Topical cosmetic / research peptide (anti-wrinkle neuropeptide)
Certifications
Topical cosmetic / research peptide (anti-wrinkle neuropeptide)
Description
Pentapeptide-18, commercially known as Leuphasyl, is a synthetic neuropeptide composed of five amino acids (Tyr–D-Ala–Gly–Phe–Leu). The 200mg (Topical) presentation is supplied as a lyophilized peptide intended for formulation into topical preparations for in-vitro and cosmetic research. Pentapeptide-18 mimics the activity of endogenous enkephalins at neuromuscular junctions and has been shown in laboratory and cosmetic studies to modulate acetylcholine release, reduce muscle contractions, and visibly soften expression wrinkles when used in topical formulations. Preliminary studies on topical Leuphasyl formulations have reported wrinkle-depth reductions in the range of approximately 28% to 34.7%, particularly in the forehead (glabellar) and periorbital regions.
Bnefits
Synthetic pentapeptide (Tyr–D-Ala–Gly–Phe–Leu) that mimics natural enkephalins and modulates neuromuscular signaling in laboratory and cosmetic studies.
Targets expression wrinkles by reducing neuronal excitability and acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, which may decrease facial muscle contraction and soften dynamic lines.
Topical formulations containing Leuphasyl have shown statistically significant reductions in wrinkle depth (around 28%–34.7% in some published studies at 2% concentration) in frontal and periorbital areas.
Considered a non-invasive, botox-like cosmetic active for research on anti-wrinkle creams, serums, and other topical systems.
Frequently used in combination with other neuropeptides such as acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) to provide additive or synergistic anti-wrinkle effects in cosmetic research.
Water-soluble, high-purity peptide suitable as a cosmetic raw material under appropriate laboratory or manufacturing conditions.
Indications
Supplied primarily for in-vitro, ex-vivo, and formulation research on topical anti-wrinkle and anti-aging cosmetic products.
Investigation of pentapeptide-18 as a neuromodulating cosmetic active targeting expression wrinkles (forehead, glabellar lines, crow’s feet) in topical formulations.
Use by qualified laboratories, researchers, or cosmetic chemists for developing and testing prototype creams, serums, and gels containing Leuphasyl as an active ingredient.
Not approved as a medicinal product; typically sold as a cosmetic raw material or research chemical rather than as a finished consumer treatment.
Composition
Active ingredient: Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl), sequence Tyr–D-Ala–Gly–Phe–Leu.
Molecular formula: C29H39N5O7.
Molecular weight: approximately 569.6–569.7 g/mol.
Form: high-purity (typically ≥98%) synthetic peptide in lyophilized powder form.
Grade: usually specified as cosmetic or research grade by suppliers.
Formulation
Lyophilized Pentapeptide-18 powder (200mg) intended to be reconstituted or dissolved into aqueous phases or cosmetic bases for topical research formulations.
Water-soluble peptide suitable for incorporation into emulsions, gels, serums, and lotions, often alongside humectants (e.g. glycerin) and preservation systems.
In commercial cosmetic concentrates (e.g. Leuphasyl peptide solutions), Pentapeptide-18 is commonly supplied in an aqueous glycerin base for ease of formulation, with recommended inclusion levels typically in the low single-digit percentage range in finished products.
The specific 200mg topical product from research suppliers is generally unformulated active (lyophilized peptide) requiring appropriate laboratory handling and formulation.
Packaging
Supplied as a single vial containing 200mg of lyophilized Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) peptide.
Typically packaged in sealed glass vials suitable for cold storage and protected from light and moisture.
Outer packaging (box or padded container) includes product identification (name, quantity, batch/lot, and purity) and may refer to use for research or cosmetic raw-material purposes only.
Some vendors offer multi-vial purchase discounts (for example, tiered savings when buying 2, 3, or 5 units).
Usage
Intended for qualified laboratory and formulation professionals; not a ready-to-use consumer cosmetic product.
Reconstitute the lyophilized peptide with sterile or suitably pure water or buffer, according to internal laboratory or manufacturing protocols, to create a stock solution for research or pilot formulations.
In cosmetic ingredient form (e.g. peptide solution concentrates), Leuphasyl is typically added to formulations in the cool-down phase (below approximately 40°C) to preserve peptide integrity.
Published cosmetic studies have used topical formulations containing around 2% Leuphasyl applied to expression-prone facial areas (forehead and periorbital region) twice daily for several weeks to evaluate wrinkle-depth reduction; these protocols are illustrative from the literature and not regulatory-approved medical treatments.
Follow all applicable safety, handling, and waste-disposal procedures for peptide research materials; avoid inhalation of powders and direct contact with eyes or mucous membranes in the laboratory.
Most research suppliers explicitly state that the product is for in-vitro or laboratory research use only and is not for human or veterinary consumption, injection, or unsupervised application.
Contraindications
This specific 200mg Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) product is generally sold for in-vitro or laboratory research use only; no formal clinical contraindication profile has been established for this research-grade material.
Finished cosmetic products containing Leuphasyl (e.g. creams or serums) are typically not recommended for individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to any component of the formulation.
Topical use in cosmetic form should generally be avoided on broken, irritated, or diseased skin unless safety has been specifically evaluated.
Because long-term safety data are limited, cosmetic use in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or in those with significant dermatologic or systemic conditions, should be approached cautiously and under appropriate professional guidance.
Any adverse reactions (erythema, pruritus, burning, swelling) reported with finished cosmetic formulations would relate to the entire formulation, not only the active peptide, and should prompt discontinuation and evaluation.
Adverse Effects
For the research-grade 200mg Pentapeptide-18 product, systematic human safety data are not established; suppliers typically restrict use to in-vitro or ex-vivo experiments.
In cosmetic studies of Leuphasyl-containing topical formulations, reported tolerability has generally been good, with occasional mild and transient local reactions (such as slight redness or irritation) possible as with many cosmetic actives.
Potential risks with any peptide cosmetic ingredient can include localized irritation, allergic or irritant contact dermatitis, or sensitivity reactions, depending on individual susceptibility and the full formulation.
Appropriate patch testing and professional oversight are recommended when developing or evaluating new topical formulations containing Leuphasyl.
Storage Conditions
Store the lyophilized peptide in a freezer or cold, dry place, commonly specified around −20°C or within a low-temperature range (e.g. −5°C to 8°C), protected from light and moisture.
Keep the vial tightly sealed until use to minimize exposure to air and humidity.
After reconstitution, store solutions at refrigerated temperatures (e.g. 2–8°C) and use within the period recommended by internal stability data, avoiding repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
Allow the vial to come to room temperature before opening to reduce condensation, and handle under clean laboratory conditions.
Follow any additional storage and handling instructions provided by the specific supplier on the product label or technical datasheet.
Duration
In published cosmetic studies where Leuphasyl has been incorporated into topical formulations, visible reductions in expression wrinkles have generally been evaluated over periods of about 4 to 8 weeks of twice-daily application, with some data showing significant improvements after 2 months at a 2% concentration. These timelines reflect research and cosmetic-efficacy studies rather than approved therapeutic regimens.
Onset
Cosmetic and clinical-efficacy data suggest that incremental improvements in wrinkle depth and skin smoothness can begin to be detected within several weeks of consistent topical use in study settings, with more pronounced effects typically reported after 4\u20138 weeks; precise onset varies by formulation, concentration, study design, and assessment method.
