Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (also known under the trade name SNAP-8™) is a deep penetrating, potent peptide with a "BOTOX®-like" effect. Scientific tests have shown that regular twice-daily use can dramatically help reduce the appearance of expression lines and wrinkles by up to 63% in 30 days by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters that cause facial muscle contraction (lines & wrinkles).
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 is built sequentially on a solid polymer resin, adding each of the eight amino acids in turn. Its sequence is Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2, the first part of which is similar to Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline; sequence Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2) with similar effects. After the synthesis, the peptide is cleaved off the resin and analyzed for purity.
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 modulates the formation of the SNARE complex involved in muscle stimulation. It mimics one of the complex's proteins, SNAP-25. It acts as a competitor of SNAP-25, occupying its place in the SNARE complex, interfering with its formation, decreasing stability, and relaxing muscles.
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 targets the same protein complex (SNARE) as Botox® but in a completely different way. When Botox® completely blocks SNARE formation, muscles are paralyzed; SNAP-8™, in contrast, reversibly relaxes muscles.A naturally derived, non-toxic, non-invasive (needle-free), painless alternative to BOTOX® and other Botulinum Toxin Type A injections, it topically targets the exact wrinkle formation mechanism but in a very different way, with no side effects. It is used in many high-end creams, lotions, serums, and body milk for topical application.
