Description
SNAP-8 peptide at a glance
SNAP-8 is the trade name associated with acetyl octapeptide-3, an eight-residue peptide that extends the Argireline sequence by two amino acids. Cosmetic scientists study it for expression-wrinkle questions, but the published human data come from multi-ingredient microneedle patches, not from SNAP-8 alone. Ellepeptides offers it as raw research material in a single 10 mg vial.
- Type of molecule: synthetic acetylated, amidated octapeptide (Ac-EEMQRRAD-NH2)
- Vial size: 10 mg
- Listed price: from $55.00 USD
- Form: lyophilized powder, not a serum or cream
- Shipping: within the US, free shipping over $200
- Scope: for laboratory research only
SNAP-8 vial sizes and price per mg
| Vial size | Listed price (USD) | Price per mg |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mg | $55.00 | $5.50 |
Prices are listed in USD at the time of writing, and the size selector shows the current price. Bulk or combination savings through the cart or coupons are not promised.
SNAP-8 compound profile
| Catalog name | SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) |
|---|---|
| Nominal amount per vial | 10 mg |
| Reference identity | Acetyl octapeptide-3; eight residues |
| Reference sequence | Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2 (Ac-EEMQRRAD-NH2) |
| Reference molecular formula | C41H70N16O16S |
| Reference molar mass | 1075.2 g/mol |
| CAS reference | Not assigned here: verify the exact structure and salt |
| Molecular reference source | PubChem CID 76283482 |
| Closest relative | Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-3), Ac-EEMQRR-NH2, C34H60N14O12S (PubChem CID 11228338) |
| Intended scope | Laboratory research |
These values describe the acetylated, amidated reference structure in PubChem, not the analyzed content of a supplied vial. Counterions, water content and terminal groups are lot-documentation questions.
How SNAP-8 works in research
SNAP-8’s proposed mechanism is borrowed from its shorter relative. Argireline was designed to mimic part of SNAP-25, one of the proteins that form the SNARE complex nerve cells use to fuse vesicles and release neurotransmitter. In laboratory assays it interfered with SNARE complex formation and inhibited neurotransmitter release with a potency similar to botulinum toxin A, though with much lower efficacy (Blanes-Mira et al., 2002). A later review describes the peptide as competing for a place in the SNARE complex and destabilizing it (Schagen, 2017).
SNAP-8 adds alanine and aspartic acid to the end of that sequence, as the two PubChem records show. It is presented as acting on the same target, and the 2024 patch study calls it a botulinum-toxin analogue that relaxes muscle contraction (Shin et al., 2024). Note what is missing: we did not find a peer-reviewed study that tested the octapeptide itself in a SNARE or neurotransmitter-release assay.
Key SNAP-8 studies
| Year | Study & model | What was measured | Main finding | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Blanes-Mira et al. — in vitro assays; healthy women, 10% emulsion, 30 days (Argireline) | SNARE formation, neurotransmitter release, wrinkle depth | Release inhibited in vitro; wrinkle depth down by up to 30% | PubMed |
| 2013 | Wang et al. — 60 Chinese adults, randomized 3:1, 4 weeks (Argireline) | Graded wrinkle scores, silicone replicas | 48.9% rated effective vs 0% with placebo | PubMed |
| 2017 | Raikou et al. — 24 women aged 30–60, four arms, 60 days (acetyl hexapeptide-3) | Skin microtopography, water loss | About 11.7% improvement vs about 2.7% with placebo | PubMed |
| 2019 | Avcil et al. — microneedle patches with acetyl octapeptide-3 and other actives, 12 weeks | Fine lines, hydration, dermal density | Fine lines down 25.8%; no skin reactions reported | DOI |
| 2024 | Shin et al. — 24 adults aged 30–65 (21 completed), split-eye vs HA-only patch, 28 days | Wrinkle parameters, hydration, irritation | All five wrinkle parameters differed from placebo at day 28 | PMC |
Only the last two studies used SNAP-8, and both mixed it with other actives. In Shin et al., a dissolving hyaluronic-acid patch held 0.03% acetyl octapeptide-3 alongside 5% ascorbic acid 2-glucoside and 4% sodium cyclic lysophosphatidic acid, compared with a plain HA patch on the opposite eye. The design cannot separate SNAP-8 from its partners, the sample was small, and the work was funded by a microneedle company that employed three of the authors.
Avcil et al. combined acetyl octapeptide-3 with an arginine/lysine polypeptide, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, adenosine and seaweed extracts. The abstract gives no ingredient concentrations, so again no effect can be credited to SNAP-8. The three Argireline studies are mechanism context, not SNAP-8 evidence.
SNAP-8 research involving women
No published study reports a SNAP-8 result specific to women. Shin et al. did not report participants’ sex, and the Avcil abstract does not describe it. The clearest women-only data belong to Argireline:
- Blanes-Mira (2002): healthy women volunteers used a 10% Argireline emulsion for 30 days; a later review reports ten participants (Schagen, 2017).
- Raikou (2017): 24 women aged 30–60, about six per group, over 60 days; no stinging, redness or itching was reported in treated groups, but the groups were very small.
- Wang (2013): 60 Chinese adults, both sexes, so not a women-only result.
Because Argireline is a different molecule, these findings should not be transferred to SNAP-8; a women-specific SNAP-8 study remains an evidence gap. Other materials are grouped under peptides for women.
SNAP-8 vs Argireline and other skin-research materials
| Material | Type | Main research focus | Format on Ellepeptides |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP-8 (this page) | Acetyl octapeptide-3, 8 residues | Proposed SNARE interference; multi-ingredient patch studies | 10 mg research vial |
| Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-3) | Six-residue parent sequence | SNARE interference in vitro; several small cosmetic trials | Not sold as a raw vial; the Argireline Smoothing Essence is a separate finished cosmetic |
| GHK-Cu | Copper tripeptide complex | Collagen synthesis, matrix remodelling | 50 mg and 100 mg research vials |
| GLOW blend | GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500 | Component-level matrix and tissue research | 70 mg research vial |
SNAP-8 vs Argireline is the comparison most people search for, and no published head-to-head trial exists. Argireline has more clinical literature; SNAP-8 is the longer analogue with thinner, multi-ingredient data. GHK-Cu targets the matrix rather than the SNARE complex, so it is a different research question, not a substitute.
Raw material and finished cosmetics also differ: a 10 mg vial of powder has no vehicle, defined concentration or tested skin delivery, whereas the patch study used SNAP-8 at 0.03% of a microneedle matrix. Finished products in our skincare range, such as the essence above or the Matrixyl 3000 Firming Cream, are cosmetics with their own labels, and the research vial does not inherit their results.
Handling, storage and reconstitution math
Freeze-dried peptides are generally stored sealed, dry and protected from light and heat, following the conditions on the label. Allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening, and note the solvent and date on any solution you prepare.
Concentration is vial mass ÷ solvent volume: 10 mg in 2.0 mL gives 5 mg/mL, and 10 mg in 5.0 mL gives 2 mg/mL. The peptide calculator does the arithmetic for any volume. Solvent choice depends on the protocol; bacteriostatic water is one listed option.
Ordering SNAP-8 in the US
SNAP-8 ships to addresses within the United States. Shipping is free when the merchandise subtotal exceeds $200 after coupon discounts (before taxes and shipping); below that, standard shipping is $15.99 per order. Available payment methods and delivery options are shown at checkout. Current details are in the shipping policy.
SNAP-8 Peptide FAQ
What is SNAP-8 peptide?
SNAP-8 is the trade name for acetyl octapeptide-3, the ingredient name on cosmetic labels: a synthetic eight-amino-acid peptide with the reference sequence Ac-EEMQRRAD-NH2. It is a two-residue extension of the Argireline sequence, studied in cosmetic science for expression lines. Here it is sold as a 10 mg freeze-dried research vial.
What is the difference between SNAP-8 and Argireline?
Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-3) has six residues, Ac-EEMQRR-NH2; SNAP-8 adds alanine and aspartic acid for eight. Both are proposed to interfere with the SNARE complex, but only Argireline has published mechanism assays. Our Argireline Smoothing Essence is a finished cosmetic, not a raw peptide vial.
Is SNAP-8 stronger than Argireline?
That has not been shown in published research. No head-to-head study comparing the two peptides was found. Claims that the octapeptide is more active usually trace back to supplier technical data rather than independent, peer-reviewed trials, so treat them as marketing until tested.
What has SNAP-8 wrinkle research shown?
Two microneedle-patch studies containing acetyl octapeptide-3 reported wrinkle improvements: 25.8% fewer fine lines over 12 weeks, and wrinkle parameters differing from an HA-only patch at 28 days. Both patches carried several other actives, so neither result can be credited to SNAP-8 alone.
Is SNAP-8 like Botox?
Not in any established sense. Botulinum toxin is a large neurotoxin, whereas SNAP-8 and Argireline are short peptides proposed to compete with SNAP-25 for a place in the SNARE complex. In the original Argireline assays, efficacy was far lower than the toxin’s. No study has compared SNAP-8 with botulinum toxin in people.
What side effects of SNAP-8 have been reported?
In the 2024 patch study, investigators reported no erythema, edema or scaling at any visit, and the 2019 patch abstract reported no skin reactions. Both were small and short, and both used multi-ingredient patches, so they do not establish the safety profile of isolated SNAP-8.
Is this a SNAP-8 serum?
No. This listing is raw research material: 10 mg of lyophilized peptide with no vehicle, preservative or tested formulation. A serum is a finished cosmetic whose results depend on its whole formula. Ellepeptides keeps research vials and finished skincare in separate listings.
How much is SNAP-8 peptide in the US?
The 10 mg vial is listed at $55.00 USD at the time of writing, or $5.50 per mg; the size selector shows the current price. Taxes and any shipping are added at checkout, and shipping is free once the merchandise subtotal is over $200 after coupons.
Where can I buy SNAP-8 in the US?
Ellepeptides lists SNAP-8 on this page as a 10 mg research vial, shipped to US addresses. Related materials are in Skin, Hair & Nails. Whichever source you use, compare the stated sequence with the PubChem reference before matching the material to a paper.
Has SNAP-8 been studied in women?
Not specifically. The SNAP-8 patch studies did not report sex-specific results. Women-only data exist for Argireline, the shorter relative, including a 24-woman study over 60 days, but those findings belong to a different molecule and should not be transferred to SNAP-8.
SNAP-8 references
- Blanes-Mira et al. (2002). A synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) with antiwrinkle activity. Int J Cosmet Sci. PubMed 18498523
- Wang et al. (2013). Argireline in Chinese subjects: randomized, placebo-controlled study. Am J Clin Dermatol. PubMed 23417317
- Raikou V et al. (2017). Tripeptide-10-citrulline and acetyl hexapeptide-3: randomized study. J Cosmet Dermatol. PubMed 28150423
- Schagen (2017). Topical peptide treatments with effective anti-aging results. Cosmetics. MDPI
- Avcil M et al. (2019). Bioactive peptides on hyaluronic-acid microneedle patches. J Cosmet Dermatol. DOI 10.1111/jocd.13009
- Shin JY et al. (2024). Dual anti-wrinkle dissolving microneedle patch. Ann Dermatol. PMC11291098
- NCBI PubChem: acetyl octapeptide-3 (CID 76283482) and Argireline (CID 11228338).
Related research materials: Skin, Hair & Nails, Research Peptides, GHK-Cu Copper Peptide, GLOW Research Blend (70 mg), Copper Peptide Renewal Serum (finished skincare) and our research overview. For laboratory research only. Not for human or veterinary use.
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