Pentapeptide-18- Wrinkle and Fine Line Studies

The topic of this article will revolve around Pentapeptide-18 and the extensive wrinkle and fine-line research it has been a part of. Let us dive right in and learn more about the potential of this research compound on fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin health.

Studies suggest Pentapeptide-18 is a synthetic peptide of five amino acids designed to replicate the natural process of reducing muscle contractions and, as a result, developing wrinkles. This result was proposed by minimizing the production of the peptide known as Pentapeptide-18. Researchers speculate Pentapeptide-18 may interact with the neuroreceptors in the skin, limiting the production of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is considered responsible for triggering muscular contractions. Research suggests Pentapeptide-18 may minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by suppressing this mechanism, which leads to wrinkle formation. [i]

Scientists hypothesize Pentapeptide-18 may affect the function of skin cells in addition to its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It may assist in boosting the skin’s elasticity, firmness, and ability to retain moisture while encouraging the creation of collagen. Collagen is an essential component of skin, but they produce less of it as organisms age. This results in wrinkles and sagging as the skin loses its elasticity.

Chemical Composition [ii]

Molecular Formula: C29H39N5O7

Weight per Molecular Unit: 569.6 g/mol

Other titles that are well recognized

D-Ala2, D-Leu5-EnkephalinL-Alanyl-κN-L-histidyl-κN, L-Leucine, L-tyrosyl-L-alanyl glycyl-L-phenylalanyl, Leuphasyl

Pentapeptide-18 Research and Clinical Investigations

Pentapeptide-18 and Wrinkles

A research study conducted in 2014 looked at the potential effectiveness of Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) as an anti-wrinkle agent. A Pentapeptide-18 cream was applied to the skin of 25 female test subjects with moderate to severe wrinkles for 28 days. During this time, the models received the cream twice per day. The research findings suggest an evident decrease in the appearance of wrinkles, with an average reduction of 11.31%.

The research findings suggested Pentapeptide-18 may lessen the visibility of wrinkles. “Leuphasyl is an active synthesis peptide, having botox-like action, and a proven efficacy for minimum 2% concentration,” said Anca O. Dragomirescu et al. in this study. It is suggested that the possible effects of this molecule are not on par with that of botulinum toxin; nonetheless, there are no other effects that have been noticed in research studies as associated with this peptide, and researchers speculate it may reduce the appearance of wrinkles while allowing the skin to retain its natural expressiveness. [i]

Pentapeptide-18 and Expression

Research suggests Pentapeptide-18 could have a high degree of specificity. Clinical investigations have suggested a statistically significant decrease in the appearance of wrinkles, ranging from 2% to 9%. Subjects were given the peptide twice daily for four weeks during a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial. The researchers used a variety of approaches to measure the depth of wrinkles and the smoothness of their skin. These methods included skin imaging, dermatological exams, and the models’ subjective evaluations. After four weeks, the findings suggested a decrease in the severity of wrinkles and an improvement in the skin’s smoothness. [iii]

Pentapeptide-18 and Fine Lines

In a clinical trial conducted in 2017, the potential of Pentapeptide-18 to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines was investigated. The subjects in the research were all female and ranged in age from 40 to 65 years old. The study lasted for a total of six months. Throughout the trial, each test model received two applications of a cream that contained Pentapeptide-18. After four weeks of use, the findings suggested that the peptide might considerably improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The findings suggest the improvement seemed more pronounced after six months, with an apparent 39% decrease in the number of wrinkles and a 31% reduction in the surface area of wrinkles compared to the measures taken at the beginning of the trial.

At this time, Pentapeptide-18 is restricted to usage in research and educational institutes. Biotech Peptides is a great resource for licensed researchers looking to purchase peptides for clinical trials, so if you are interested, please click here to be redirected to the website. Remember that none of the substances discussed here are approved for ingestion by humans or animals. Compounds used in scientific research should never be used outside of a laboratory. Sales are restricted to verified professionals and active scientists only.

References

[i] 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

[ii] 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

[iii] 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