Comparison
Argireline vs. Sermorelin
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Cosmetic
Growth
CAS no.
616204-22-9
86168-78-7
Molecular weight
888.99 g/mol
3358 g/mol
Half-life
no data
0.2 h
Sequence
Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2YADAIFTNSYRKVLGQLSARKLLQDIMSRMechanism 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.
Sermorelin
Synthetic analogue of the first 29 amino acids of human growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Stimulates pulsatile endogenous growth-hormone secretion from the pituitary via the GHRH receptor. Very short plasma half-life — pharmacodynamic effect lasts several hours nevertheless.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human RCT
Studies
3
5
of which in humans
2
3
Effects recorded
3
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
3