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Peptide Library / Skin & Hair / Cosmetic

SNAP-8

Acetyl Octapeptide-3

SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) Research Protocol

Complete Research Guide 4 min read1 peer-reviewed references

Quickstart Overview

SNAP-8 is a cosmetic octapeptide marketed as a topical alternative to botulinum toxin for expression lines. It is an elongated version of the Argireline peptide and works by interfering with the SNARE complex that enables neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction.

Reconstitution
Dissolve in sterile water/saline and blend into a topical base
Formulation
3–10% topical
Measuring Reference
Cosmetic serum concentration
Frequency
1–2× daily topical
Route (studies)
Topical
Class
Cosmetic peptide

Scientific Data

Molecular Formula
—
Molecular Weight
1075.3 Da
Sequence
Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2
Sequence Length
28
CAS
Research compound
Peptide Family
Cosmetic peptide
Half-life
Refer to published literature
Solubility
Bacteriostatic water, sterile saline
Storage
Lyophilized: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 2–4 weeks.
Appearance
White lyophilized powder
Standard: 10 mg vial · 2 mL diluent

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Interactive Reconstitution
Adjust vial size, diluent and target dose. Results update live.
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Concentration
5.00 mg/mL
Draw Volume
0.200 mL
Syringe Units
20.0 U
Doses / Vial
10

Units assume a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL). A topical cosmetic peptide — not used as an injectable.

Frequency: 1–2× daily (topical)

Reconstitution Steps

  1. 1Allow the lyophilized vial and bacteriostatic water to reach room temperature (~15 min).
  2. 2Swab both vial stoppers with a fresh 70% isopropyl alcohol pad and let them dry.
  3. 3Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a mixing syringe.
  4. 4Insert at an angle and let the water run slowly down the glass wall — never directly onto the powder.
  5. 5Gently swirl (do not shake) until the solution is completely clear.
  6. 6Label with date and concentration (mg/mL) and refrigerate at 2–8 °C immediately.

Supplies Needed

Planning example for a 12-week protocol at approximately 1000 mcg per day.

Peptide (10 mg vials)
Estimate vials from total mass: 1000 mcg/day × 84 days.
Bacteriostatic Water
One 10–30 mL vial typically covers a full cycle.
Insulin Syringes (U-100)
One per administration (29–31 G, 0.3–0.5 mL).
Alcohol Swabs
Two per administration (vial + site).
Sharps Container
Required for safe disposal.

Protocol Overview

Goal
Model topical SNARE-competing expression-line relaxation.
Schedule
Daily topical, ongoing.
Dose Range
3–10% formulation.

Dosing Protocol

Formulation
Typically 3–10% in a serum/cream
Frequency
Apply 1–2× daily topically
Target
Expression-line areas
Cycle Length
Ongoing cosmetic use
Timing
AM/PM skincare routine
Route
Topical

Storage Instructions

Lyophilized
−20 °C long term (18–24 months); stable at room temperature for short transit.
Reconstituted
2–8 °C refrigerated; use within 4 weeks.
Light
Protect from direct light; keep in the original carton.
Freeze/Thaw
Avoid repeat freeze–thaw cycles after reconstitution.

Important Notes

  • This is a topical cosmetic ingredient; injectable use is not the intended route.
  • Effects are subtle and depend on consistent application.

How This Works

SNAP-8 mimics the N-terminal end of SNAP-25, a SNARE protein required for vesicle docking and acetylcholine release. By competing for a position in the SNARE complex it modestly reduces catecholamine/acetylcholine release, relaxing the facial micro-contractions that form expression lines. The effect is topical and cosmetic — far milder and more superficial than injected neuromodulators.

Potential Benefits & Side Effects

Reported in research
  • Topical relaxation of expression lines
  • Reduced appearance of forehead and eye wrinkles in cosmetic studies
  • Non-invasive alternative concept to injectables
  • Well tolerated topically
Possible considerations
  • Topical use only — not an injectable neuromodulator
  • Mild skin irritation possible
  • Effects are subtle and reversible
  • Limited independent efficacy data

Lifestyle Factors

  • Adequate hydration and 7–9 h of sleep are standard controls in most research protocols.
  • Consistent dose timing improves the reliability of any self-tracked endpoints.
  • Maintain a clean, sterile workflow for every draw to avoid contamination.

Injection Technique

  1. 1Tilt the head slightly forward and insert the metered sprayer into one nostril.
  2. 2Occlude the opposite nostril and sniff gently as you actuate the spray.
  3. 3Alternate nostrils between doses; do not blow the nose for ~10 minutes.
  4. 4Refrigerate the sprayer between uses and label with the fill date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Third-party HPLC testing

CG Labz Verified Batches

No published batches yet.

Research Disclaimer

All compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory research. Dosing figures below summarize ranges reported in published preclinical and clinical literature for reference purposes only. CG Labz does not provide medical advice or individualized dosing recommendations.

Peer-reviewed literature

References

  1. [1] International Journal of Cosmetic Science
    Blanes-Mira C. et al. A synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) and SNARE.
    View Source