Acetyl Octapeptide-3

Acetyl Octapeptide-3 is a synthetic eight-amino-acid peptide, often listed as SNAP-8 in cosmetics. Serums and creams use it to reduce the appearance of expression lines, though independent evidence is limited.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
Known as SNAP-8, it may soften the look of expression lines.
Category
Anti-aging, Tone/Texture, Firming
Type
Peptide

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

May soften the look of forehead and smile lines for a temporarily smoother appearance. Available data is preliminary, so effects are usually modest.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Included in lightweight serums, gel creams, and primer-style treatments that blur lines under makeup. Often paired with humectants or film-formers in leave-on formulas.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Generally well tolerated, but sensitive skin may experience transient redness or stinging; patch testing is prudent. No widely recognized regulatory restrictions at typical cosmetic levels.

Is Acetyl Octapeptide-3 a Good Ingredient?

This lands at Fair because most support comes from supplier data and small studies, so results tend to be mild and short-lived. A small risk of irritation exists, especially near the eye area or at higher use levels.