Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 · Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Topical botox-like peptide — reduces expression lines.
FDA
Research Only
WADA
Not Listed
HALF-LIFE
N/A (topical)
ROUTE
Topical
SCHEDULE
Daily
In Plain English
Topical botox-like peptide — reduces expression lines.
Status & Legality
NATTY?
No Test ExistsNo established test exists for this compound.
FDA
Research OnlyFor research purposes only. Not FDA approved.
WADA
Not ListedNot currently on WADA prohibited list.
COMPOUNDING
Not from pharmaciesNot available from licensed compounding pharmacies.
PRESCRIBED
Not prescribedNot prescribed in conventional medicine.
ROUTE
TopicalAdministration via topical.
Expression line reduction
Facial muscle relaxation
Wrinkle prevention
Argireline is a peptide that inhibits catecholamine release at neuromuscular junctions, producing a topical 'Botox-like' effect without injection. Clinical studies show 30–50% reduction in expression lines with regular use. Highly popular in cosmeceutical skincare as a non-invasive anti-aging ingredient.
Skin irritation (rare)
Generally very well tolerated topically
Using less than 10% formulation — lower concentrations don't produce the neuromuscular junction effect seen in clinical studies
Applying to the entire face as a general anti-aging serum — Argireline is most effective on specific expression areas (forehead, crow's feet, frown lines)
Expecting permanent results like injectable Botox — Argireline effects require daily application; skipping days reduces the cumulative effect
Injectable Botox — safe to use topically around injection sites; may prolong or deepen the Botox effect
Retinol — safe to use at different times; apply retinol at night, Argireline in the morning or evening separately
Vitamin C serums — layer carefully; apply Vitamin C first, allow absorption, then apply Argireline formula
Argireline is the most evidence-backed topical muscle relaxant available without a prescription. The 30–50% reduction in expression line depth at 10% formulations is genuine and reproducible across multiple clinical studies. The key is consistent daily application to specific expression areas — it doesn't work as a general moisturizer ingredient.
Stats
Sources & Studies
Lim SH. et al., Arch Dermatol Res, 2015