Argireline
Acetyl hexapeptide-3/8, which interferes with the nerve signal for muscle contraction to reduce expression lines ("topical Botox").
Cosmetic ingredient.
Look it up on Wikipedia4 listings across 4 independently tested vendors, ranked by price per milligram after coupon codes anyone can use. Vendors you can only order from by message are hidden.
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Daily price tracking started October 7, 2026; a price-history chart appears here once a few days have been collected.
| Vendor | Trust | Listing | Vials | Price | Per mg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ion Peptide #4 by metascore |
Metascore 87 medium confidenceFinnrick 82%Bought vials 108% of label · 4 testsTitrateLab · PeptideBase · Peptide CriticNo report for thisConfirmed with lab: 40 of 40Online checkout |
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Raw) – 1g | 1 × 1000 mg | $96.75 | $0.097 | Buy |
Atomik Labz Affiliate #85 by metascore · US. Florida, 33411 |
Metascore 77Finnrick 69%Bought vials 112% of label · 44 testsTitrateLab · Peptide CriticNo report for thisOnline checkoutCheck vendor |
Argireline Raw Powder 1g | 1 × 1 g | $99.00 | $0.099 | Buy |
Glacier Aminos Affiliate #73 by metascore |
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (RAW) | 1 × 1000 mg | $128.99 | $0.129 | Buy | |
Core Peptides #282 by metascore |
Metascore 70 medium confidenceFinnrick 76%PepIndex 24/100Bought vials 92% of label · 4 testsTitrateLab · PeptideBase · Peptide Critic · PeptideCheckedNo report for thisOnline checkout |
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) – 200MG | 1 × 200 mg | $226.00 | $1.13 | Buy |
Mixing a 1,000 mg vial
What each common amount of bacteriostatic water gives you on a U-100 insulin syringe. Pick a vial size above to change it.
| Water | Strength | Per 10 units (0.1 mL) | Per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 1,000 mg/mL | 100,000 mcg | 10,000 mcg |
| 2 mL | 500 mg/mL | 50,000 mcg | 5,000 mcg |
| 3 mL | 333.333 mg/mL | 33,333.3 mcg | 3,333.33 mcg |
| 5 mL | 200 mg/mL | 20,000 mcg | 2,000 mcg |
Doses studied in research Studied in people
What was given to people (or animals) in published studies and official labels, each linked to its source. This is not a recommendation: study products, purity and supervision differ from research-grade vials.
| Who was studied | Dose given | How often | For how long | What happened | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| healthy women volunteers | oil/water emulsion containing 10% argireline (acetyl hexapeptide) topical | not stated in abstract | 30 days | wrinkle depth reduced by up to 30% on skin topography analysis | PubMed |
| patients with surgical scars, skin tags or wrinkles (retrospective, uncontrolled) n = 26 |
gel-cream containing 10% acetyl hexapeptide-8 topical | not stated in abstract | not stated in abstract | investigators reported improved hydration, elasticity and appearance; no allergic reactions | PubMed |
Animal studies: In D-galactose-aged mice, argireline was applied to the skin twice daily for 6 weeks (concentration not stated in the abstract).
Argireline is a cosmetic ingredient, not an approved drug; it is studied as a cream or serum on the skin, not by injection. Other trials (a 60-person placebo-controlled study, PMID 23417317, twice daily for 4 weeks; a 19-person split-face study, PMID 38024099; a 24-patient blepharospasm trial, PMID 23146065) do not state the concentration in their abstracts. A US cosmetic safety panel judged acetyl hexapeptide-8 amide safe in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.005% (PMID 40673537).
What the research says
Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-3/-8) has several small human trials with mixed results: a 60-person placebo-controlled study in Chinese adults and a small four-arm trial reported less wrinkling, while a 19-person double-blind split-face study found no significant effect. Lab work shows very little of the peptide gets past the outer skin layer, and a 24-patient blepharospasm trial showed only a non-significant trend.
Key papers ✓ 2✗ 3~ 1? 2
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The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline, a synthetic hexapeptide, in Chinese subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.Humans60 peopleRandomizedPlacebo-controlled4 weeks (applied twice daily)Randomized, placebo-controlled study
60 Chinese adults randomized 3:1 to argireline or placebo on periorbital wrinkles for 4 weeks: subjective anti-wrinkle efficacy 48.9% vs 0%, and skin-replica roughness parameters fell only with argireline (p<0.01).
Key resultTotal anti-wrinkle efficacy 48.9% with argireline vs 0% with placebo; roughness parameters decreased with argireline (p<0.01) but not placebo (p>0.05)
Study details
- Studied
- Chinese subjects with peri-orbital wrinkles
- Compared with
- Placebo
- Main outcome
- Global assessment of peri-orbital wrinkles (Daniell, Seeman) and objective roughness from silicone replicas
- Sample
- 60 subjects randomized 3:1 to argireline or placebo
- Authors' conclusion
- Argireline had a significant anti-wrinkle effect in Chinese subjects.
- Limitations
- Short (4 weeks) trial.
-
Investigating the effects of Argireline in a skin serum containing hyaluronic acids on skin surface wrinkles using the Visia® Complexion Analysis camera system for objective skin analysis.HumansNineteen female participants, split-faceDouble-blind4 weeksDouble-blind split-face study with Visia imaging
19 women applied a hyaluronic acid serum with argireline to one side of the face and without it to the other for 4 weeks (double-blind): no significant difference in wrinkle score (p=0.829) or skin-age measure; no irritation or allergy.
Key resultWrinkle scores fell non-significantly (right p=0.060, left p=0.176); right vs left side difference not significant (p=0.829)
Study details
- Studied
- Female participants recruited from a plastic surgery clinic
- Compared with
- Same hyaluronic acid serum without Argireline on the other side of the face
- Main outcome
- Wrinkle score and TruSkinAge from Visia camera
- Authors' conclusion
- The effect of Argireline was not proven; it had low toxicity but efficacy was not significant, so it is not deemed an alternative to botulinum toxin.
- Limitations
- Small sample; participants could use their own cosmetics; serum also contained hyaluronic acids.
-
The efficacy study of the combination of tripeptide-10-citrulline and acetyl hexapeptide-3. A prospective, randomized controlled study.HumansTwenty-four healthy volunteers in 4 groupsRandomized60 daysProspective randomized controlled study
24 volunteers randomized to four groups for 60 days: acetyl hexapeptide-3 improved some skin-microtopography wrinkle parameters and lowered TEWL vs control at several time points; groups were very small.
Key resultAt 20 days, acetyl hexapeptide-3 vs no peptide: cR2 P=.022; TEWL change G3 vs G4 P=.025
Study details
- Studied
- Healthy volunteers
- Compared with
- Neither peptide (G4); each peptide alone
- Main outcome
- Skin microtopography (cR2, cR3) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
- Authors' conclusion
- Results confirm antiwrinkle activity of acetyl hexapeptide-3 with a significant TEWL decrease, and provide clinical evidence for tripeptide-10 citrulline. The mechanism of any synergy was unclear.
- Limitations
- Small groups; synergy mechanism unclear.
-
Pilot study of topical acetyl hexapeptide-8 in the treatment for blepharospasm in patients receiving botulinum toxin therapy.Humans24 peopleRandomizedPlacebo-controlledDouble-blindFollowing 3-monthly botulinum toxin injectionsDouble-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized pilot trial
24 blepharospasm patients receiving botulinum toxin, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of daily topical acetyl hexapeptide-8: only a non-significant trend to longer symptom control (3.7 vs 3.0 months); no significant adverse events.
Key resultTrend to longer time to return to baseline with active vs placebo (3.7 vs 3.0 months); 4/12 active patients had considerable extension of symptom control
Study details
- Studied
- Patients with blepharospasm receiving botulinum toxin
- Compared with
- Placebo
- Main outcome
- Time to return to baseline Jankovic Blepharospasm Rating Scale after botulinum toxin
- Sample
- 24 patients with blepharospasm
- Authors' conclusion
- Topical AH8 is safe and promising for extending the duration of action of botulinum toxin therapy, but results were trends only.
- Limitations
- Pilot study; differences were trends, not significant.
-
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 in Cosmeceuticals-A Review of Skin Permeability and Efficacy.No new dataNarrative review
Review: clinical studies suggest reduced wrinkle depth and better elasticity and hydration, but poor skin penetration means it remains uncertain whether the peptide reaches neuromuscular junctions.
Study details
- Main outcome
- Skin permeability and efficacy of acetyl hexapeptide-8
- Authors' conclusion
- Preclinical and clinical studies indicate AH-8 may reduce wrinkle depth and improve elasticity and hydration, but low skin penetration limits bioavailability and the mechanism of topical action remains incompletely understood.
- Limitations
- Narrative review; no original data.
-
In vitro skin penetration of acetyl hexapeptide-8 from a cosmetic formulation.Cells / lab24-hour exposureIn vitro skin penetration study of a 10% peptide O/W emulsion
In human cadaver and guinea-pig skin, most of a 10% acetyl hexapeptide-8 emulsion washed off; about 0.22% stayed in human stratum corneum, 0.01% reached the epidermis and none was detected in the dermis.
Key resultPeptide in stratum corneum of 0.54% (guinea pig) and 0.22% (human) of applied dose; epidermis 0.01%; none detected in dermis
Study details
- Studied
- Hairless guinea pig and human cadaver skin in in vitro diffusion cells
- Main outcome
- Peptide amount in skin layers
- Authors' conclusion
- Most peptide was washed off and what penetrated stayed in the stratum corneum; none reached the dermis. The data are useful for safety evaluation of cosmetic peptides.
- Limitations
- In vitro, cadaver and animal skin.
-
Safety Assessment of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 Amide as Used in Cosmetics.No new dataCosmetic ingredient safety assessment by an expert panel
Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel: safe in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.005%; data were insufficient to judge safety at higher concentrations.
Study details
- Main outcome
- Safety in cosmetic use
- Authors' conclusion
- The Panel concluded Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 Amide is safe in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.005%; data are insufficient to determine safety above 0.005%.
- Limitations
- Data insufficient above 0.005%.
-
Mycobacterium abscessus infection after facial injection of argireline: A case report.HumansSingle case, a 45-year-old womanNo control groupTreated 5 monthsCase report
A 45-year-old woman developed Mycobacterium abscessus abscesses at forehead and temple sites one week after argireline injections, requiring 5 months of antibiotics.
Study details
- Studied
- 45-year-old woman after argireline injections to forehead and temples
- Main outcome
- Infection after injection
- Authors' conclusion
- Reported the first case of Mycobacterium abscessus infection after argireline injection; it is easily misdiagnosed, microbiological examination aids diagnosis and standardized procedures can prevent it.
- Limitations
- Single case report.
Reported side effects
- reportedMycobacterial skin infection after injection (off-label injected use) [ref]
Topical use was well tolerated in small trials; injected use has been linked to infection in a case report.
3 registered human trials (0 active)
✓ positive · ✗ negative · ~ mixed · ? inconclusive, judged on each paper's own main outcome. Grades: A strong human evidence → D little or none. Papers and verdicts are drawn from PubMed, Europe PMC and Russian journals (CyberLeninka); not medical advice.
Registered clinical trials 3 on ClinicalTrials.gov · 0 active · 2 completed · 1 with posted results
| Trial | Status | Phase | People | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 for Blepharospasm NCT01750346 · started 2012-11 · results posted |
Terminated | Phase 2 | 8 | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) |
| Argireline in Treatment of Periorbital Wrinkles NCT01381484 · started 2009-03 |
Completed | Phase 3 | 70 | Mahidol University |
| Topical Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and the Cosmetic Appearance of Oily Skin NCT02597777 · started 2016-01 |
Completed | – | 14 | University of California, Davis |
All 3 Argireline trials, with countries and summaries · Search ClinicalTrials.gov · Recruiting trials for every peptide
Discussions elsewhere
Experiences and questions about Argireline on other sites. Treat anecdotes with care.
Argireline: questions people ask
What is Argireline?
Cosmetic anti-wrinkle peptide. Acetyl hexapeptide-3/8, which interferes with the nerve signal for muscle contraction to reduce expression lines ("topical Botox").
How much does Argireline cost?
The cheapest Argireline from an independently tested vendor is $0.097 per mg (Ion Peptide, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Raw) – 1g, $96.75). Across 4 listings from 4 vendors the median is $0.129 per mg.
Where can I buy Argireline?
4 vendors tested by Finnrick sell Argireline. The cheapest per mg right now: Ion Peptide ($0.097), Atomik Labz ($0.099), Glacier Aminos ($0.129). 0 of them publish a lab report (COA) for Argireline; compare lab scores and reports in the table above before buying.
How much bacteriostatic water for 1,000 mg of Argireline?
Adding 2 mL of bacteriostatic water to a 1,000 mg vial of Argireline gives 500 mg/mL: each 10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe holds 50,000 mcg. With 1 mL it's 1,000 mg/mL (100,000 mcg per 10 units); with 3 mL, 333.333 mg/mL (33,333.3 mcg per 10 units). More water makes small amounts easier to measure. Mixing charts: 1,000 mg.
Is Argireline FDA approved?
Cosmetic ingredient.
Does Argireline work? What does the research say?
Evidence grade B (some human evidence), from 8 papers: Only small human trials (60, 24 and 19 people) with conflicting wrinkle results; lab data show very little of the peptide penetrates skin. Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-3/-8) has several small human trials with mixed results: a 60-person placebo-controlled study in Chinese adults and a small four-arm trial reported less wrinkling, while a 19-person double-blind split-face study found no significant effect. Lab work shows very little of the peptide gets past the outer skin layer, and a 24-patient blepharospasm trial showed only a non-significant trend. See the papers.
Are there clinical trials of Argireline?
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 3 registered trials of Argireline: 0 active, 2 completed, 1 in phase 3, 1 with posted results. Examples: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 for Blepharospasm (Terminated, Phase 2, 8 people); Argireline in Treatment of Periorbital Wrinkles (Completed, Phase 3, 70 people); Topical Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and the Cosmetic Appearance of Oily Skin (Completed, 14 people).
What dose of Argireline was used in studies?
Argireline is studied in people. healthy women volunteers: oil/water emulsion containing 10% argireline (acetyl hexapeptide) not stated in abstract; patients with surgical scars, skin tags or wrinkles (retrospective, uncontrolled): gel-cream containing 10% acetyl hexapeptide-8 not stated in abstract. These are amounts used in published studies or official labels, not a recommendation.
What are the side effects of Argireline?
Reported in the research: Mycobacterial skin infection after injection (off-label injected use). Topical use was well tolerated in small trials; injected use has been linked to infection in a case report.