Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) (CAS 616204-22-9) is supplied by TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for European cosmetic formulators, brand R&D teams and B2B buyers reviewing neuromuscular-relaxation, expression-line serum and SNARE-pathway peptide raw material applications. A freely water-soluble hexapeptide, it dissolves directly in aqueous concentrates without co-solvents at pH 4.0–7.0, with addition temperature limited to below 45°C in standard serum and light emulsion manufacturing protocols.
> Technical Specifications
| Product Name | Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) |
|---|---|
| Molecular Structure |  |
| CAS Number | 616204-22-9 |
| Alias / Common Name | Argireline; Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (former INCI, pre-2012); AH8 |
| Molecular Formula | C35H62N14O11S |
| Molecular Weight | 887.0 g/mol |
| INCI Name | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 |
| Peptide Sequence | Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH₂ — SNAP-25 N-terminal biomimetic (neuromuscular) |
| Purity / Assay | ≥98% (HPLC); confirm by batch COA |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Solubility / Handling | Freely water-soluble (>50 mg/mL); dissolve in deionised water or aqueous phase before incorporation; no co-solvent or glycol carrier required |
| pH Stability | Optimal stability at pH 4.0–7.0; confirm in target base after all actives incorporated |
| Storage | Store sealed in cool, dry conditions protected from direct light and moisture; follow batch COA and SDS |
> Mechanism & Positioning
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) is a synthetic hexapeptide (Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH₂) designed to mimic the N-terminal domain of SNAP-25 (synaptosomal-associated protein 25 kDa) — one of the three proteins constituting the SNARE (Soluble NSF Attachment Protein REceptor) complex at the presynaptic neuromuscular junction. Published Argireline literature discusses that the hexapeptide competes with native SNAP-25 for binding within the SNARE complex, interfering with synaptic vesicle docking and membrane fusion — the mechanism by which acetylcholine-containing vesicles are released into the synaptic cleft to trigger muscle contraction. Cell-based neuromuscular studies document that this structural competition at the SNARE complex level attenuates vesicle-mediated acetylcholine release, reducing muscle contraction frequency in in vitro assay systems at evaluated peptide concentrations. Neuromuscular model data also notes reduced SNARE complex assembly efficiency in the presence of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 at concentrations used in cosmetic evaluation protocols.
Based on available in vitro neuromuscular data, Argireline is positioned for expression-line serum, anti-wrinkle concentrate and periorbital treatment applications where SNARE-complex modulation is the primary active mechanism. The presynaptic acetylcholine-release mechanism differentiates Argireline from matrix-synthesis actives such as Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4/3) (fibronectin-receptor / TGF-β signalling) and copper-delivery actives such as GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HCl) (LOX pathway), enabling genuinely non-competing pathway positioning in premium multi-peptide serum architecture. For multi-pathway neuromuscular positioning, Argireline may be evaluated alongside Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) for complementary GABAergic pathway modulation.
> Application Concepts
Expression Line Serum Architecture
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) is freely water-soluble and dissolves directly in aqueous serum bases — glycerin–water concentrates, hyaluronic acid solutions and buffered toner systems — at evaluation concentrations of 0.001–0.01% (w/w) without co-solvent or glycol pre-mix. Introduce during the cool-down phase below 45°C; standard serum manufacturing cool-down protocols are fully compatible with this addition requirement. The water-soluble profile allows clean addition to clear aqueous serums, layering serums and pump-format concentrates where aesthetic clarity is a priority. For multi-mechanism positioning, Argireline (SNARE-complex modulation) pairs with matrix-synthesis actives such as Matrixyl or GHK-Cu (LOX support) to address both neuromuscular signalling and structural matrix renewal in a single concentrate — independent mechanisms that do not require separation into different phases. Confirm clarity, pH (4.0–7.0) and peptide assay retention via accelerated stability testing at 40°C/75% RH before scale-up.
Periorbital and Forehead Treatment Formulations
The SNAP-25 mimetic mechanism makes Argireline particularly relevant for periorbital and forehead targeted treatments, where expression lines driven by repeated facial muscle contraction are the formulation focus. At 0.001–0.01% (w/w), Argireline integrates into lightweight eye-contour gels, cream-gel eye treatments and hydrogel patches without impacting rheology or sensory profile at these use concentrations. The water-soluble form requires no auxiliary solvents, keeping periorbital formulation systems clean. Evaluate compatibility with niacinamide (typically 2–5% in periorbital serums) and caffeine (0.5–2.0% for microcirculation positioning) — confirm pH alignment across all actives as caffeine systems sit at pH 5.0–6.5. For comprehensive periorbital positioning, Argireline (presynaptic SNARE pathway) may be evaluated alongside Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 for oedema-related positioning, building a two-mechanism periorbital concentrate addressing expression lines and under-eye puffiness. Confirm combined peptide stability and assay retention in the complete periorbital base before scale-up.
Multi-Peptide SNARE-Pathway Relaxation Systems
For multi-pathway neuromuscular positioning, Argireline (SNARE complex / presynaptic acetylcholine release) may be evaluated alongside Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18), which targets the GABAergic pathway — modulating enkephalin receptor signalling to reduce presynaptic calcium channel opening independently of the SNARE complex. A three-mechanism neuromuscular system adds Syn-Ake (Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate), a postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) modulator, providing presynaptic SNARE inhibition (Argireline), GABAergic modulation (Leuphasyl) and postsynaptic nAChR modulation (Syn-Ake) across the neuromuscular axis. Each of these actives is water-soluble and stable at pH 4.0–7.0; confirm combined peptide assay retention, pH and preservative compatibility in the finished concentrate before committing to scale-up batches.
> Handling & Formulation Notes
Dissolve Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) in deionised water or the aqueous phase at ambient temperature; the peptide is freely water-soluble (>50 mg/mL) and does not require co-solvent, glycol pre-mix or surfactant dispersion. Introduce the aqueous solution during the cool-down phase at temperatures below 45°C — prolonged exposure above this threshold risks degradation of the Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH₂ hexapeptide backbone. Maintain formulation pH within 4.0–7.0 for optimal stability; confirm pH after all actives, acids and buffering agents are incorporated into the finished batch.
The methionine (Met) residue in the peptide sequence is susceptible to oxidation — evaluate compatibility with EDTA-containing preservative systems and strong oxidising agents, and avoid prolonged exposure to highly oxidising bases. Confirm colour, clarity and peptide assay retention via accelerated stability testing at 40°C/75% RH across the intended shelf-life period. Where buffering is used to maintain pH 4.0–7.0, verify that the buffer system and any antimicrobial agents do not interact with the peptide sequence over the formulation’s shelf life.
> Supply & Documentation
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) (CAS 616204-22-9) is available from TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for B2B cosmetic raw material projects. Standard documentation: COA, TDS, SDS. Sample and bulk quantities are discussed on a per-project basis; contact info@tcspeptides.com to initiate a sourcing review.
TCS NEXUS S.L. supports procurement and formulation teams in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Sweden and Portugal, as well as international buyers in the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
> Packaging & Storage
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) is supplied in sealed aluminium foil bags or bulk containers. Minimum quantities and packaging configurations are confirmed per order. Store below 25°C in a cool, dry location, away from moisture and direct light. Follow batch COA and SDS for specific storage and handling conditions.
> FAQ
What is Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8)?
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, CAS 616204-22-9) is a synthetic hexapeptide raw material with the sequence Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH₂, designed to mimic the N-terminal domain of SNAP-25 and modulate SNARE complex assembly at the neuromuscular junction. TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) supplies Argireline as a B2B cosmetic ingredient for expression-line serum, anti-wrinkle concentrate and periorbital treatment applications.
What is the CAS number for Argireline, and what does “Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (former INCI)” mean?
The CAS number for Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) is 616204-22-9. The designation “Acetyl Hexapeptide-3” was the previous INCI name used before the 2012 INCI revision; it refers to the same Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH₂ molecule (CAS 616204-22-9). For regulatory documentation and CPNP notification, use the current INCI name Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 consistently across all submissions. If sourcing documentation references Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, confirm it corresponds to CAS 616204-22-9 with the batch COA.
How does Argireline work at a molecular level — what is the SNARE complex mechanism?
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) mimics the N-terminal domain of SNAP-25 (synaptosomal-associated protein 25 kDa), one of the three proteins forming the SNARE complex at the presynaptic neuromuscular junction. Published Argireline literature discusses that the hexapeptide competes with native SNAP-25 for binding within the SNARE complex, interfering with synaptic vesicle docking and membrane fusion — the mechanism by which acetylcholine-containing vesicles fuse with the presynaptic membrane to release acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft and trigger muscle contraction. Cell-based data documents reduced contraction frequency in neuromuscular model assays consistent with attenuated vesicle-mediated acetylcholine release.
How does Argireline differ from SNAP-8, and how does it complement Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18)?
SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is an 8-amino acid extension of the same SNAP-25 N-terminal mimetic sequence used by Argireline, designed to provide extended SNARE complex coverage. Both target the same presynaptic SNARE mechanism; the choice between them is typically based on formulation brief, concentration target and project economics. Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) operates via a distinct mechanism — GABAergic pathway modulation through enkephalin receptor agonism, reducing presynaptic calcium channel opening independently of the SNARE complex. Combining Argireline (SNARE inhibition) with Leuphasyl (GABAergic modulation) provides complementary presynaptic signal attenuation through two independent neuromuscular pathways.
What use level of Argireline is typical, and does trade-solution vs pure-peptide basis matter?
The right use level depends on your base, claim direction and study design, so treat it as a range to be established conservatively rather than a single number. Argireline is widely sold as a diluted trade solution, whereas we supply the pure Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 peptide with COA — so confirm whether your target is on a pure-peptide or trade-solution basis to avoid over- or under-dosing. Contact info@tcspeptides.com to align documentation with your dosing basis.
What actives combine well with Argireline in multi-peptide SNARE-pathway systems?
Argireline (SNARE complex / presynaptic acetylcholine release) builds multi-mechanism neuromuscular systems with: Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) — GABAergic pathway modulation via enkephalin receptor agonism; Syn-Ake (Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate) — postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) modulation. For broader age-care positioning, Argireline may also be combined with Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4/3) for fibronectin-receptor matrix signalling and GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) for LOX-mediated collagen crosslinking — each mechanism independent and non-competing. Confirm combined peptide solubility, pH alignment and assay retention in the finished system before scale-up.
Is Argireline suitable for periorbital and eye-contour formulations?
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) is well-suited for periorbital and eye-contour applications: the SNAP-25 mimetic mechanism targets expression lines driven by repeated muscle contraction, and the peptide is freely water-soluble at typical evaluation concentrations (0.001–0.01%), requiring no solvents that would complicate eye-area formulation. It integrates into lightweight gels, cream-gel eye treatments and hydrogel eye patches at standard aqueous-phase addition below 45°C. Evaluate compatibility with niacinamide, caffeine and other periorbital actives commonly used in eye-contour products; confirm pH alignment across all ingredients.
Why is the addition temperature for Argireline limited to below 45°C?
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) is heat-sensitive above 45°C — prolonged exposure risks degradation of the Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH₂ hexapeptide backbone, particularly at the methionine (Met) and glutamine (Gln) residues susceptible to thermal side-chain modification. Standard aqueous serum cool-down protocols (adding peptides to the batch during the cool-down phase below 45°C) are fully compatible with Argireline. Confirm thermal stability in the specific manufacturing process with accelerated stability data before committing to production scale.
How does the methionine residue in Argireline affect formulation compatibility?
Argireline is freely water-soluble and dissolves directly in the aqueous phase, but its sequence (Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2) contains a methionine (Met) residue that is prone to oxidation. Avoid strongly oxidising bases and metal-ion contamination, consider a chelator and a compatible antioxidant in the system, and verify colour and assay retention with accelerated stability testing so the peptide stays intact over shelf life.
What pH range keeps Argireline stable, and how does it behave with low-pH actives?
Argireline is most stable at pH 4.0–7.0, covering typical serum and light-emulsion targets. When formulating alongside low-pH actives such as ascorbic acid (pH 2.5–3.5), evaluate combined stability and consider separate regimen steps or pH zones. Confirm the finished-product pH after all actives and buffering agents are incorporated.
How should Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) be stored?
Store Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) sealed below 25°C in a cool, dry location protected from direct light and moisture. Once opened, reseal the container immediately and use within a defined period confirmed by the batch COA. The methionine residue in the sequence is susceptible to oxidative degradation — avoid storage in conditions with elevated oxygen exposure. Follow specific storage and handling conditions stated in the SDS and batch COA.
What documentation does TCS NEXUS S.L. provide for Argireline?
TCS NEXUS S.L. provides COA (confirming CAS 616204-22-9, HPLC purity ≥98%), TDS (Technical Data Sheet) and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8). Additional documentation such as specification sheets and INCI confirmation letters are available on a per-project basis. Contact info@tcspeptides.com to initiate a documentation and sourcing discussion.
What MOQ and sample options are available for Argireline?
Sample and bulk quantities for Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) are confirmed on a per-project basis through TCS NEXUS S.L. Minimum order quantities depend on current stock, packaging configuration and project scope. R&D teams are encouraged to request samples for stability, compatibility and concentration-range evaluation before bulk planning. Contact info@tcspeptides.com with project scope and specification to begin a sourcing review.
Is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (INCI) compliant with EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009?
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is not listed as a restricted, prohibited or regulated substance under EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 Annexes II–VI. It is listed in the CosIng database under its current INCI name Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (CAS 616204-22-9). The finished product manufacturer is responsible for the CPSR and CPNP notification. Use CAS 616204-22-9 and INCI name Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 consistently in regulatory documentation; confirm purity and identity with the batch COA.
> Technical Support and Samples
Request COA documents, sample availability, or support for custom synthesis.