What is SNAP-8?

SNAP-8, also known as Acetyl Octapeptide-3 , has been shown to improve the structure of the skin and decrease the effects of wrinkles caused by the contraction of facial muscles. SNAP-8 is a string of 8 peptides and is commonly compared to the popular wrinkle treatment, Argireline. The two differ when it comes to their peptide chain length as Argireline is considered a hexapeptide. There is evidence indicating that the extra two peptides included in SNAP-8 enhance the anti-aging effects of the compound

Similar to other forms of wrinkle prevention such as botox, SNAP-8 inhibits muscle contraction in muscles that control facial expressions such as the forehead and near the eyes. SNAP-8 tends to compete with SNAP proteins for the receptor on the SNARE complex in order to prompt the release of neurotransmitters. When the receptor on the SNARE complex is compromised the complex is unable to efficiently release neurotransmitters which prevents involuntary and voluntary muscle movement.

The Role of SNAP-8 in the Cosmetics Industry

Wrinkles form due to muscle contraction whether it’s unintentional like cramps or spasms or consciously making facial expressions. As it was briefly mentioned above, these movements correspond to SNARE complexes that mediate the movement of various compounds through cellular membranes. One example of these compounds is the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), which is heavily involved in the mechanism of the SNARE complexes. The release of ACh is regulated by SNAP proteins as they directly affect the synaptic fusion necessary for ACh release from the vesicles. When ACh is released and reaches a receptor a muscle contraction occurs, unless it is inhibited by a neurotransmitter inhibitor peptide such as SNAP-8.

SNAP-8 works by mimicking SNAP-25, a compound known to downregulate the activity of voltage-gated calcium channels. That being said, SNAP-8 compromises the SNARE complex and results in decreased secretion of glutamate. Research shows that when a 1.5 mM concentration of SNAP-8 is given, inhibition of the neurotransmitters reaches approximately 43%. The 43% inhibition rate is close in comparison to the optimal inhibition rate for wrinkle reduction of 62%. Further studies examined the synergistic effect between SNAP-8 and other independently tested compounds and found inhibition levels to be around 38% in vitro assay. The same study tested these compounds together at the same concentration level of 0.75 mM and found inhibition levels rose to a total of 47%. The findings of these studies are compared to the mean value of inhibition levels to be around 35% (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7662462/).

SNAP-8 vs Argireline

Argireline, the aforementioned leading wrinkle treatment, is a fragment of SNAP-25 and is considered a hexapeptide. Similarly to SNAP-8, Argireline works to inhibit the activation of neurotransmitters to block the muscle contraction that causes fine lines and wrinkles.
Argireline is considered the parent compound to SNAP-8. The amino acid sequence of the two compounds are identical except for the addition of alanine and asparagine that elongates the chain into an octapeptide. Both SNAP-8 and Argireline are also shown to stimulate collagen production and optimize the functioning of existing collagen. The improved efficacy of collagen assists in combating fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the firmness of the skin.

While both compounds have almost identical functions, evidence has shown that SNAP-8 is more potent and effective than Argireline. Studies report that when using a 5% concentration of Argireline over the course of 28 days, fine lines and wrinkles reduce by about 30%. In comparison, evidence shows that when using SNAP-8 over a 7 day period, wrinkles reduce by 21% and over a 28 day period they reduce by approximately 63%. That being said, in clinical studies comparing the two treatments it was found that SNAP-8 is approximately 30% more effective than Argireline (https://www.naturalorganicskincare.com/collections/snap-8).

Peptides Prefer the Cold

In order to reduce peptide breakdown, keep peptides refrigerated at all times but DO NOT FREEZE.
Swab the top of the vial with 95% alcohol wipe before accessing.
Only Mix with Sterile Bacteriostatic Water
Bacteriostatic water is vital to preventing contamination and preserving the stability of the compound.
Push the needle through the stopper at an angle in order to direct the stream to the side of the vial.
Reconstituted peptide solution should be stored around 4 degrees Celsius but not frozen, while lyophilized peptide solution should be kept at -20 degrees Celsius.