What Is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8? Cosmetic Peptide INCI and Mechanisms
Cosmetic-grade peptide raw-material objects. For in-depth mechanisms see GHK-Cu and Peptide Basics.
GHK-Cu
Section titled “GHK-Cu”GHK-Cu participates in collagen and basement-membrane-related processes and is a classic ingredient in repair and anti-aging formulas.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | CU100 / CU50 (GHK100) |
| INCI | Copper Tripeptide-1 |
| Mechanism | Copper delivery, SOD, collagen and basement membrane repair |
| Scenario | Post-procedure redness relief, barrier, collagen regeneration |
Mechanistically overlaps with Pal-GHK, GLOW70, and KLOTHO60; read side by side. For the full mechanism description see GHK-Cu. Related to the problem scenarios in Post-Laser Recovery and Collagen Aging.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Section titled “Acetyl Hexapeptide-8”An anti-wrinkle peptide related to SNAP-25, used for signal modulation of dynamic expression lines.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | AH8 (ARGI) |
| INCI | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) |
| Mechanism | Interferes with SNAP-25, reducing acetylcholine release |
| Scenario | Forehead lines, crow’s feet, glabellar frown lines |
Mechanistically overlaps with SNAP-8 and SYN-AKE; read side by side. Related to the problem scenarios in Dynamic Wrinkles.
SNAP-8
Section titled “SNAP-8”An acetyl octapeptide; a sequence extension of the hexapeptide, acting on the SNARE complex.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | SNAP8 |
| INCI | Acetyl Octapeptide-3 |
| Mechanism | The extended chain further interferes with the SNARE complex |
| Scenario | Deep periorbital lines |
Mechanistically overlaps with AH8 and Eyeseril; read side by side.
SYN-AKE
Section titled “SYN-AKE”A dipeptide mimicking the snake-venom action site, acting on muscle-type nicotinic receptors.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | S-AKE |
| Mechanism | Competitive antagonism of nmAChR |
| Scenario | Snake-venom-like instant anti-wrinkle |
Mechanistically related to AH8.
Pal-KTTKS
Section titled “Pal-KTTKS”Pal-KTTKS mimics a procollagen fragment, used in collagen-synthesis-related formulas.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | MATR (Pal-K5) |
| INCI | Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) |
| Mechanism | Mimics procollagen, promotes type I/III/IV collagen |
| Scenario | Dermal plumping, firmness and fullness |
Mechanistically overlaps with SYN-COLL and Matrixyl synthe’6; read side by side. Related to the problem scenarios in Collagen Aging.
Pal-GHK
Section titled “Pal-GHK”A palmitoyl tripeptide related to integrins, focused on the dermal matrix.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | Pal-GHK |
| INCI | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 |
| Mechanism | Integrin binding, dermal reticular remodeling |
| Scenario | Photoaging laxity, minor depressions |
Mechanistically related to GHK-Cu.
SYN-COLL
Section titled “SYN-COLL”SYN-COLL, a collagen-related raw material on the TGF-β pathway.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | S-COLL |
| INCI | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 |
| Mechanism | Activates TGF-β, endogenous collagen |
| Scenario | Nasolabial folds and other deep lines |
Mechanistically related to Pal-KTTKS.
Matrixyl synthe’6
Section titled “Matrixyl synthe’6”Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, trade name Matrixyl synthe’6, a multi-matrix synthesis raw material (the 6 in the name refers to six matrix-related components).
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | MATR-6 |
| INCI | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 |
| Mechanism | Collagen + fibronectin + Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and other 6 matrix components |
| Scenario | Forehead lines, crow’s feet, dermal reconstruction |
Mechanistically overlaps with Pal-KTTKS and Hex-9; read side by side.
Hexapeptide-9
Section titled “Hexapeptide-9”A basement-membrane peptide related to type IV/XVII collagen and laminin.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | HEX9 |
| INCI | Hexapeptide-9 (Collaxyl) |
| Mechanism | Type IV/XVII collagen and laminin |
| Scenario | Acne scars, basement membrane smoothing |
Mechanistically overlaps with Hex-10 and Hex-11; read side by side. Related to the problem scenarios in Acne Scars.
Hexapeptide-11
Section titled “Hexapeptide-11”A peptide related to fibroblast mitochondria and proteoglycans.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | HEX11 |
| INCI | Hexapeptide-11 |
| Mechanism | Fibroblast mitochondria, proteoglycans |
| Scenario | Dermal laxity, elastic thickness |
Mechanistically overlaps with Hex-9 and Pal-Hex-12; read side by side.
Hexapeptide-10
Section titled “Hexapeptide-10”Related to laminin-5 and α6-integrin, focused on anchoring.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | HEX10 |
| INCI | Hexapeptide-10 (Serilesine) |
| Mechanism | Laminin-5, α6-integrin |
| Scenario | DEJ anchoring, contour firming |
Mechanistically related to Hex-9.
Pal-Hex-12
Section titled “Pal-Hex-12”A palmitoyl hexapeptide mimicking an elastin fragment.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | Pal-H12 |
| INCI | Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 |
| Mechanism | Mimics an elastin fragment |
| Scenario | Rebound elasticity, neck lines, sagging |
Mechanistically related to Hex-11.
Hexapeptide-2
Section titled “Hexapeptide-2”A brightening-pathway peptide related to α-MSH.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | HEX2 |
| Mechanism | Antagonizes α-MSH receptor binding |
| Scenario | Dullness, dark spots, melasma |
Mechanistically overlaps with Nonapeptide-1 and Carnosine; read side by side. Related to the problem scenarios in Pigmentation.
Nonapeptide-1
Section titled “Nonapeptide-1”An MC1-R occupancy-type brightening peptide.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | NP1 |
| INCI | Nonapeptide-1 |
| Mechanism | Occupies MC1-R, inhibiting tyrosinase activation |
| Scenario | Sun spots and pigmentation, brightening |
Mechanistically related to Hex-2.
Carnosine
Section titled “Carnosine”An anti-glycation dipeptide; traps aldehyde/ketone groups and inhibits AGEs.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | CARN |
| INCI | Carnosine |
| Mechanism | Traps aldehyde/ketone groups, inhibits AGEs |
| Scenario | Anti-glycation, sallowness |
Mechanistically related to Hex-2.
Eyeseril
Section titled “Eyeseril”Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5; related to periorbital microcirculation and permeability.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | EYES (AH4) |
| INCI | Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 |
| Mechanism | Reduces capillary permeability, promotes lymphatic drainage |
| Scenario | Periorbital puffiness, congestive eye bags |
Mechanistically overlaps with Adifyline and SNAP-8; read side by side. Related to the problem scenarios in Eye Area Concerns.
Adifyline
Section titled “Adifyline”Acetyl Hexapeptide-38, a raw material related to adipocyte differentiation.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | ADIF |
| INCI | Acetyl Hexapeptide-38 |
| Mechanism | PPARγ coactivation, adipocyte differentiation |
| Scenario | Localized volume (cheeks, etc.) |
Mechanistically related to Eyeseril.
Myristoyl Hexapeptide-16
Section titled “Myristoyl Hexapeptide-16”A hair-follicle growth-related peptide used in eyelash and scalp care discussions.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | M-HEX16 |
| INCI | Myristoyl Hexapeptide-16 |
| Mechanism | Dermal papilla cell growth signals, extends the anagen phase |
| Scenario | Eyelashes, eyebrows, scalp hair growth |
Mechanistically overlaps with MP-17 and Biotin-GHK; read side by side. Related to the problem scenarios in Hair Loss and Eyelashes.
A peptide related to hair keratin expression.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | MP17 |
| INCI | Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 |
| Mechanism | Hair keratin gene expression |
| Scenario | Eyelash thickness and resilience |
Mechanistically related to M-Hex-16.
Biotin-GHK
Section titled “Biotin-GHK”A biotin tripeptide related to follicular matrix adhesion.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Spec code | BIO-GHK |
| INCI | Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 |
| Mechanism | Follicular ECM adhesion, inhibits atrophy |
| Scenario | Scalp anti-aging and hair-loss prevention |
Mechanistically overlaps with M-Hex-16 and GHK-Cu; read side by side.
Quality and Formulation Notes (General)
Section titled “Quality and Formulation Notes (General)”| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| INCI | Follow standard names; don’t rely on trade names alone |
| Purity/assay | Supplier COA, HPLC |
| Recommended use level | Follow the raw-material supplier TDS and formula system; not a fixed value |
| Solvent/stability | Palmitoyl increases lipid solubility; avoid high-concentration acids/vitamin C in the same bottle with GHK-Cu |
| Compatibility | Use at different times from retinol and acids; watch pH and preservative systems |
Specific specs vary by supplier and batch.
Key References
Section titled “Key References”Argireline review PMID: 40565185; Pal-KTTKS PMID: 18492182; carnosine anti-glycation PMID: 30199874.
Safety Boundaries and Limitations
Section titled “Safety Boundaries and Limitations”Raw-material-grade research cannot be equated with finished-product efficacy; sensitive skin needs a patch test. Identical INCI names do not mean identical process and purity.
Keyword Decoding (Spoke Pages)
Section titled “Keyword Decoding (Spoke Pages)”- Copper Peptides — Blue copper peptide vs “pseudo-copper peptides”, concentration and compatibility
- Signal Peptides — Same names with different meanings, and the four cosmetic peptide classes
- Peptide Serum — INCI decoding for serum forms and choosing peptides by goal
- Peptide Moisturizer — Form science, carriers, and penetration reality
Practical workflow and quality control: before using or comparing an ingredient, see reconstitution, storage, COA, and administration routes; operating standards in Peptide Basics.