SNAP-8

Graded C for cosmetic research only: the only human data are one small, unpublished manufacturer study of a cream; there are no human data for any other form.

Strengths: 10 mg
Also known as: Acetyl octapeptide-3, Acetyl glutamyl heptapeptide-1, SNAP-8 peptide
Molecule: 8-amino-acid acetylated, amidated peptide (cosmetic ingredient)
Formula: C41H70N16O16S (calculated from sequence)
Mol. weight: about 1075.2 g/mol (calculated)
CAS: 868844-74-0
Sequence: Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2

Origin

A lab-made peptide sold to skincare makers as a cream ingredient. It is a longer version of Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8), the 'topical Botox-like' peptide, with two extra amino acids.

How it works

Designed as a decoy fragment of SNAP-25, a nerve-terminal protein in the SNARE complex that nerves need to release acetylcholine onto muscles (the same protein botulinum toxin cuts). The idea is that it destabilizes the complex and reduces release. Evidence comes from cell-free and cell assays; no human study has shown it inhibits muscle contraction through skin.

What the research shows

The only efficacy data found are a manufacturer comparison in 17 women using a cream for 28 days, reporting somewhat more wrinkle reduction than Argireline, with no placebo arm or peer-reviewed publication. Argireline itself has small, inconsistent human studies, and penetration work shows only a tiny fraction enters the outer skin layer, likely not reaching the muscle. No comparable penetration data exist for the larger SNAP-8.

Key studies

Manufacturer comparison (via INCIDecoder) 17 women, 28 days: reported wrinkle reduction about 35% vs 27% for Argireline; unpublished and uncontrolled.
Zdrada-Nowak et al., Int J Mol Sci 2025 Review: Argireline penetrates poorly and likely does not reach the nerve-muscle junction.
Lum et al., J Drugs Dermatol 2025 Review: statistical significance in Argireline studies has been inconsistent.

Safety findings

There are no systematic safety data for SNAP-8; Argireline creams were well tolerated in small studies. A review cites a Mycobacterium abscessus skin infection after a related cosmetic peptide was injected; cosmetic-grade material is not made to sterile standards.

Regulatory status

A cosmetic ingredient, not a drug, and never evaluated or approved by FDA. It is not on any compounding list. Not named on the 2026 WADA list; whether S0 applies to a topical cosmetic ingredient is unclear.

Catalog notes

Offered in 10 mg. Current lot SN810-0803 has a certificate (99.75% purity, COA7620, August 17, 2026); follow the storage stated on the label and certificate. Check the lot's certificate for the exact formula and molecular weight; values calculated from the sequence are C41H70N16O16S and about 1075.2 g/mol.