Peptide ·
Argireline-type peptide
INCI: Acetyl Octapeptide-3
What is it?
A neurotransmitter-release-inhibiting peptide marketed with a "Botox-like" relaxing effect on expression lines, most often formulated into eye-area and anti-wrinkle products.
What does it do?
According to PubMed, a 2024 clinical study of a dissolving microneedle patch containing acetyl octapeptide-3 (alongside L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside and other actives) found the treated group showed effective improvement of eye wrinkles, reduced transepidermal water loss, and enhanced skin elasticity and lifting with no adverse effects over 28 days, versus a placebo patch (DOI: https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.23.136). A separate 2019 monocentric clinical trial of hyaluronic-acid microneedle patches containing acetyl octapeptide-3 plus several other bioactive peptides found a 25.8% decrease in fine lines/wrinkles and improved hydration, density and thickness over 12 weeks (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13009). Both studies tested acetyl octapeptide-3 only as part of a multi-ingredient formulation, not as a standalone active, so its individual contribution cannot be isolated from these results.
Sources
This page provides general skincare information and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ingredient interactions and evidence summaries reflect published, cited sources — not a personal assessment of your skin. For medical skin conditions, rashes, pregnancy/lactation questions or persistent concerns, please consult a licensed dermatologist or HPCSA-registered practitioner.