Comparison
Argireline vs. Ipamorelin
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Cosmetic
Growth
CAS no.
616204-22-9
170851-70-4
Molecular weight
888.99 g/mol
711.86 g/mol
Half-life
no data
2 h
Sequence
Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2Aib-His-D-2-Nal-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.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a selective agonist at the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a). Compared to GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 its selectivity for the growth-hormone axis is higher; ACTH, cortisol and prolactin are not significantly stimulated in clinical studies. This selectivity was the main reason for its development over older GHRPs.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human RCT
Studies
3
4
of which in humans
2
3
Effects recorded
3
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
1