SNAP-8 is an octapeptide, which means it's an extended amino acid stand that contains eight amino acids linked in a polypeptide chain. Based on research on animal models, this peptide has been linked to improving skin conditions and reducing signs of aging. This peptide works by inhibiting neurotransmitters from sending signals to facial muscles, preventing their overuse while reducing expression lines from deepening or forming. Therefore, a SNAP-8 is often regarded as a Botox in a bottle.
Research and Clinical Studies
SNAP-8 Peptide and Skin Wrinkling
A 2021 study involving 55 test subjects tested the potential of SNAP-8 on wrinkles and expression lines. The entire research exhibited Fitzpatrick skin type I-IV, and test subjects were exposed to either the control serum or peptide twice a day for 12 weeks.
Scientists measured short-term impact 15 minutes after the exposure and long-term impact 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the exposure. After the study had been completed, short-term results showed that peptide tends to cause a notable reduction in fine lines 15 minutes after application. When it comes to long-term results, researchers believe that SNAP-8 has the potential to significantly improve skin appearance after 12 weeks of use.
In 2013, researchers conducted a study focusing on the Argireline peptide, a synthetic derivative of the N-terminal segment of the SNAP-25 peptide. Considering that both peptides have similar structures, this study's findings might reflect the parallel actions of the SNAP-8 peptide. For the purpose of this study, 60 test subjects were involved. A peptide was given to 45, while 15 were presented with a control compound. These compounds were administered every day for four weeks.
When the study was completed, a peptide group showed improved skin appearance and a 49% reduction in fine lines.
SNAP-8 Peptide and Skin Topography
One study examined whether this peptide could be incorporated into water and oil emulsion to understand its stability. When a 10% water-oil-peptide emulsion was evaluated for 30 days, researchers concluded that SNAP-8 led to a 30% reduction in the appearance and depth of wrinkles, which means that this peptide could potentially mimic the effects of Botox.
SNAP-8 Peptide and SNARE Protein Complex
By modulating the SNARE protein complex, SNAP-8 has shown a potential to minimize muscle contractions. According to one clinical trial, this peptide reduced the release of glutamine amino acid by 43%. Scientists reportedly claim that this peptide can reduce wrinkles by an average of 35% and up to a maximum of 62%, notably improving skin texture.
References:
- Sadowski G, Sadowski J. Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Anti-aging Skin Care Regimen Containing Neutraceuticals and Growth Factors on the Facial Skin of Women: A 12-Week Open-label Study. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020 Jun;13(6):24-34. Epub 2020 Jun 1. PMID: 32884616; PMCID: PMC7442306. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7442306
- Apland JP, Adler M, Oyler GA. Inhibition of neurotransmitter release by peptides that mimic the N-terminal domain of SNAP-25. J Protein Chem. 2003 Feb;22(2):147-53. doi: 10.1023/a:1023423013741. PMID: 12760419. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12760419/
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 86080331, SNAP-8(Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-3). from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/SNAP-8_Acetyl-Glutamyl-Heptapeptide-3
- Wang Y, Wang M, Xiao S, Pan P, Li P, Huo J. The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline, a synthetic hexapeptide, in Chinese subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2013 Apr;14(2):147-53. doi: 10.1007/s40257-013-0009-9. PMID: 23417317. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23417317/
- Lim SH, Sun Y, Thiruvallur Madanagopal T, Rosa V, Kang L. Enhanced Skin Permeation of Anti-wrinkle Peptides via Molecular Modification. Sci Rep. 2018 Jan 25;8(1):1596. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-18454-z. Erratum in: Sci Rep. 2018 Apr 20;8(1):6500. PMID: 29371611; PMCID: PMC5785486. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5785486/