Snap-8
Acetyl octapeptide-3 for wrinkle reduction. Inhibits SNARE complex formation to relax facial muscles. Anti-aging cosmeceutical.
Compound
At a glance
At a glance
- Concentration
- 50mg
- Purity
- 99.5%+
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Storage
- Lyophilized: room temperature, desiccated. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, ≤30 days.
Snap-8, also known as Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8, sequence: Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2), is a synthetic octapeptide designed to reduce the appearance of expression lines and wrinkles through a mechanism analogous to botulinum toxin but without the paralytic effects. Snap-8 is an elongated version of the hexapeptide Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3), with the addition of two amino acids that increase its binding affinity and clinical efficacy. It is classified as a neuropeptide cosmeceutical and represents a topical/injectable alternative to neurotoxin-based wrinkle treatment.
Snap-8 functions by competitively inhibiting the SNARE complex — the molecular machinery responsible for neurotransmitter vesicle fusion at the neuromuscular junction. The SNARE complex consists of three proteins (SNAP-25, syntaxin, and VAMP/synaptobrevin) that must assemble to enable acetylcholine release from motor neurons. Snap-8 mimics the N-terminal sequence of SNAP-25, competing for binding sites on the SNARE complex and reducing (but not eliminating) its assembly efficiency. This decreases acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, resulting in mild relaxation of facial muscles — particularly the repetitive contraction patterns that create expression lines around the eyes (crow's feet), forehead (horizontal lines), and between the brows (glabellar lines). Unlike botulinum toxin, Snap-8 modulates rather than blocks neuromuscular transmission, preserving natural facial expression.
Research on Snap-8 demonstrates measurable reductions in wrinkle depth and skin roughness. Clinical studies using topical application at 3-10% concentration showed wrinkle depth reductions of 35-63% over 28 days, with the octapeptide (Snap-8) outperforming the hexapeptide (Argireline) by approximately 30% in direct comparison studies. The compound also shows improvements in skin smoothness and texture metrics beyond the direct wrinkle-relaxation effect, suggesting secondary benefits on dermal matrix organization.
Snap-8 is suited for researchers investigating non-invasive wrinkle reduction, SNARE complex biology, neuromuscular modulation, and cosmeceutical peptide development. It offers a unique mechanism of action in the beauty peptide space — neuromodulation rather than structural repair.
The 50mg vial provides substantial supply for both injectable and topical research applications. For injectable research, reconstitute with 2-5ml bacteriostatic water and administer via superficial subcutaneous injection in target facial areas at 50-200mcg per site. For topical research, dissolve in appropriate carrier solutions at 3-10% concentration. Snap-8 has a short half-life when injected, but its SNARE complex inhibition persists beyond clearance. Store at 2-8C after reconstitution. Effects are cumulative and typically become noticeable after 2-4 weeks of consistent application.
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## Hormone & Reproductive
Snap-8 is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water (BAC water) before use in a research setting.
- Clean the BAC water vial stopper and the peptide vial stopper with an alcohol swab. Allow to dry.
- Draw the required volume of BAC water into a sterile syringe (typically 1–3 mL depending on target concentration).
- Angle the needle so the water runs down the inside wall of the peptide vial. Avoid dispensing directly onto the powder.
- Do not shake. Gently swirl or roll until fully dissolved. Vigorous shaking can denature peptides.
- Refrigerate reconstituted solution at 2–8°C. Most reconstituted peptides are stable 14–30 days depending on compound.
Target concentration determines drawing volume. For dosing math, consult the dosing math guide.
Independent lab verification
Research disclaimer
For research and laboratory use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. Novo Pharma sells to qualified researchers of legal age and ships to Canadian addresses only. See disclaimer and terms.
Read the research
Reference articles from the lab covering this compound.
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