Comparison
Argireline vs. Hexarelin
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Cosmetic
Growth
CAS no.
616204-22-9
140703-51-1
Molecular weight
888.99 g/mol
887.05 g/mol
Half-life
no data
0.9 h
Sequence
Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2Mechanism 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.
Hexarelin
Hexarelin is a synthetic analog of the GHRP-6 family binding both the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a) and CD36. GHSR activation in the pituitary releases pulsatile growth hormone. Via CD36 in endothelium and myocardium, cardioprotective effects have been described in animal studies.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human trial
Studies
3
4
of which in humans
2
3
Effects recorded
3
3
Open conflicts
1
0
Documented adverse events
1
1