PENTA18
Synthetic peptide that mimics enkephalin; it is proposed to reduce neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction, with clinical evidence for anti-wrinkle effects largely from manufacturer data.
Regulatory status (as of Sept 2026)
Cosmetic ingredient (INCI); not a drug.
See the FDA peptide regulatory tracker · Read our July 27, 2026 dispatch on the FDA PCAC peptide vote3 studies referenced · Last reviewed Oct 1, 2026 · Reviewed by The Peptide Dispatch Editorial Team · How we research & label content
Pentapeptide-18 is mainly used as a cosmetic skin-care ingredient. Synthetic peptide that mimics enkephalin; it is proposed to reduce neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction, with clinical evidence for anti-wrinkle effects largely from manufacturer data.
| Half-life | Not established in published research |
|---|---|
| How it's given in studies | Topical |
| Research stage | Cosmetic/topical |
| Dosing | Published research: No published human dosing detailsTopical cosmetic formulations and lipid nanocarrier preparations; in vitro/3D skin modelsCommunity-reportedCommunity-reported: Topical formulations, topical |
Published-research dosing is what was given in the cited studies (species and units as reported). Community-reported dosing is what users describe, not from clinical studies. Neither is a recommendation. Not medical advice.
Where each point comes from: Clinicalhuman trials and FDA labels Lab / animalrodent, cell and ex vivo studies Community-reporteduser experience and commonly used protocols, not from clinical studies
In plain terms: It is a skin-care peptide said to calm the nerve signals behind facial muscle movement; the evidence is mostly lab and computer-based. Proposed mechanism: described as an enkephalin mimetic that dampens the signalling behind repetitive facial muscle contraction. Supporting work is computational (molecular docking and dynamics) and formulation research (Akhan 2026; Pawłowska 2024), not controlled clinical trials.
How to read this: Each item below is an effect observed in research subjects in the cited studies — think of Dexter, our stand-in research subject. These are findings from the literature, not results you should expect, and not medical advice.
Community-reportedUsers report Pentapeptide-18 in topical formulations (topical). This is not a recommendation.
Community reports are anecdotal, vary widely in product quality and purity, and are not medical advice. Talk to a licensed provider.
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| Peptide | Half-Life | Route | Research Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pentapeptide-18 | Unknown | Topical | Cosmetic/topical |
| ARA-290 (Cibinetide) | No published PK data found | Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous | Phase 2 |
| BPC-157 | Elimination t1/2 < 30 min (rats and beagle dogs, IV and IM); IM bioavailability ~14-19% rats, 45-51% dogs | Subcutaneous injection | Preclinical (animal) |
| Copper Peptide AHK-Cu | Topical (not systemically relevant) | Topical | In vitro only |
| GHK-Cu | No published PK data found | Subcutaneous or topical | Cosmetic/topical |
Values reflect figures reported in published research. Compare any peptides side-by-side →
This peptide belongs to the Healing category. View All Healing Peptides
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Dosing, half-life figures, and mechanism descriptions on this page are compiled from peer-reviewed published research, with the species and study type stated where reported. Figures labeled “Dosing used in published research” describe what was given in those studies and do not constitute dosing recommendations for any human use. Each cited paper is listed with DOI and PubMed links in the References section above. Found an error? Contact us.