SNAP-8 (10mg)
Table of Contents
Quickstart Highlights
SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is a synthetic octapeptide originally developed as a cosmeceutical ingredient for anti-wrinkle effects[1][2]. It is an extended analog of the hexapeptide Argireline, designed to mimic part of the SNAP-25 protein involved in neuromuscular signaling[5]. By competitively inhibiting SNAP-25 in the SNARE complex, SNAP-8 attenuates acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions, thereby relaxing facial muscle contractions without causing paralysis[1][5]. This educational protocol presents a once-daily subcutaneous approach using a practical dilution for clear insulin-syringe measurements.
- Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → ~3.33 mg/mL concentration.
- Target dose: 330–1,000 mcg once daily (gradual titration over 8–12 weeks).
- Easy measuring: At 3.33 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 33.3 mcg on a U-100 insulin syringe.
- Storage: Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); avoid freeze–thaw cycles.
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Standard / Gradual Approach (3 mL = ~3.33 mg/mL)
| Week | Daily Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 330 mcg (0.33 mg) | 10 units (0.10 mL) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 500 mcg (0.50 mg) | 15 units (0.15 mL) |
| Weeks 9–12 | 1,000 mcg (1.0 mg) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
| Weeks 13–16 (Optional) | 1,000 mcg (1.0 mg) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
Frequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously. This schedule uses the largest practical dilution (3.0 mL) to keep per-injection units ≥10 for better accuracy. The gradual titration allows the body to acclimate while maximizing wrinkle-reduction benefits[3][4].
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake).
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
Protocol Overview
Concise summary of the once‑daily regimen.
- Goal: Support reduction of expression lines and wrinkles through gentle muscle relaxation[1][5].
- Schedule : Daily subcutaneous injections for 8–12 weeks (extend to 16 weeks if desired).
- Dose Range : 330–1,000 mcg daily with gradual titration.
- Reconstitution : 3.0 mL per 10 mg vial (~3.33 mg/mL) for accurate unit measurements.
- Storage : Lyophilized frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; avoid repeated freeze–thaw.
Dosing Protocol
- Start : 330 mcg daily for first 4 weeks to acclimate.
- Mid-Phase: Increase to 500 mcg daily (Weeks 5–8) if well tolerated.
- Target: 1,000 mcg daily by Weeks 9–12 for maximum effect[3][4].
- Frequency: Once per day (subcutaneous).
- Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks; optional extension to 16 weeks.
- Timing: Any consistent time; rotate injection sites.
Storage Instructions
- Lyophilized: Store at −20 °C (−4 °F) in dry, dark conditions; minimize moisture exposure[8].
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); use within 30 days for maximum potency[8].
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation uptake.
- Avoid freeze–thaw: Do not refreeze reconstituted solution; prepare aliquots if needed.
Suppilies Needed
Plan based on an 8–12 week nightly protocol with gradual titration.
- Peptide Vials (SNAP-8, 10 mg each):
-
- 8 weeks ≈ 3 vials
- 12 weeks ≈ 6 vials
- 16 weeks ≈ 8 vials
- Insulin Syringes (U‑100):
-
- Per week: 7 syringes (1/day)
- 8 weeks: 56 syringes
- 12 weeks: 84 syringes
- 16 weeks: 112 syringes
- Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles):
-
- 8 weeks (3 vials): 9 mL → 1 × 10 mL bottle
- 12 weeks (6 vials): 18 mL → 2 × 10 mL bottles
- 16 weeks (8 vials): 24 mL → 3 × 10 mL bottles
- Alcohol Swabs: One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
-
- Per week: 14 swabs (2/day)
- 8 weeks: 112 swabs → recommend 2 × 100-count boxes
- 12 weeks: 168 swabs → recommend 2 × 100-count boxes
- 16 weeks: 224 swabs → recommend 3 × 100-count boxes
Important Notes
Practical considerations for consistency and safety.
- Use new sterile insulin syringes; dispose in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation[7].
- Inject slowly; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
- Document daily dose and site rotation to maintain consistency.
- Results typically become noticeable after 2–4 weeks of consistent daily use[3][4].
How This Works
SNAP-8 is an extended analog of Argireline (hexapeptide) designed to mimic the SNAP-25 protein, which plays a crucial role in neurotransmitter release[1][2]. By competitively inhibiting SNAP-25 in the SNARE complex, SNAP-8 reduces acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions, leading to gentle muscle relaxation[5]. Unlike botulinum toxin (Botox) which cleaves SNAP-25 and causes muscle paralysis, SNAP-8 provides a milder, non-paralyzing effect that preserves natural facial expressions while reducing the depth of expression lines[1][5]. Preclinical studies showed SNAP-8 demonstrated approximately 30% greater activity than Argireline in reducing neurotransmitter release, with enhanced formulation stability[5].
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Research on oxytocin has uncovered a range of potential benefits:
- Reduces wrinkle depth by an average of approximately 35%, with maximal improvements approaching 60% in certain areas after 28–30 days of consistent application in topical studies[5].
- A 24-subject clinical trial using dissolving microneedle patches containing SNAP-8 showed significant reduction in eye wrinkles and improved skin elasticity over 4 weeks, with no adverse effects reported[4].
- An open-label 14-week study of a multi-peptide serum including SNAP-8 noted statistically significant smoothing of expression lines with good tolerability and no serious side effects[3].
- Generally well tolerated; occasional mild injection-site reactions (temporary redness, swelling, or soreness) may occur with subcutaneous administration[6].
- No systemic toxicity observed at typical doses; no reports of unwanted muscle weakness or systemic effects[5].
Lifestyle Factors
Complementary strategies for best outcomes.
- Maintain consistent skincare routine with quality moisturizers and sun protection to support skin health.
- Adequate hydration supports skin elasticity and overall peptide effectiveness.
- Quality sleep promotes natural skin repair processes and enhances peptide benefits.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure and use broad-spectrum SPF to prevent photoaging.
- Consider combining with other evidence-based skincare ingredients (retinoids, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid) for comprehensive anti-aging support.
Injection Technique
- Clean the vial stopper and skin with alcohol; allow to dry[7].
- Choose injection site with adequate subcutaneous fat layer (abdomen preferred for consistent absorption)[7].
- Pinch a skinfold; insert the needle at 90° (if adequate fat) or 45° (if thin) into subcutaneous tissue[7][10].
- Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily[10].
- Rotate sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) spacing at least 1 inch apart from previous injection[7][11].
- Use 29–31 gauge, 0.5 inch (12 mm) insulin syringes for comfortable subcutaneous administration[6].
Recommended Source
We recommend Go Alpha Labsfor high‑purity Kisspeptin (10 mg).
Why Go Alpha Labs?
- Verifies ≥99% purity through independent lab testing
- Trusted by researchers seeking reliable results
- Follows rigorous manufacturing standards for consistent quality
This content is intended for therapeutic educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. SNAP-8 is provided for research and educational purposes only and is not an FDA-approved drug for any medical use or human injection. Any descriptions of dosing or administration are for informational reference drawn from literature and experimental usage, not medical advice or endorsement. Researchers must adhere to all applicable laws and regulations governing peptide handling and use. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before beginning any new protocol.
References:
| Source | Link |
|---|---|
| International Journal of Cosmetic Science — Argireline hexapeptide with antiwrinkle activity (human study; 10% cream reduced wrinkle depth ~30% after 30 days) | View Source |
| Journal of Analytical Science and Technology — Method development for acetyl octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) analysis by LC-MS/MS; stability and analytical characterization | View Source |
| Journal of Drugs in Dermatology — Open-label 14-week trial of multi-peptide serum (including SNAP-8); statistically significant smoothing of expression lines with good tolerability | View Source |
| Annals of Dermatology — Clinical safety and efficacy evaluation of dissolving microneedle patch containing SNAP-8; 24-subject trial showed significant wrinkle reduction and improved elasticity over 4 weeks with no adverse effects | View Source |
| Frontiers in Chemistry — Cosmeceutical peptides review; SNAP-8 mechanism (SNARE complex inhibition), ~30% greater activity than Argireline, and enhanced stability | View Source |
| Advances in Therapy — Subcutaneous injection of drugs: literature review of factors influencing pain sensation; fine gauge needles and small volumes minimize discomfort | View Source |
| MedlinePlus (NLM/NIH) — Subcutaneous injection patient instructions; technique, site selection, and rotation guidance | View Source |
| GenScript Technical Resources — Peptide storage and handling guidelines; lyophilized storage at −20 °C, reconstituted refrigeration, and stability considerations | View Source |
| CDC — Vaccine administration: subcutaneous route guidance (angle, site, and technique) | View Source |
| CDC (Subcut Injection PDF) — Technique diagram and site guidance for subcutaneous injections | View Source |
| NCBI Bookshelf — Best practices for injection technique (asepsis, preparation, administration, and site rotation) | View Source |
| Pure Lab Peptides — SNAP-8 (10 mg) product page (quality, batch documentation, and supplier information) | View Source |