Also known as: SNAP-8
Acetyl octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) is a synthetic eight-amino-acid peptide, an extended version of acetyl hexapeptide-8, modeled on the SNAP-25 protein and used as a cosmetic ingredient. Independent peer-reviewed research is very limited; most performance data come from the ingredient supplier.
The peptide (Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2) adds two amino acids to the acetyl hexapeptide-8 sequence and is described as mimicking SNAP-25, competing for a place in the SNARE complex and reducing neurotransmitter release [1][2]. Reviews note that the supporting efficacy figures come from the supplier and are not peer-reviewed [1]. Skin penetration and activity in human skin have not been independently established.
| Study | Model | Reported result | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nanoparticle controlled-release system [3] | Cell p(HEMAG) polymer nanoparticles loaded with the peptide; Alamar Blue and LDH cytotoxicity assays | Maximum peptide loading of 220.69 mg/g; release tested across pH and temperature; authors reported the material was non-toxic in cell assays. | Peer-reviewed Polym Bull 2023 |
| Cosmeceutical peptide review [1] | Review Mini-review of neurotransmitter-inhibitor, carrier and signal peptides | Describes SNAP-8 as a SNAP-25 mimic that competes in SNARE-complex formation; notes its efficacy figures come from the manufacturer only. | Peer-reviewed Front Chem 2020 |
| Skin-senescence peptide review [2] | Review Review of cosmetic peptides by class | Lists SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) as a SNARE-blocking neurotransmitter-inhibitor peptide with sequence and molecular weight (1073.2 g/mol). | Peer-reviewed Biomolecules 2025 |
Human cosmetic studies describe appearance only. Lab results do not establish effects on skin structure.
