Learn more about acetyl hexapeptide-8, the skincare ingredient many people are calling Botox in a jar.
Wrinkles are an unavoidable inconvenience of the aging process...or are they?
A new class of peptides called Hexapeptides have been developed with the hope to deliver noticeable and targeted wrinkle relief without an injection.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, is also known as Argireline, and was first discovered by the Barcelona cosmetic company Lipotec. We also use this ingredient in our prescription Brightly Formula.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is sometimes referred to as “Botox in a jar” and may help reduce wrinkles without having to go “under the needle”.
Repetitive small muscle contractions on the face over time eventually lead to wrinkles.
This hexapeptide works on the same movement proteins as botulinum toxin in order to limit the contractions of these small facial muscles.
For those of you who like to get technical:
It inhibits the SNAP 25 component of the SNARE complex that is involved in the neurotransmitter release for small muscle contractions.
However, unlike Botox, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 can be delivered in a topically applied cream or gel.
By reducing these muscle movements, you prevent new wrinkles from forming while giving the existing ones time to become less deep (and visible).
One study reported applying Argireline cream for 30 days reduced wrinkle depth of up to 30%.
Learn More: 9 Ways To Prevent Fine Lines and Wrinkles
These hexapeptides differ from botulinum toxins in that they have the added benefit of not displaying toxicity or irritation, even at relatively high doses.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 was even found to not sink down further than skin level, meaning that it is unlikely to cause any full-body side effects or interactions.
These potent proteins are also currently being studied as a potential topical treatment for persistent eyelid twitches.
The study found that after subjects applied a Hexapeptide cream twice daily for 3 months, only 2 participants experienced a slight itching sensation, and no severe adverse effects were reported.
With these creams or gels, you can apply daily or just use as a maintenance therapy on occasion, but for the best results, daily application is recommended.
The subtle but noticeable effects generally begin soon after the first application and slowly wear off over the course of days if not reapplied.
With Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 you maintain more control over dosing than with botulinum toxin injections, which can last for up to 3 months, whether you like the outcome or not.
Also Read: Forehead Wrinkles in Your 20s and 30s? It May Not Be About Age
There are a couple of products out there with this ingredient, but we recommend you try to source a product that uses pharmaceutical-grade ingredients in their products.
At Strut Health, our Strut Brightly cream combines Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 with naturally found pharmaceutical grade vitamin C and vitamin B5 as well as hyaluronic acid, the hydrating component of skin and connective tissues.
Together this team of potent but gentle ingredients may be a safer and simpler option to help smooth, brighten, and hydrate your complexion - without the injection!
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