Comparison
Argireline vs. Epitalon
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Cosmetic
Research other
CAS no.
616204-22-9
307297-39-8
Molecular weight
888.99 g/mol
390.35 g/mol
Half-life
no data
0.3 h
Sequence
Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2Ala-Glu-Asp-GlyMechanism of action
Argireline
Argireline is a synthetic hexapeptide whose sequence corresponds to the N-terminus of the SNAP-25 protein. In vitro it has been shown to competitively inhibit SNARE complex formation (necessary for vesicle fusion in neurotransmitter release). Topical application is intended — given very limited skin permeation — to attenuate cholinergic signalling at the neuromuscular endplate. The effect is orders of magnitude weaker than intramuscular botulinum toxin; the clinical translatability of the in-vitro observations to the skin microenvironment is contested.
Epitalon
Postulated mechanisms include modulation of gene expression in pinealocytes, telomerase activation (observed in cell culture studies) and influence on melatonin synthesis. A defined primary receptor is not established; the mechanistic basis rests on in-vitro and animal data from the Khavinson group.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human trial
Studies
3
4
of which in humans
2
1
Effects recorded
3
4
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
1