SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) is a synthetic cosmetic peptide used in anti-wrinkle skincare formulations, sold under the trade name SNAP-8 by its originating manufacturer (Lipotec, now part of Lubrizol). It is modeled after a fragment of SNAP-25, a protein involved in the release of chemical messengers at nerve endings that trigger muscle contraction. In lab and cosmetic-industry testing it is reported to reduce the release of these messengers at the skin surface, which is the proposed basis for its “expression-line” smoothing effect. It is applied topically and is not an injectable or systemic drug.
Research snapshot
| Peptide category | Topical cosmetic peptide (acetylated octapeptide, SNARE-inhibitor mimic) |
| Primary research interest | Reducing the appearance of expression lines by limiting muscle-triggering neurotransmitter release at the skin level |
| Highest available evidence | Manufacturer-sponsored human volunteer cosmetic testing and in-vitro/ex-vivo testing; no independent peer-reviewed clinical trial identified |
| Human research available | Limited — primarily manufacturer (Lipotec/Lubrizol) sponsored testing, not independent academic clinical trials |
| Development status | Commercialized cosmetic ingredient; not in drug development |
| Regulatory status | Registered cosmetic ingredient (CosIng, EU); no drug/biologic approval; not evaluated by FDA as a drug |
| Last reviewed | September 27, 2026 |
Technical identity
| Primary name | SNAP-8 |
| Alternative names | Acetyl Octapeptide-3; Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-3; also labeled “Acetyl octapeptide-1” by some chemical databases under the same CAS number (unresolved naming conflict) |
| Peptide sequence | Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asn (acetylated octapeptide) |
| Amino-acid length | 8 residues |
| Molecular formula | C41H70N16O16S per CAS 868844-74-0 (ChemicalBook/Chemsrc); a separate PubChem record for “Acetyl octapeptide-3” (CID 71587832) instead lists C42H72N16O15S — an unresolved discrepancy between sources |
| Molecular weight | ~1075.16 g/mol per CAS 868844-74-0 sources; not independently reconciled against the differing PubChem CID 71587832 formula |
| CAS Registry Number | 868844-74-0 (widely cited across chemical vendor/database sources; see naming/identifier conflict noted above) |
| PubChem CID | Not reliably established — a PubChem record (CID 71587832) exists under this name but reports a differing molecular formula that could not be independently reconciled |
| UNII | Not established |
| DrugBank ID | Not established |
| Chemical modifications | N-terminal acetylation |
| Peptide class | Acetylated octapeptide, modeled on the SNAP-25 SNARE protein fragment |
| Primary biological target | SNARE complex / SNAP-25-associated neurotransmitter release machinery at neuromuscular junctions in skin |
| Developer or originator | Lipotec (later acquired by Lubrizol) |
| Development status | Commercialized cosmetic ingredient |
What it is
SNAP-8 is the trade name for acetyl octapeptide-3, a synthetic, acetylated eight-amino-acid peptide (an “octapeptide”) developed for topical cosmetic use. It was created as an extension of an earlier six-amino-acid cosmetic peptide known commercially as Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8 / acetyl hexapeptide-3), with two additional amino acids added to more closely mimic a functional region of the SNARE-complex protein SNAP-25. SNAP-25 is a natural protein that helps nerve endings release acetylcholine, the chemical signal that tells facial muscles to contract and, over time, contributes to the formation of expression lines such as crow’s feet and forehead lines.
SNAP-8 is entirely synthetic; it does not occur naturally in the human body. It was developed by Lipotec S.A., a Spanish cosmetic-ingredient company later acquired by Lubrizol, which continues to market it as a cosmetic active ingredient (INCI name “Acetyl Octapeptide-3”; CosIng reference number 54131). It is not a pharmaceutical drug, has never been submitted for drug approval, and is not intended to be injected — it is formulated into topical serums, creams, and gels intended to be applied to the skin surface, most commonly around the eyes and forehead.
Researchers became interested in this class of peptide (sometimes grouped with “Botox-like” or “neuropeptide” cosmetic actives) because botulinum toxin injections were already known to smooth expression lines by blocking acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. SNAP-8, like its predecessor Argireline, was designed to test whether a topically applied peptide fragment could interfere with the same SNARE-complex machinery from outside the cell, without an injection. Its use has remained confined to the cosmetic-ingredient industry; it has not progressed into pharmaceutical development or clinical drug trials, and essentially all publicly available efficacy data originates from the ingredient manufacturer’s own testing program rather than independent academic research.
How does it work?
Plain-English explanation
Facial expression lines form partly because underlying muscles repeatedly contract in the same places, folding the skin above them over years. Muscles contract when nerve endings release a chemical messenger called acetylcholine into the small gap between the nerve and the muscle. SNAP-8 is designed to sit at the skin surface and interfere with the molecular machinery that packages and releases that messenger, so the idea is that muscle contractions in the treated area become slightly weaker or less frequent, similar in concept (though far more modest in claimed effect) to what botulinum toxin injections do at a much deeper, more direct level.
Technical explanation
SNAP-8 has the sequence Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asn, an acetylated fragment modeled on the N-terminal region of SNAP-25, a core component of the neuronal SNARE complex (soluble NSF attachment protein receptor) that mediates fusion of acetylcholine-containing vesicles with the presynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction. In vitro work from the manufacturer reports that SNAP-8 can compete with native SNAP-25 for a binding site within the SNARE complex, and cell-based release assays (e.g., in chromaffin or neurosecretory cell models) report reduced catecholamine or neurotransmitter release in the presence of SNAP-8, with reported potency somewhat greater than the six-amino-acid predecessor peptide. Because SNAP-8 is applied topically, its ability to reach the neuromuscular junction in intact human skin at pharmacologically meaningful concentrations has not been established through independent pharmacokinetic study; percutaneous penetration of peptides this size is generally limited, which is an important caveat when interpreting the cosmetic claims made for this ingredient.
Potential benefits and research applications
Reduction in the appearance of expression lines (crow’s feet, forehead lines)
What is being investigated: whether topical SNAP-8 reduces the depth or visible severity of dynamic expression wrinkles, primarily around the eyes and forehead. How the effect might occur: proposed interference with SNARE-complex-mediated acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, reducing muscle micro-contractions. Evidence: the manufacturer (Lipotec/Lubrizol) has published in-house in vitro (cell release assay) and in-vivo human volunteer testing (instrumental skin-topography measurements, such as silicone replica analysis, in panels of adult volunteers) reporting measurable reductions in wrinkle depth/volume after several weeks of twice-daily topical use; these are cosmetic-industry-sponsored efficacy studies, not independent, peer-reviewed randomized clinical trials, and have not been replicated by unaffiliated academic groups in the peer-reviewed literature identified for this entry. Strength: cosmetic-industry-sponsored, non-independent, mechanistic plus manufacturer in-vivo testing; no independent human clinical trial data were identified. Limitation: sponsor-generated data carries inherent conflict-of-interest limitations, sample sizes and blinding methodology in publicly available summaries are not fully transparent, and independent replication is lacking.
Reduced neurotransmitter/catecholamine release (mechanistic, cell-based)
What is being investigated: whether SNAP-8 inhibits vesicle-mediated release of signaling molecules in cell models, supporting the proposed SNARE-complex mechanism. How the effect might occur: competitive interaction with SNAP-25 within the SNARE fusion complex. Evidence: manufacturer-reported in vitro cell assays. Strength: laboratory/mechanistic (Tier 4), industry-generated, not independently confirmed. Limitation: cell-based release assays do not establish that meaningful concentrations reach the relevant tissue after topical application to human skin.
What dosage information circulates?
Figures in this section summarize amounts and schedules reported in published research or circulating online. Their inclusion documents what is reported and does not establish that a regimen is verified, safe, effective, or appropriate.
| Reported use or research objective | Route reported | Amount reported | Frequency reported | Reported duration | Evidence or source category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduction of expression lines (manufacturer testing) | Topical | Finished formulations reportedly containing roughly 3-10% of a SNAP-8 peptide solution/premix (not pure peptide) | Once or twice daily | Several weeks | Manufacturer-sponsored testing; primary report not independently located — widely repeated online, but its original source could not be verified |
| Animal research | Not applicable | Not established | Not established | Not established | No published animal-model dosing studies identified |
| Cosmetic formulation use | Topical | Approximately 3-10% of a commercial SNAP-8 solution mixed into a serum or cream base | Once or twice daily | Ongoing/as part of a skincare routine | Vendor / formulator reported — not a clinically established dosing protocol |
Amounts studied in human research
No published, independently peer-reviewed human clinical trial establishing a specific studied topical concentration or exposure schedule for SNAP-8 was identified. The ingredient manufacturer’s own in-vivo testing reportedly used finished cosmetic formulations containing SNAP-8 at concentrations commonly cited across formulator and vendor sources as in the range of roughly 3-10% of a peptide solution/premix (not 3-10% pure peptide), applied topically once or twice daily for several weeks, but the primary study report with full methodology was not located in independently verifiable form; treat this range as “widely repeated online, but its original source could not be verified” at the level of a formal citation. No established or reliably sourced dosing information in the sense of a verified, independently published clinical protocol was identified.
Amounts studied in animal research
No published animal-model dosing studies of SNAP-8 were identified. This ingredient’s development and testing pathway has been cosmetic in-vitro and human-volunteer testing rather than animal pharmacology.
Practitioner and community-reported protocols
Cosmetic formulators and peptide/skincare vendor sites commonly describe finished-product usage rates of approximately 3-10% of a commercial SNAP-8 peptide solution (which itself is typically a dilute aqueous/glycerin carrier, not pure peptide) mixed into a serum or cream base, applied topically to targeted areas once or twice daily. This is vendor- and formulator-reported information intended for cosmetic-chemistry formulation purposes, not a clinically established human dosing protocol, and should not be treated as equivalent to a clinical dose.
What circulates E5
| Reported use | Route | Amount reported | Frequency | Reported length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topical cosmetic formulation (expression-line smoothing) | Topical | Roughly 3-10% of a peptide solution (serum/cream base) | Once or twice daily | Several weeks, per manufacturer in-vivo testing |
Cosmetic formulators and peptide/skincare vendor sites commonly describe finished-product usage rates of approximately 3 to 10% of a commercial SNAP-8 peptide solution (itself typically a dilute aqueous/glycerin carrier, not pure peptide) mixed into a serum or cream base, applied topically to targeted areas once or twice daily.
This is vendor- and formulator-reported information intended for cosmetic-chemistry formulation purposes, not a clinically established human dosing protocol. It traces to the same manufacturer in-vivo testing program described elsewhere in this entry rather than an independent clinical trial, and should not be treated as equivalent to a clinical dose.
Recorded as an observation about what is published elsewhere. No figure here is a dose, a protocol, or a recommendation, and nothing in this section is evidence that any amount is safe or effective.
Side effects, risks, and limitations
As a topical cosmetic ingredient, SNAP-8 is generally described in industry safety summaries and INCI/CosIng-type ingredient listings as well tolerated at typical cosmetic-use concentrations, with occasional reports of localized skin irritation or sensitivity in susceptible individuals, consistent with many topical peptide actives. No independent, peer-reviewed human safety or adverse-event study specific to SNAP-8 was identified for this entry; available safety information originates largely from manufacturer ingredient documentation and standard cosmetic-ingredient safety assessment practices rather than a dedicated independent clinical safety trial. Because SNAP-8 is intended only for topical, non-injectable cosmetic use, it should not be confused with injectable neuromodulators (such as botulinum toxin), which carry a distinct and separately regulated safety profile; conflating the two products or their evidence bases is a common but inaccurate practice in consumer-facing marketing. As with any cosmetic peptide ingredient purchased outside a regulated finished-product supply chain, purity, concentration accuracy, and contamination cannot be assumed for unregulated bulk “research” peptide powders sold online.
Regulatory and developmental status
SNAP-8 (INCI name Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is registered as a cosmetic ingredient (CosIng reference number 54131) for use in cosmetic products in the European Union and is marketed globally as a cosmetic active by its manufacturer (originally Lipotec, now Lubrizol Life Science). It has never been developed, submitted, or approved as a drug or biologic by the FDA, EMA, or any other pharmaceutical regulator, and it is not classified or regulated as a pharmaceutical. Its regulatory status is exclusively that of a cosmetic ingredient, meaning safety and efficacy standards applicable to drugs (such as randomized controlled clinical trials) are not required for its commercial sale in finished cosmetic products. Status verified as of the date this entry was checked; readers should confirm current regulatory listings independently, as cosmetic-ingredient inventories are updated periodically.
Frequently asked questions
What is SNAP-8?
SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) is a synthetic eight-amino-acid cosmetic peptide applied topically to reduce the appearance of expression wrinkles, modeled on a fragment of the nerve protein SNAP-25.
Is SNAP-8 the same as Botox?
No. Botulinum toxin (Botox) is an injectable prescription drug that blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction with well-documented clinical efficacy. SNAP-8 is a non-injectable, unregulated cosmetic ingredient whose proposed similar mechanism is based on manufacturer cell-based assays and in-house human testing, not independent clinical trials; the two should not be considered clinically equivalent.
What dosage or concentration has been studied?
No independently published, peer-reviewed human clinical trial establishing a specific studied dose was identified. Manufacturer testing and formulator/vendor sources commonly cite finished-formulation usage rates of roughly 3-10% of a commercial peptide solution, but this figure traces to industry and vendor sources rather than a verifiable independent clinical citation.
Has SNAP-8 been tested in independent clinical trials?
No independently conducted, peer-reviewed human clinical trial of SNAP-8 was identified. Available human efficacy data originates from the cosmetic-ingredient manufacturer’s own in-vivo testing program, which is a materially different evidence tier than an independent academic clinical trial.
How does SNAP-8 differ from Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8)?
SNAP-8 is a longer, eight-amino-acid version built on the same SNARE-complex-interference concept as the earlier six-amino-acid ingredient marketed as Argireline. The manufacturer reports greater in vitro potency for SNAP-8, but this comparison also comes from industry-sponsored testing rather than independent head-to-head clinical trials.
Is SNAP-8 safe?
It is generally regarded as well tolerated at cosmetic-use concentrations based on industry ingredient-safety documentation and its long history of use in commercial skincare, but no dedicated independent, peer-reviewed human safety trial specific to SNAP-8 was identified.
Is SNAP-8 approved by the FDA?
SNAP-8 is not, and has never been, submitted for FDA drug approval. It is regulated only as a cosmetic ingredient, a category with a much lower evidentiary bar than pharmaceutical approval.
Is there a molecular formula/CAS conflict for SNAP-8?
Yes — see the technical identity notes below. Different secondary chemical databases list somewhat different molecular formulas and even different ingredient names for the CAS number most commonly cited for SNAP-8, and this entry flags that conflict explicitly rather than resolving it arbitrarily.
Bottom line
SNAP-8 is a well-established cosmetic peptide ingredient with a plausible, mechanistically described rationale (interference with SNARE-complex-mediated neurotransmitter release) and a long commercial history in anti-wrinkle skincare. However, essentially all of its efficacy evidence comes from cosmetic-industry-sponsored in vitro and in-house human testing rather than independent, peer-reviewed clinical trials, and no independently verified human dosing study was identified. Reported cosmetic-use concentrations circulating online (roughly 3-10% of a peptide solution in finished formulations) are formulator/vendor guidance, not clinically established dosing. A genuine identifier conflict exists across chemical databases regarding SNAP-8’s exact molecular formula and even its precise INCI/CAS pairing, which is disclosed rather than resolved by picking one source arbitrarily. SNAP-8 remains exclusively a topical cosmetic ingredient with no drug approval or independent clinical-trial record.