Description
Pentapeptide-18
Pentapeptide-18 is a synthetic peptide composed of five amino acids that were developed to mimic the natural process of reducing muscle contractions, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Pentapeptide-18 may interact with the neuroreceptors in the skin, potentially inhibiting the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that triggers muscle contractions. By inhibiting this process, Pentapeptide-18 may reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.(1)
In addition to its wrinkle-reducing potential, Pentapeptide-18 may impact skin cell function. It may help increase skin elasticity, firmness, and moisture retention while promoting collagen production. Collagen is a crucial component of healthy skin, and its production tends to decrease with age, leading to the development of wrinkles and sagging skin.
Chemical Makeup(2)
Molecular Formula: C29H39N5O7
Molecular Weight: 569.6 g/mol
Other known titles
- D-Ala2, D-Leu5-EnkephalinL-Alanyl-κN-L-histidyl-κN,
- L-Leucine, L-tyrosyl-L-alanyl glycyl-L-phenylalanyl, Leuphasyl
Research and Clinical Studies
Pentapeptide-18 and Skin Firmness, Wrinkles
A 2014 study investigated the potential of Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) as a wrinkle reducer. This study was conducted on 25 female subjects with moderate to severe wrinkles who were presented a Pentapeptide-18 cream twice a day for 28 days. Researchers reported an apparent reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, with an average reduction of 11.31%. The study suggests that Pentapeptide-18 may potentially reduce wrinkles’ appearance. As per Anca O. Dragomirescu et al., “Leuphasyl is an active synthesis peptide, having botox-like action, and a proven efficacy for minimum 2% concentration. The efficiency of this molecule is evidently inferior to botulinum toxin injections, but it is absolutely free from side effects and it confers an aspect of wrinkles’ attenuation, also preserving facial expressivity.” (1)
Pentapeptide-18 and “Expression Wrinkles”
Research indicates that Pentapeptide-18 may be highly specific. Clinical studies have suggested a statistically significant reduction of 2% to 9% in the appearance of wrinkles. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, subjects were presented the peptide twice a day for four weeks. The subjects evaluated the depth of wrinkles and skin smoothness using various methods such as skin imaging, dermatological assessments, and subjective self-assessments. The results suggested a reduction in the depth of wrinkles and increased skin smoothness after four weeks.(3)
Pentapeptide-18 and Fine Lines
A 2017 clinical study(4) evaluated the potential of Pentapeptide-18 in possibly reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The study was conducted for six months and involved 60 female subjects aged 40-65. Subjects were presented a cream containing Pentapeptide-18 twice daily for the study duration. The results suggested the peptide had potential to induce a significant improvement in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines after four weeks. After six months, the improvement was reported to be more significant, with an apparent 39% reduction in the number of wrinkles and a 31% reduction in the surface area of wrinkles compared to the baseline measurements.
In 2014, another clinical study involved 20 female subjects aged 35-55 with moderate to severe find wrinkles. Subjects were presented Pentapeptide-18 cream twice daily for eight weeks. The researchers evaluated the subjects’ skin using clinical assessments, digital imaging and silicone replicas.(1)
Pentapeptide-18 is available for research and laboratory purposes only. Please review and adhere to our Terms and Conditions before ordering.
References
- Dragomirescu, A. O., Andoni, M., Ionescu, D. & Andrei, F. The Efficiency and Safety of Leuphasyl—A Botox-Like Peptide. Cosmetics 1, 75–81 (2014). https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/1/2/75
- eucine,L-tyrosyl-L-alanylglycyl-L-phenylalanyl National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 44568, Pentapeptide-18. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Pentapeptide-18
- Puig, A., Garcia-Anton, J., Perez, R. & Mangues, M. Eyeseryl and Leuphasyl: Synthetic Peptides as Advanced Cosmetic Actives. Available at http://www.cosmeticsciencetechnology.com/companies/articles/821.pdf.
- Schagen SK. Topical Peptide Treatments with Effective Anti-Aging Results. Cosmetics. 2017; 4(2):16. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics4020016
NOTE: These products are intended for laboratory research use only. Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) (topical) for sale (200mg) is not intended for personal use. Please review and adhere to our Terms and Conditions before ordering.
Dr. Marinov (MD, Ph.D.) is a researcher and chief assistant professor in Preventative Medicine & Public Health. Prior to his professorship, Dr. Marinov practiced preventative, evidence-based medicine with an emphasis on Nutrition and Dietetics. He is widely published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals and specializes in peptide therapy research.
