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AestheticSubcutaneous
Argireline
Also known as: Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 · Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 · Ac-EEMQRR-NH2
Synthetic hexapeptide that mimics the N-terminal end of SNAP-25. Competes with native SNAP-25 in the SNARE complex, reducing acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction and attenuating expression-line muscle contraction. A topical, weaker analog of the botulinum-toxin mechanism.
At a glance
- Half-life
- 4 hours
- Common route
- Subcutaneous
- Typical dose range
- 1,000–5,000mcg
- Stability (reconstituted)
- 30days refrigerated
Best timing
Topical use is the most common route — 5–10% serum applied twice daily for 4+ weeks before visible changes. Injectable use is off-label and uncommon.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Active dermatitis at application site
- Concurrent neuromuscular disease
Watch symptoms
- Mild local irritation
- Allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive users
- Modest effect size — typical reduction in wrinkle depth is 10–30% over weeks
- Skin barrier disruption with high-concentration formulations
Citations