SNAP-8
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
This peptide has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is sold as a research chemical and has no regulatory status for human use.
A synthetic cosmetic ingredient that reduces the appearance of expression wrinkles by partially blocking the chemical signal that tells facial muscles to contract. It is applied topically in skincare products as a gentler alternative to injectable wrinkle treatments.
This entry is a cited research summary, not an established treatment reference. Dosing language is included as source context, not as medical instruction.
SNAP-8 is preclinical or hypothesis-only.
This peptide has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is sold as a research chemical and has no regulatory status for human use.
Safety Summary
SNAP-8 has an excellent topical safety profile. The CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) assessed acetyl hexapeptide-8 (the closely related 6-amino-acid analog) and found it safe for topical cosmetic use at concentrations up to 0.005%. Clinical studies (up to 14 weeks) reported no systemic adverse events and good tolerability. No serious adverse events have been attributed to topical SNAP-8 in published trials or pharmacovigilance databases (FAERS, EudraVigilance). No evidence of tolerance, tachyphylaxis, withdrawal effects, or rebound phenomena. No genotoxicity or carcinogenicity signals. Injectable use has NO published safety data and community sources warn of risks including infection, localized redness, swelling, and hard nodule formation, likely due to the peptide not being formulated for parenteral administration.
Clinical check-in
If real-world use or exposure is being considered, review potential interactions, contraindications, and monitoring needs with a licensed clinician rather than relying on summary copy alone.
Cited sources
Every claim on this page links to one of the 8 sources below. Identifiers are PubMed (PMID), ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT), or DOI; click through to the source of record before acting on a claim.
- 1doi:10.36849/JDD.2016.3073DOI
- 2PMID 39082657PubMed
- 3PMID 31134751PubMed
- 4NCT01750346ClinicalTrials.gov
- 5doi:10.1186/s40543-020-00232-8DOI
- 6Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 in Cosmeceuticals - A Review of Skin Permeability and EfficacyReference
- 7Peptides: Emerging Candidates for the Prevention and Treatment of Skin Senescence: A ReviewReference
- 8Safety Assessment of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 as Used in CosmeticsReference