes every day.

• Forehead creases
• The 11s between the brows
• Crow's feet at the outer corners of the eyes
• Fine lines around the mouth

For firmness across the whole face rather than specific lines, Matrixyl 3000 is the one to reach for instead. They layer well together.

Why buy it raw

Finished products naming this ingredient rarely tell you how much is in them, and it is usually less than you would choose. Blend it yourself and the number is yours — because you counted the drops in.

One 0.5 oz bottle blends several ounces of finished serum, depending on the percentage you pick.

Blending with other peptides

Argireline layers with Snap-8, Syn-Ake and Inyline. Each works on the look of expression lines through a different route, so combining them is not doubling up on the same thing. Keep the combined total sensible — the base still has to be mostly base.

Prefer liposomal delivery and a lower use rate? See Argireline Amplified.

Storage

Refrigerate on arrival. The blue glass keeps light out.

For external use only. Cosmetic grade. Do not apply undiluted to skin. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Argireline is a registered trademark of Lipotec S.A.U., used under licence.