What it is
Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8) is a topical cosmetic peptide marketed as a mild alternative to neurotoxin injections. It is studied for reducing the appearance of expression lines by modulating neurotransmitter-release signaling at the neuromuscular junction level — its effects are weaker and reversible compared to clinical botulinum toxin use.
Evidence boundary
Cosmetic use; topical concentration-based dosing. Research use is limited to laboratory and education contexts.
Trial evidence
- Small cosmetic trials report visible smoothing effects starting at 2–4 weeks of once-daily topical application at 5–10% concentrations.
Preparation and measurement
Topical formulation — no injection, no BAC, no syringe math. Typical formulation: 5–10% concentration (by weight) in a serum or cream base.
Concentration matches.
Reference schedule
| Phase | Dose | Draw / measure | Frequency | Weekly total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard cosmetic | 5–10% topical | Apply thin layer | 1–2× daily | 7–14 applications/week |
Standard cosmetic
- Dose
- 5–10% topical
- Draw / measure
- Apply thin layer
- Frequency
- 1–2× daily
- Weekly total
- 7–14 applications/week
Weekly totals apply only during the active phase.
Titration rules
- Start at the low end (5%) for the first 1–2 weeks to check skin tolerance.
- Standard: 10% once to twice daily for 4–6 weeks; visible effects at 2–4 weeks.
- Apply to clean, dry skin; a pea-sized amount per zone is the common convention.
- Do not inject — argireline is a topical cosmetic peptide, not an injectable research peptide.