Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) (CAS 868844-74-0) is supplied by TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for European cosmetic formulators, brand R&D teams and B2B buyers reviewing cosmetic peptide raw material applications. A freely water-soluble peptide, it dissolves directly in aqueous concentrates without co-solvents at pH 4.5–7.0, with cool-down addition below 45°C recommended in standard serum and leave-on manufacturing protocols.
> Technical Specifications
| Product Name | Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) |
|---|---|
| Molecular Structure |  |
| CAS Number | 868844-74-0 |
| Alias / Common Name | Acetyl Octapeptide-3; Acetyl Octapeptide-1; SNAP-8; Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2 |
| Molecular Formula | C41H70N16O16S |
| Molecular Weight | 1075.2 g/mol |
| INCI Name | Acetyl Octapeptide-3 |
| Peptide Sequence | Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2 — SNAP-25 N-terminal 8aa biomimetic (SNARE complex) |
| Functional Class | Synthetic octapeptide; SNARE complex modulator; expression-line active |
| Purity / Assay | ≥98% (HPLC); confirm by batch COA |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Solubility / Handling | Freely water-soluble; dissolve in deionised water or aqueous phase before incorporation; no co-solvent required |
| pH Stability | Optimal stability at pH 4.5–7.0; 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
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8, CAS 868844-74-0) is an 8-residue synthetic peptide (Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2) that extends the SNAP-25 N-terminal domain sequence targeted by Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) by two additional amino acids, providing extended coverage of the SNARE complex interaction surface. Published SNAP-8 literature discusses that the octapeptide 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 reduced SNARE complex assembly efficiency and attenuated vesicle-mediated acetylcholine release in in vitro neuromuscular assay systems at evaluated peptide concentrations. Neuromuscular model data also notes that the 8-residue extended sequence provides broader SNARE complex contact points compared to the 6-residue Argireline, with associated discussion of potentially extended SNARE complex coverage efficiency.
Based on available in vitro neuromuscular data, Acetyl Octapeptide-3 is positioned for expression-line serum, anti-wrinkle concentrate and periorbital formulation concepts where SNARE-complex modulation is the primary mechanistic direction. The SNAP-25 N-terminal biomimetic mechanism positions it alongside Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) for formulator comparison — both target the SNARE complex via SNAP-25 mimicry; the 8-residue SNAP-8 extends the domain sequence for potentially broader SNARE contact. For multi-pathway neuromuscular positioning, SNAP-8 may be evaluated alongside Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) for complementary GABAergic Ca²⁺ pathway modulation, providing presynaptic SNARE inhibition and GABAergic attenuation across two independent presynaptic mechanisms.
> Application Concepts
Expression Line Serum Architecture
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) is freely water-soluble and dissolves directly in glycerin–water concentrates, hyaluronic acid solutions and buffered aqueous serum bases 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 Met residue in the octapeptide sequence is susceptible to oxidation — avoid strongly oxidising bases and evaluate EDTA compatibility at target concentrations. For multi-mechanism positioning, SNAP-8 (SNARE complex) pairs cleanly with matrix-synthesis actives such as Matrixyl or copper-delivery actives such as GHK-Cu for independent non-competing pathway architecture. Confirm clarity, pH (4.5–7.0) and peptide assay retention via accelerated stability testing at 40°C/75% RH before scale-up.
SNAP-8 vs Argireline: Development Protocol Comparison
Both Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) and Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) target the SNARE complex via SNAP-25 N-terminal domain mimicry — the 8-residue SNAP-8 extends the 6-residue Argireline sequence by the Ala-Asp C-terminal addition, providing broader SNARE complex contact surface coverage. In development protocols, formulators commonly evaluate both side by side at the same use concentration (0.001–0.01% w/w) in the same aqueous serum base — both are freely water-soluble, stable at pH 4.5–7.0 and added during cool-down below 45°C. The choice between SNAP-8 and Argireline is typically based on formulation brief, target claim direction and project economics. Both can be combined with Leuphasyl (GABAergic Ca²⁺ pathway) to build multi-presynaptic mechanism neuromuscular positioning systems. Confirm assay retention and combined stability in the target base before scale-up.
Periorbital and Forehead Treatment Formulations
The SNAP-25 mimetic mechanism makes Acetyl Octapeptide-3 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), SNAP-8 integrates into lightweight eye-contour gels, cream-gel eye treatments and hydrogel patches without auxiliary solvents — no co-solvent requirements that could complicate eye-area formulation or reduce tolerability at the periorbital barrier. Evaluate compatibility with niacinamide (2–5%), caffeine (0.5–2.0%) and standard periorbital actives; confirm pH alignment within 4.5–7.0 across all actives in the concentrate. For comprehensive periorbital SNARE-pathway positioning, SNAP-8 may be evaluated alongside Leuphasyl for two-mechanism presynaptic neuromuscular attenuation. Confirm combined peptide stability and assay retention in the periorbital base before scale-up.
> Handling & Formulation Notes
Dissolve Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) in deionised water or the aqueous phase at ambient temperature; the peptide is freely water-soluble 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 octapeptide backbone, particularly at the methionine (Met) residue. Maintain formulation pH within 4.5–7.0 for optimal stability; confirm pH after all actives and buffering agents are incorporated.
The methionine residue in the 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 before scale-up.
> Supply & Documentation
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) (CAS 868844-74-0) 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
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-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 Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8)?
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) (CAS 868844-74-0) is a cosmetic raw material supplied by TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for B2B cosmetic formulators. In cosmetic literature, SNAP-8 is positioned as an extended SNARE-mimetic peptide with higher SNARE-complex affinity than Argireline, evaluated for expression-line reduction in high-performance anti-ageing serums and eye-contour products. TCS NEXUS S.L. supplies SNAP-8 as a pure acetylated octapeptide for B2B cosmetic formulators.
What is the CAS number for Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8)?
The CAS number for Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) is 868844-74-0. The INCI name for cosmetic regulatory documentation and CPNP notification is Acetyl Octapeptide-3; confirm CAS 868844-74-0 and INCI identity against the batch COA when building product files.
How does SNAP-8 modulate the SNARE complex — what is the SNAP-25 mechanism?
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) is an eight-amino-acid peptide (Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2) that mimics the N-terminal domain of SNAP-25, one of the three SNARE proteins at the presynaptic neuromuscular junction. Published literature discusses that SNAP-8 competes with native SNAP-25 for a place in the SNARE complex, attenuating the vesicle docking and membrane fusion that release acetylcholine and thereby reducing the muscle-contraction signal behind expression lines.
What use level of SNAP-8 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. Note whether you are dosing the pure Acetyl Octapeptide-3 raw material or a diluted trade solution, since market references often quote the latter. We supply the pure peptide with COA so you can dose on a pure-peptide basis; contact info@tcspeptides.com to align documentation with your target.
Which peptides build a multi-pathway expression-line system with SNAP-8?
SNAP-8 (presynaptic SNARE inhibition) combines with peptides acting on different neuromuscular pathways: Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) modulates the GABAergic/enkephalin pathway, and Syn-Ake (Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate) acts postsynaptically at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Together they address presynaptic, GABAergic and postsynaptic steps of the same neuromuscular axis. All are water-soluble and stable at pH 4.5–7.0; confirm combined assay retention and pH in the finished concentrate.
How does SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) differ from Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8)?
Both target the same presynaptic SNARE mechanism by mimicking the SNAP-25 N-terminus, but SNAP-8 is an eight-amino-acid sequence versus the six residues of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, giving extended coverage of the mimicked domain. The choice between them is usually driven by formulation brief, target claim and project economics, and they can also be combined in a single SNARE-pathway concentrate. Both are freely water-soluble powders.
How should SNAP-8 be incorporated, and why keep it below 45°C?
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 is freely water-soluble — dissolve it in deionised water or the aqueous phase without a co-solvent, and add during the cool-down phase below 45°C. Prolonged heat above this threshold risks degradation of the peptide, and the methionine (Met) residue is susceptible to oxidation, so evaluate compatibility with strongly oxidising bases and confirm assay retention with accelerated stability testing.
What pH range keeps SNAP-8 stable, and how does it behave with acidic actives?
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 is most stable at pH 4.5–7.0, covering typical serum and light-emulsion targets. When combining with 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.
Is SNAP-8 suitable for periorbital and forehead expression-line treatments?
Yes — the SNAP-25 mimetic mechanism targets the repeated muscle contraction behind periorbital and forehead expression lines, and the water solubility lets SNAP-8 integrate cleanly into lightweight eye-contour gels, cream-gels and hydrogel patches without auxiliary solvents. Evaluate compatibility with common periorbital actives such as niacinamide and caffeine, and confirm pH alignment across the finished system.
Is Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (INCI) compliant with EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009?
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 is not listed as a restricted, prohibited or regulated substance under EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 Annexes II–VI. The finished product manufacturer is responsible for the CPSR and CPNP notification. Use CAS 868844-74-0 and INCI name Acetyl Octapeptide-3 consistently in all regulatory documentation; confirm purity and identity against the batch COA.
How should Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) be stored?
Store Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) sealed below 25°C in a cool, dry location protected from direct light and moisture. Once opened, reseal the container immediately. Follow specific storage and handling conditions stated in the SDS and batch COA. Confirm shelf life for the specific batch before incorporating into production formulations.
What documentation does TCS NEXUS S.L. provide for Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8)?
TCS NEXUS S.L. provides COA (confirming CAS 868844-74-0 and HPLC purity ≥98% (HPLC)), TDS (Technical Data Sheet) and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8). Additional documentation such as specification sheets and INCI confirmation letters is 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 Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8)?
Sample and bulk quantities for Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-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 and concentration-range evaluation before bulk planning. Contact info@tcspeptides.com with project specification to begin a sourcing review.
> Technical Support and Samples
Request COA documents, sample availability, or support for custom synthesis.