Cosmetic and Anti-Wrinkling Research in the SNAP-8 Peptide

SNAP-8 is an anti-wrinkle cosmetic peptide. The peptide is the N-terminus of SNAP-25. It influences production by competing with SNAP-25 for its position in the SNARE complex. The SNARE complex is a large protein family that generates energy through protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions while promoting membrane fusion. Any changes to the SNARE complex will inhibit the release of neurotransmitters from vesicles, halting muscle contraction and preventing wrinkles and lines from appearing as we age.

SNAP-8 peptide, also known as Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-1, is a hexapeptide Argireline elongation. SNAP-8, like other hexapeptide-based peptides, has a potent anti-wrinkling effect.^[1] The peptide can prevent the disruption of the lipid matrix’s perfect packing.

SNAP-8 peptide is distinct and preferable to Botulinum Toxin because it targets the wrinkling mechanism in a novel and distinct manner.^[2] Because of this effect, cosmetic companies incorporate SNAP-8 peptide into gels, serums, and emulsions to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and deep lines around the eyes and on the forehead.

Effects of SNAP-8

Wrinkling of the skin is one of the most noticeable effects of aging on the human body. This occurs naturally over time and hysical changes exacerbated by environmental exposure.

The constant pull of gravity, including the frequent and constant positional pull pressure on the skin of the face, can cause folds, furrows, or creases. These are due to the recurrent contractions of facial expression muscles.

The Effects of SNAP-8 peptide on Muscle Contraction: Muscle contraction occurs following the release of neurotransmitters from vesicles. The SNARE complex is required for muscle contraction because it acts as a cellular hook, capturing vesicles and fusing them with the membrane to allow neurotransmitters to be released. Wrinkling occurs when muscles contract repeatedly. SNAP-8 peptide destabilizes the SNARE complex’s functions, causing vesicles to stop producing neurotransmitters efficiently and reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
SNAP-8 peptide also inhibits catecholamine release, resulting in the reduction of existing facial lines and wrinkles. Catecholamine inhibition also affects the stabilization process in muscle contraction regulation by activating the Ca2+ ion.
SNAP-8 peptide promotes collagen production and release that strengthens the skin and makes it resistant to wrinkles and fine lines.^[3]
SNAP-8 peptide acts as a muscle contraction inhibitor, allowing muscles to achieve high homeostasis levels.^[4]
SNAP-8 peptide reduces the severity of wrinkles around the eyes by about 63.13%. The peptide’s potency is 30% higher than its parent peptide, Argireline.
Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that functions to excite neurons. The results show that combining SNAP-8 with Leuphasyl has a stronger inhibitory effect on glutamate than single peptides. Meanwhile, glutamate stimulates muscle contraction, resulting in wrinkles and fine lines. As a result of inhibiting glutamate release, wrinkles and fine lines are avoided.^[5] Researchers conclude that the peptide works by “preventing neuromuscular signal propagation, thereby eliminating wrinkles caused by over-stimulated neurons.”
An in vivo anti-wrinkle test was performed on healthy volunteers. The researchers performed a skin topography analysis on 17 healthy female subjects to determine the efficacy of a cream containing 10% SNAP-8 solution, obtaining silicon imprints from the eye region. SNAP-8 peptide cream was applied twice daily, and silicon imprints were taken before and after each use. Following that, inference showed that wrinkle depths decreased after 28 days.

A similar experiment was performed on ten healthy female volunteers using a cream containing 10% Argireline solution. The results showed that placebo caused a -2.99 percent wrinkle reduction, Argireline caused a -27.05, and SNAP-8 peptide caused a -34.98 percent wrinkle reduction. Following these comparisons, 10% of SNAP-8 solutions achieved a maximum wrinkle reduction of -63.13%.^[6] Indeed, the scientists conclude that “According to the data available in the manufacturer’s website, maximum wrinkle reduction strives for−62%, with the mean value at the level of −35%.” This shows that SNAP-8 is a more effective wrinkle-reducing peptide. 

Disclaimer: The products mentioned are not intended for human or animal consumption. Research chemicals are intended solely for laboratory experimentation and/or in-vitro testing. Bodily introduction of any sort is strictly prohibited by law. All purchases are limited to licensed researchers and/or qualified professionals. All information shared in this article is for educational purposes only.

References

1. Ji, Moongi, et al. “Method development for acetyl octapeptide-3 analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.” Journal of Analytical Science and Technology 11 (2020): 1-7.
2. Backardzhiev, Ilko, and Dona Filcheva. “Peptides in dermatocosmetics.” Journal of Varna Medical College 4.1 (2022): 45-49.
3. Avcil, Muhammet, et al. “Efficacy of bioactive peptides loaded on hyaluronic acid microneedle patches: A monocentric clinical study.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 19.2 (2020): 328-337.
4. Raposio, Edoardo, et al. “EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVENESS OF VIPER SERUM FOR TOPICAL USE AS FACIAL ANTI-AGING.” (2009).
5. Gutierrez, Luis M., et al. “A peptide that mimics the C-terminal sequence of SNAP-25 inhibits secretory vesicle docking in chromaffin cells.” Journal of Biological Chemistry 272.5 (1997): 2634-2639.
6. Errante F, Ledwoń P, Latajka R, Rovero P, Papini AM. Cosmeceutical Peptides in the Framework of Sustainable Wellness Economy. Front Chem. 2020;8:572923. Published 2020 Oct 30. doi:10.3389/fchem.2020.572923.