Snap-8
Skin & HairPreclinicalAlso known as: Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-1, SNAP-8, Leuphasyl, anti-wrinkle peptide
Snap-8 (INCI: Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-1) is a synthetic octapeptide designed as an analog of the N-terminal fragment of synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25), which is the molecular target of botulinum toxin A (Botox). Where Botox cleaves SNAP-25 systemically and irreversibly via enzymatic activity, Snap-8 competes with SNAP-25 for a place in the SNARE complex that enables acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction.
Overview
At A Glance
Snap-8 (INCI Acetyl Octapeptide-3; CAS 868844-74-0) is a synthetic octapeptide, Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2, whose sequence mimics the N-terminal domain of SNAP-25. SNAP-25, together with Syntaxin-1 and VAMP/synaptobrevin, forms the SNARE complex required for synaptic-…
Overview
Snap-8 (INCI: Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-1) is a synthetic octapeptide designed as an analog of the N-terminal fragment of synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25), which is the molecular target of botulinum toxin A (Botox). Where Botox cleaves SNAP-25 systemically and irreversibly via enzymatic activity, Snap-8 competes with SNAP-25 for a place in the SNARE complex that enables acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. This competitive inhibition reduces muscle contraction at the application site without systemic toxin effects. Snap-8 is used in cosmetic research as a topical anti-wrinkle agent, particularly for expression lines (forehead, periorbital). Purity-verified Snap-8 raw powder is also used in cosmetic compounding research.
What to Expect
- •Snap-8 is a slow, subtle cosmetic effect, not an acute one. Any softening of fine dynamic lines builds over weeks of consistent twice-daily topical use, not days.
- •Effect size is modest and highly formulation-dependent; it is not comparable to injected botulinum toxin.
- •No systemic or 'frozen-muscle' effect is expected from topical use, because penetration is limited and the mechanism only partially reduces local neurotransmitter release.
- •Benefits, if any, reverse after you stop applying it; there is no lasting structural change.
- •Evidence for Snap-8 as a single agent is limited to manufacturer testing and one combination-product study, so expectations should be managed accordingly (research-use framing).
Individual responses vary. Timeline based on commonly reported research observations.
Chemical Information
IUPAC Name
Not yet available
CAS Number
Not yet available
Molecular Formula
Not yet available
Molecular Mass
1075.16 g/mol (molecular formula C41H70N16O16S)
Amino Acid Sequence
Dosing & Protocols
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Research
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Interactions
Interaction and contraindication data is being compiled for Snap-8. Check back soon.
General Safety Note
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before combining research compounds. Interactions may exist that are not yet documented.
$39.00
up to $199.99
$0.1490
2
3
vial, powder, topical
| Vendor | Product | Form | Qty | Price | $/mg | Coupon | |
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Double Diamond Balm | topical | 30ml● In Stock | $199.99BEST | — | ||
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Snap-8 10mg (injectable) | vial | 1 vial● Out of Stock | $39.00 | $3.900 | — | Sign in for stock alert |
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Snap-8 Raw 1g | powder | 1g● In Stock | $149.00VALUE | $0.149 | — |
Tracking since Apr 22, 2026 · 3 data points
Price History
2 data pointsVendors Selling Snap-8
How we score these vendors
Every supplier above is graded 0–100 on COA verification, payment transparency, shipping, reviews, and active listings. Methodology published, no pay-to-rank.
Related Compounds
View AllAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Skin & HairMarketed topical cosmetic ingredient (INCI: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 / Argireline). Supported by small human anti-wrinkle studies, including one randomized, placebo-controlled trial; no systemic or injectable clinical development. Not an FDA-approved drug.Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (INCI: Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 in older nomenclature, commercially known as Argireline) is a synthetic hexapeptide designed as a competitive inhibitor of the SNARE complex at the neuromuscular junction.
AHK-Cu
Skin & HairPreclinicalAHK-Cu (Ala-His-Lys-Copper) is a copper chelating tripeptide related to but distinct from GHK-Cu (Gly-His-Lys-Copper).
Melanotan 2
Skin & HairDiscontinued (early clinical)A synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist studied for skin tanning, sexual function, and appetite suppression..
Minoxidil
Skin & HairFDA-ApprovedMinoxidil is an FDA-approved treatment for pattern hair loss.
PDRN
Skin & HairPhase 4PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a biotechnological compound derived from salmon sperm DNA (Oncorhynchus mykiss) through extraction, purification, and fractionation.
View Full Dosage Guide →
Protocols, calculator & safety for Snap-8
Research Score
0 PubMed studies
Quality Indicators
Data Completeness
63%COA Verification
4
Verified COAs
1
Vendors w/ COA
Latest test: 3/1/2026
Quick Facts
Half-Life
Not characterized (topical peptide)
Molecular Weight
1075.16 g/mol (molecular formula C41H70N16O16S)
Administration
Topical
Trial Phase
Preclinical
Safety Profile
Common Side Effects
- • Minimal — well tolerated at cosmetic concentrations
- • Mild transient erythema at high concentrations
Research Disclaimer
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Snap-8 and how is it different from Argireline?
Snap-8 (INCI: Acetyl Octapeptide-3, CAS 868844-74-0) is a synthetic octapeptide, Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2. It is an elongated version of Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide), extending the same SNAP-25-derived sequence by two residues (Ala-Asp). Both are marketed as topical, needle-free 'Botox-mimetic' cosmetic peptides that interfere with SNARE-complex formation to soften dynamic expression lines.
Does Snap-8 actually work like Botox?
The mechanism is plausible and shares a target with botulinum toxin (the SNARE protein SNAP-25), but the two are not equivalent. Botulinum toxin is injected and enzymatically cleaves SNAP-25; Snap-8 is a topical peptide that only competes for a position in the SNARE complex and reduces, rather than abolishes, neurotransmitter release. There are no stand-alone controlled human trials proving Botox-like efficacy for Snap-8 specifically.
Is there clinical evidence for Snap-8?
According to PubMed, the only indexed clinical study naming acetyl octapeptide-3 is a 12-week microneedle-patch trial in which it was one of several active ingredients; the combination reduced fine lines/wrinkles by about 25.8% [PMID:31134751], so Snap-8's individual effect cannot be isolated. The closely related peptide Argireline has a randomized, placebo-controlled trial showing about 48.9% subjective wrinkle reduction [PMID:23417317]. Most Snap-8-specific claims come from manufacturer in-vivo testing rather than independent trials.
How is Snap-8 used?
It is a topical cosmetic ingredient, typically formulated at low peptide concentrations in a serum or cream and applied twice daily. It is not dosed in micrograms and is not intended for injection or systemic use. On this site it is offered as a research-use-only raw peptide.
Why might a Snap-8 product underperform?
Snap-8 is a large, hydrophilic, charged peptide that penetrates the stratum corneum poorly [PMID:29371611]. Real-world results depend heavily on formulation and delivery (penetration enhancers, microneedling, occlusion). A poorly formulated product may deliver very little active peptide to its site of action.
Research Tools
Related Compounds
View AllAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Skin & HairMarketed topical cosmetic ingredient (INCI: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 / Argireline). Supported by small human anti-wrinkle studies, including one randomized, placebo-controlled trial; no systemic or injectable clinical development. Not an FDA-approved drug.Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (INCI: Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 in older nomenclature, commercially known as Argireline) is a synthetic hexapeptide designed as a competitive inhibitor of the SNARE complex at the neuromuscular junction.
AHK-Cu
Skin & HairPreclinicalAHK-Cu (Ala-His-Lys-Copper) is a copper chelating tripeptide related to but distinct from GHK-Cu (Gly-His-Lys-Copper).
Melanotan 2
Skin & HairDiscontinued (early clinical)A synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist studied for skin tanning, sexual function, and appetite suppression..
Minoxidil
Skin & HairFDA-ApprovedMinoxidil is an FDA-approved treatment for pattern hair loss.
PDRN
Skin & HairPhase 4PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a biotechnological compound derived from salmon sperm DNA (Oncorhynchus mykiss) through extraction, purification, and fractionation.
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