Pentapeptide-18
Also known as: Pentapeptide-18, Leuphasyl
What It Is
A 5-amino-acid peptide designed to target expression-related wrinkles through a complementary mechanism to acetyl hexapeptide-8. It is the active ingredient in the commercial peptide Leuphasyl®.
What It Does
Works by modulating enkephalin receptors (opioid pathway) to reduce muscle contraction-triggering signals — a different mechanism from Argireline, allowing a synergistic approach when used together for expression line reduction.
Best For
Benefits
- Complementary mechanism to Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 — targeting a different step in muscle contraction signaling
- Combined use with Argireline provides a broader anti-expression-line approach
- Well tolerated with excellent safety profile
When to Be Careful
- Like all expression-reducing peptides — subtle, accumulative effects vs. dramatic immediate results
- Requires consistent use
Works alongside Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8) for a synergistic dual-peptide expression line approach. Formulas combining both are considered among the more sophisticated peptide anti-aging approaches.
Pentapeptide-18 works through the opioid receptor pathway — not in the way opioid drugs work systemically. The term sounds alarming but the cosmetic action is limited to localized muscle signaling at the application site.
Part of a multi-peptide serum — morning or evening, consistently.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
No known significant topical concerns.
Peptides do not cause overuse irritation.