Pentapeptide-18 (0.05 Ppm)
Pentapeptide-18 (also known as Leuphasyl) is a synthetic five amino-acid peptide composed of alanine, glycine, leucine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine. It is claimed to target expression wrinkles caused by facial movements by hindering the muscle contraction process. Its mechanism is similar to Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3), though they act at different stages of the contraction pathway. When combined with Argireline in the trade-named blend Argirelox, the two peptides are reported to work synergistically.
Manufacturer in-vivo testing showed that 5% Leuphasyl alone reduced wrinkles by 11% after 28 days, while a combination of 5% Leuphasyl and 5% Argireline reduced wrinkles by an average of 25% (with maximum values up to 47%). It is primarily positioned as an anti-expression-wrinkle active that works by interfering with muscle contraction signaling.
