Pentapeptide-18

Leuphasyl, [D-Ala2]Leucine-Enkephalin, 64963-01-5

A synthetic pentapeptide that mimics enkephalins to inhibit acetylcholine release, reducing facial muscle contractions and expression wrinkles.

Molecular Profile

Formula C₂₉H₃₉N₅O₇

Mol. Weight 569.6 g/mol

Sequence Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro...

Clinical Data Trials

Scientific Data Studies

Route	Dosage	Bioavailability
Topical 0.5-2% concentration in formulation	0.5-2% concentration in formulation	Low (10%)	TOP
Intraperitoneal (animal) 1-5 mg/kg	1-5 mg/kg	High (80%)	INT

How It Works

How It Works: Pentapeptide-18 mimics the action of enkephalins by binding to specific receptors on nerve cells, thereby inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters and reducing muscle contractions that cause expression wrinkles.

Binds to enkephalin receptors on presynaptic neurons.
Inhibits calcium influx into the neuron.
Reduces the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.
Decreases the intensity and frequency of facial muscle micro-contractions.

Pairs Well With

Latest Studies

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Utility 4

pubmed Sep 24, 2024

Retinol and Oligopeptide-Loaded Lipid Nanocarriers as Effective Raw Material in Anti-Acne and Anti-Aging Therapies.

Pawłowska. Małgorzata M; Marzec. Marta M; Jankowiak. Waldemar W; Now...

A new skin cream that packs retinol and a tiny peptide called pentapeptide‑18 inside tiny fat particles (lipid nanocarriers) was tested. The cream stayed stable at room temperature and, when used by volunteers, it cut down oily skin (helpful for acne) and reduced facial wrinkles. Importantly, the nanocarriers also softened the usual irritation that retinol can cause.

Utility 3

pubmed Sep 19, 2024

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Incorporated with Retinol and Pentapeptide-18-Optimization, Characterization, and Cosmetic Application.

Pawłowska. Małgorzata M; Marzec. Marta M; Jankowiak. Waldemar W; Now...

Researchers made tiny fat‑based particles (SLNs) that can hold both retinol and the skin‑benefiting peptide pentapeptide‑18. They showed the mix stays stable (size, spread, charge) for at least a month at room temperature, meaning it could be used as a reliable anti‑aging ingredient in creams.

Utility 3

pubmed Jan 14, 2020

D-tyrosine adds an anti-melanogenic effect to cosmetic peptides.

Park. Jisu J; Jung. Hyejung H; Jang. Bohee B; Song. Hyun-Kuk HK; Han. Inn-Oc IO;...

Adding a D‑tyrosine molecule to the end of short skin‑care peptides (like the anti‑wrinkle peptide pentapeptide‑18) gives those peptides the ability to lighten skin by cutting down melanin production, while still keeping their original anti‑aging or anti‑inflammatory benefits.

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