# SNAP-8

> An elongated, higher-potency relative of Argireline — an eight-residue SNAP-25 mimic used as a topical, needle-free anti-wrinkle peptide.

- Also known as: Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Octapeptide-1, Ac-EEMQRRAD-NH2
- Class: Cosmetic
- FDA approved: No
- Canonical page: https://americanpeptide.com/catalog/snap-8

## Overview

SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) is a topical anti-aging peptide closely related to Argireline: it extends the same acetylated SNAP-25-mimicking sequence from six residues to eight, and is marketed as a more potent version of the same "topical Botox" concept. Like Argireline, it is proposed to interfere with the SNARE complex that triggers muscle contraction, softening expression lines when applied to the skin.

SNAP-8 is Argireline’s longer sibling. Where Argireline is a six-residue fragment mimicking the tip of SNAP-25, SNAP-8 extends the same idea to eight residues (acetyl octapeptide-3), a change its developers positioned as improving the peptide’s ability to compete in the SNARE complex and therefore its wrinkle-softening effect. The mechanism is identical in spirit: interfere with the docking machinery that lets a nerve tell a facial muscle to contract.

It is used the same way as Argireline — a cosmetic-formulation ingredient in topical serums and creams, not an injectable — and the same caveat applies: the effects are modest and surface-level next to injected botulinum toxin, and the marketing tends to outrun the controlled evidence. It is catalogued here as a well-defined companion to Argireline on the cosmetic-peptide shelf. It is a cosmetic ingredient, not an FDA-approved drug.

## Mechanism

An elongated SNAP-25 N-terminal mimic that competes in SNARE-complex assembly, reducing neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction and the muscle contractions that create expression wrinkles.

## Chemistry

| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Molecular formula | C41H70N16O16S |
| Molecular weight | 1075.2 Da |
| CAS number | 868844-74-0 |
| PubChem CID | [76283482](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/76283482) |

## Sequence

```
Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2
```

## Research areas

Studied in: Topical anti-aging, Expression-line reduction, Cosmetic formulation.

## Key research

- Elongated SNAP-25 mimic — an eight-residue acetylated peptide extending the Argireline concept, proposed to compete more effectively in the SNARE complex.
- Higher-potency positioning — marketed as a stronger version of the "topical Botox" idea than Argireline, though comparative evidence is limited.
- Cosmetic ingredient — used topically in serums and creams (INCI: Acetyl Octapeptide-3), not injected.
- Companion to Argireline — the same mechanism and use, one shelf over in the cosmetic peptides.
- Not an FDA-approved drug — a cosmetic ingredient; this page is a research and educational reference.

## Storage, handling & synthesis

**Synthesis.** SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) is the eight-residue analog of Argireline, N-acetylated and C-terminally amidated, made by solid-phase synthesis. The two extra residues add little difficulty; as with Argireline the terminal modifications and counterion control are the quality-defining features.

## FAQs

### What is SNAP-8?

SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) is a topical anti-aging peptide, an eight-residue relative of Argireline that mimics SNAP-25 to soften expression wrinkles.

### How is it different from Argireline?

SNAP-8 extends Argireline’s six-residue sequence to eight residues and is marketed as more potent, but the mechanism and topical use are the same and comparative evidence is limited.

### Is it injected like Botox?

No — like Argireline it is a topical cosmetic ingredient. Its effects are modest and superficial compared with injected botulinum toxin.

### Is SNAP-8 approved?

It is a cosmetic ingredient, not an FDA-approved drug. This page is a research and educational reference.

---

Source: AmericanPeptide.com — https://americanpeptide.com/catalog/snap-8
Data license: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Attribution: AmericanPeptide.com.
Research reference only — computational and educational content, not medical advice.