Argireline

Argireline is the trade name for Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, a synthetic anti-aging cosmetic ingredient derived from natural proteins. It is a peptide; a chain made up of amino acids.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 is manufactured and patented as the product Argireline by Barcelona-based research laboratory Lipotec.

Overview and common uses

Argireline’s purpose is to decrease the visible effects of aging by reducing the deep wrinkles and lines that occur around the forehead and eyes.

As a result a large number of cosmetics companies include Argireline in the formulation of their anti-aging products. These can include:

*creams
*lotions
*serums
*body milks
*eye creams
*gels
*emulsions.

Chemically, when applied as a solution to specific areas of the face, Argireline inhibits the reactions that cause muscles to move or contract - for example when forming facial expressions such as smiling or frowning.

In theory, repetitive muscle movements create lines and wrinkles and it is believed the attenuation of muscular contractions can reduce the depth of existing wrinkles and prevent the formation of new lines. [Lipotec S.A. Peptides & Delivery Systems (2006) “Argireline an anti-aging peptide” Code: PD010/PD011]

The reduction in muscle movement caused by Argireline has been shown to produce an anti-aging effect.

Cosmetic studies

Both in vitro (outside a living organism) and in vivo (using a living organism) tests have been carried out on Argireline.

Studies carried out on volunteers by scientific laboratory Advancell (on behalf of Argireline manufacture Lipotec) support biochemical theories of its wrinkle reducing properties.

Evidence from Advancell suggests that after four weeks of treatment Argireline reduces the depth of wrinkles by 16%. Continued tests indicate a reduction in wrinkle depth of up to 27% after 30 days of treatment. [Dr. Senen Vilaro (2005) ”Study on anti-wrinkle effect of Argireline by confocal profilometry techniques” Advancell, advanced in vitro cell technologies. Ref: CT441a]

afety levels - research

Argireline has been developed relatively recently and therefore reports on its long-term usage have not yet been produced. However scientific studies suggest that as part of a low formulation in a cosmetic product Argireline is a safe and effective agent.

It has been suggested that in large concentrations Argireline can cause the skin to sag. However, the peptide complex works by relaxing the muscles rather than affecting the skin. In addition, cosmetics companies commonly use Argireline only in very small amounts in their products – 10% or less. [Lipotec S.A. Peptides & Delivery Systems (2006) “Argireline an anti-aging peptide” Code: PD010/PD011] Manufacturers do not recommend concentrations over and above 10% and usage levels above this figure have not been found to be any more effective in terms of anti-aging effects.

Notably, in tests carried out by Advancell using 10% Argireline solution, no indications of skin sagging were recorded and the skin topographic analysis validated the proposed benefits of Argireline solution as a wrinkle reducing agent. [Dr. Senen Vilaro (2005) ”Study on anti-wrinkle effect of Argireline by confocal profilometry techniques” Advancell, advanced in vitro cell technologies. Ref: CT441a]

Argireline as a Botox alternative

Cosmetics companies have marketed Argireline as a cheaper alternative treatment to Botulinum Toxin A (Botox), [ Lipotec S.A. Peptides & Delivery Systems (2006) “Argireline an anti-aging peptide” Code: PD010/PD011] because the principles behind their chemical actions are similar. However, the small amounts of Argireline used in cosmetics make it a much milder alternative. It also works very differently because it is administered externally to the skin through creams and does not require injection.

References