Product Name:Pentapeptide-18
Cas No:64963-01-5
Purity:95%
Chemical Formula:C29H39N5O7
Molar Mass:569.6
Synonyms:[D-Ala2]leucine-enkephalin; Leuphasyl
IUPAC Name:(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[2-[[(2R)-2-[[(2S)-2-amino-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]acetyl]amino]-3-phenylpropanoyl]amino]-4-methylpentanoic acid
SMILES:C[C@H](C(=O)NCC(=O)N[C@@H](CC1=CC=CC=C1)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(C)C)C(=O)O)NC(=O)[C@H](CC2=CC=C(C=C2)O)N
InChIKey:ZHUJMSMQIPIPTF-JMBSJVKXSA-N
InChI:InChI=1S/C29H39N5O7/c1-17(2)13-24(29(40)41)34-28(39)23(15-19-7-5-4-6-8-19)33-25(36)16-31-26(37)18(3)32-27(38)22(30)14-20-9-11-21(35)12-10-20/h4-12,17-18,22-24,35H,13-16,30H2,1-3H3,(H,31,37)(H,32,38)(H,33,36)(H,34,39)(H,40,41)/t18-,22+,23+,24+/m1/s1
Storage:-20 degree Celsius
Sequence:YAGFL
Application:
Pentapeptide-18, also known commercially as Leuphasyl®, is a synthetic botulinum-like peptide composed of the amino acid sequence Tyr–Ala–Gly–Phe–Leu. Designed to mimic the action of enkephalins, it binds to neuronal receptors at the neuromuscular junction to inhibit the release of acetylcholine, thereby reducing muscle contraction and expression lines. It is especially effective in smoothing forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and nasolabial folds. Widely used in cosmeceutical formulations, Pentapeptide-18 offers a safer, non-invasive alternative to botulinum toxin (Botox), making it ideal for topical anti-aging treatments targeting dynamic wrinkles and facial tension.
Current Research:
Introduction: What Is Pentapeptide-18?
Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl®) is a bioactive cosmetic peptide developed as a neurotransmission modulator, specifically aimed at reducing expression wrinkles associated with repetitive muscle contraction. As a synthetic mimic of enkephalins, Pentapeptide-18 interacts with presynaptic neuronal receptors involved in muscle contraction control, offering a milder, topical alternative to botulinum toxin. It belongs to a growing class of neurocosmetic peptides that modulate facial tension and microcontractions, delivering wrinkle-smoothing effects without needles or systemic side effects.
Mechanism of Action: Neuromuscular Modulation
Pentapeptide-18 works by:
Binding to the enkephalin receptor (mu-opioid receptor-like sites) on the presynaptic membrane
Inhibiting Ca²⁺ influx, which prevents the exocytosis of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction
Reducing neuron excitability, thereby lessening the contraction of facial muscles
This mechanism is similar in outcome to botulinum toxin, which inhibits acetylcholine release but via cleavage of SNARE proteins. Pentapeptide-18’s approach is non-paralytic, offering a gentler muscle-relaxing effect, ideal for cosmetic use.
Wrinkle Reduction and Clinical Efficacy
Clinical and in vivo studies have shown Pentapeptide-18:
Reduces depth and volume of expression wrinkles by up to 30% after 28 days
Has a cumulative smoothing effect, especially on forehead lines and crow’s feet
Enhances skin texture and improves hydration and elasticity when combined with other actives
When used in concentrations of 0.005–0.05% in cosmetic formulations, Pentapeptide-18 shows visible improvement in skin smoothness with no reported irritation or adverse reactions.
Synergy with Other Peptides
Pentapeptide-18 is often combined with other wrinkle-targeting peptides for synergistic effects:
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) – Another Botox-mimetic that acts on the SNARE complex
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) – Stimulates collagen production
Pal-GHK and Pal-GQPR – Promote dermal matrix remodeling
Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate (Syn-Ake) – A synthetic tripeptide that mimics snake venom for muscle relaxation
These combinations allow for multi-layered anti-aging effects, addressing both dynamic (expression) and static (structural) wrinkles.
Cosmetic Applications and Product Integration
Pentapeptide-18 is formulated into:
Anti-aging serums and eye creams
Wrinkle fillers and lifting masks
Post-procedure recovery products (e.g., after laser or microneedling)
Preventive skincare for individuals in their late 20s to 30s
Due to its excellent skin tolerance and stability, it can be used long-term, including by sensitive skin types, without the irritation associated with retinoids or acids.
Conclusion: A Proven Neurocosmetic for Expression Wrinkles
Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl®) is a scientifically validated cosmetic peptide that offers gentle neuromuscular modulation for the treatment of expression wrinkles. Its topical efficacy, excellent safety profile, and compatibility with other active ingredients make it a cornerstone ingredient in modern anti-aging skincare. Whether used alone or in synergy with other neuropeptides, it provides a reliable, non-invasive path to smoother, younger-looking skin—ideal for both preventive care and mature skin rejuvenation.
Reference:
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