MOLECULAR INFORMATION
Molecular information
- Type
- Acetyl octapeptide-3 · topical SNARE-complex modulator · "Botox-like" wrinkle claim
SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) is a synthetic eight-amino-acid peptide developed by Lipotec / Lubrizol as a topical alternative to botulinum toxin for expression-line treatment. The active claim is that it inhibits SNARE- complex assembly at the neuromuscular junction when applied topically.
Use cases
- Topical anti-wrinkle serums (typically 1–10% formulation strength)
- Eye-area and forehead targeted treatments
- Often co-formulated with Matrixyl 3000
Why we grade it C
The proposed mechanism — topical penetration to the neuromuscular junction in sufficient concentration to inhibit SNARE assembly — is implausible at typical cosmetic doses. Vendor-funded studies show small, measurable wrinkle- score improvements, but independent replication is sparse and the effect size is well below clinical botulinum toxin. Cosmetic-class authorisation (CosIng) is for the ingredient, not the therapeutic claim.