Cosmetic & Skin

SNAP-8

Also known as: Acetyl Octapeptide-3, INYIM

Molecular Identifiers

Molecular Formula

C42H72N16O15S

CAS Number

868844-74-0

PubChem CID

71587832

UNII

8K14HJF88S

Molecular Weight

1073.2 Da

Overview

Acetylated octapeptide with anti-wrinkle action. Modulates the SNARE complex to reduce facial muscle contraction, diminishing expression lines. Enhanced version of Argireline with two additional amino acids for greater efficacy.

SNAP-8 is positioned as an evolution of Argireline, with two additional amino acids that increase affinity for the SNAP-25 protein of the SNARE complex. The observed clinical effect is reduction of dynamic expression lines (forehead, eye area), achieved through partial inhibition of neurotransmitter release at the cutaneous neuromuscular junction. Visible results typically appear after 2 to 4 weeks of continuous topical use.

Today the ingredient is used almost exclusively in anti-aging cosmetics — serums and creams at 3–10% concentrations — sold over the counter. It has no approval as a medicine, and subcutaneous use, although described, is rare outside the experimental setting. It is often combined with other cosmetic peptides (Argireline, Matrixyl) in multi-peptide formulations.

Compared to Argireline, SNAP-8 is positioned as an extended version — with two extra amino acids — and a market narrative of "greater potency", although direct clinical evidence of superiority is limited. Mechanistically it is very close to Acetyl Octapeptide-1, another SNAP-25 fragment acting on the same SNARE pathway. It differs fundamentally from Matrixyl and Tripeptide-29, aimed at collagen stimulation, and from Decapeptide-12, focused on depigmentation — multi-peptide blends typically leverage this complementarity of mechanisms.

Sequence (1 letter): EEMQRRAD
Extended notation: Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp

Half-life

~2-3 hours

Administration Route

Topical or subcutaneous

Category

Cosmetic & Skin

Mechanism of Action

  • SNARE complex modulation (SNAP-25 protein)
  • Reduction of neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction
  • Decrease of involuntary facial muscle contraction
  • Attenuation of dynamic expression lines
  • Botulinum toxin-like action in a non-invasive manner

Dosage Protocol

Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.

Parameter Value
Dose Topical 3-10% or 100-500 mcg subcutaneous
Frequency Topical 2x daily, subcutaneous 2-3x per week
Timing Morning and evening (topical)
Duration Continuous use (topical), 8-12 weeks (subcutaneous)

Reported Side Effects

Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.

  • Mild skin irritation
  • Redness
  • Local sensitivity

Product Properties

Purity >98%
Appearance White lyophilized powder
Solubility Soluble in water and bacteriostatic water
Source Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS)
Storage Lyophilized: -20°C for up to 2 years, 2-8°C for up to 6 months. Reconstituted: 2-8°C for up to 4 weeks. Protect from light and moisture. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Presentations & Preparation

Vials of SNAP-8 found in the research market:

5 mg10 mg15 mg20 mg

Reconstitution

  • Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
  • Volume: 2 ml per 5 mg vial
  • Slowly inject the diluent against the vial wall
  • Gently swirl until fully dissolved
  • Never shake

Storage

  • Lyophilized: Refrigerated 2-8°C
  • Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (up to 30 days)
  • Protect from direct light
  • Do not freeze after reconstitution
Reconstitution Calculator

Scientific Studies

Published studies on SNAP-8.

2017 · Mol Cell Biochem

Molecular modeling elucidates the cellular mechanism of synaptotagmin-SNARE inhibition: a novel plausible route to anti-wrinkle activity of botox-like cosmetic active molecules

Wongrattanakamon P, Nimmanpipug P, Sirithunyalug B, Jiranusornkul S
2016 · J Drugs Dermatol

An open label clinical trial of a peptide treatment serum and supporting regimen designed to improve the appearance of aging facial skin

Draelos ZD, Kononov T, Fox T

Related Peptides

Acetyl Octapeptide-1

Topical 3-5% · Twice daily

AHK-Cu

Topical or 200-500 mcg subcutaneous · 1-2 times daily (topical), every other day (subcutaneous)

Argireline

Topical 5-10% or 100-250 mcg subcutaneous · Topical twice daily, subcutaneous 2-3x per week

Decapeptide-12

Topical application · 1-2 times daily

GHK Basic

Topical or 200-600 mcg subcutaneous · 1-2 times daily (topical), every other day (subcutaneous)

Matrixyl

Topical application · 1-2 times daily