SNAP8
Snap-8 is a cosmetic octapeptide that mimics the N-terminal end of SNAP-25, a key protein in neuromuscular junction signaling. Manufacturer (non-peer-reviewed) data report reduced wrinkle appearance, attributed to modulating muscle contraction at the cellular level.
Regulatory status (as of Sept 2026)
Cosmetic ingredient; not a drug.
See the FDA peptide regulatory tracker · Read our July 27, 2026 dispatch on the FDA PCAC peptide vote7 studies referenced · Last reviewed Oct 1, 2026 · Reviewed by The Peptide Dispatch Editorial Team · How we research & label content
Snap-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is mainly used as a cosmetic skin-care ingredient. Snap-8 is a cosmetic octapeptide that mimics the N-terminal end of SNAP-25, a key protein in neuromuscular junction signaling.
| Half-life | Topical (not systemically relevant) |
|---|---|
| How it's given in studies | Topical |
| Research stage | Cosmetic/topical |
| Dosing | Published research: Topical/microneedle patches containing acetyl octapeptide-3 in combination with other actives detailsTopical/microneedle patches containing acetyl octapeptide-3 in combination with other actives (n=24 comparative clinical study; 12-week monocentric study)Community-reportedCommunity-reported: 3–10% in 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 designed to soften the nerve signals that make facial muscles contract. Proposed mechanism: designed to compete with SNAP-25 for a place in the SNARE complex, reducing acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions and thereby facial muscle contraction. The clinical studies cited tested multi-ingredient microneedle patches, so their results cannot be attributed to Snap-8 alone (Shin 2024; Avcil 2020).
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 Snap-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) in 3–10% 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.
Snap-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is a synthetic peptide developed by Lipotec as a topical cosmetic peptide for facial expression wrinkles. It is an elongated version of Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3), with two additional amino acids. The peptide works by interfering with the SNARE complex formation needed for neurotransmitter release at neuromuscular junctions, effectively reducing the intensity of facial muscle contractions that lead to expression lines. Manufacturer (Lipotec) data, which are not peer-reviewed, report a reduction in wrinkle depth after 28 days of topical application. Snap-8 is widely used in the cosmeceutical industry and is found in many premium anti-aging skincare products.
Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp (8 amino acids)
Molecular Weight: 1,075.2 Da
Molecular Formula: C41H70N16O16S
Structure Details: Linear acetylated octapeptide. N-terminal acetylation improves stability and skin penetration. Mimics the N-terminal sequence of SNAP-25, a component of the SNARE complex.
New research, FDA peptide updates, and what users are reporting. One email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.
| Peptide | Half-Life | Route | Research Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snap-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) | Topical (not systemically relevant) | Topical | Cosmetic/topical |
| Epitalon | Unknown | Subcutaneous injection | Preclinical (animal) |
| FOXO4-DRI | Unknown | Subcutaneous injection | Preclinical (animal) |
| GDF-11 | Unknown | Subcutaneous injection | Preclinical (animal) |
| Humanin | Unknown | Subcutaneous injection | Preclinical (animal) |
Values reflect figures reported in published research. Compare any peptides side-by-side →
This peptide belongs to the Anti-Aging category. View All Anti-Aging Peptides
Healing
From Our Affiliated Clinic
1836 Wellness is a physician-supervised clinic in Houston, TX. Discussing a compound on this page is not an offer to prescribe or supply it.
See how it works →Disclosure: The Peptide Dispatch and 1836 Wellness are commonly owned by 1836 Wellness LLC. We may benefit financially if you become a client of 1836 Wellness. Learn more.
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.