Pentapeptide-18 vs 5-Amino-1MQ
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pentapeptide-18Fat Loss & Metabolic
5-Amino-1MQ- Summary
- Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) is a synthetic pentapeptide that mimics the sequence of enkephalin, an endogenous neuropeptide. It acts on neuronal pain receptors in facial muscles to reduce muscle contraction intensity and depth of expression lines, functioning similarly to Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) but via a different receptor mechanism.
- 5-Amino-1MQ is a small-molecule NNMT (Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase) inhibitor that raises intracellular NAD+ levels and promotes fat burning. It is notable for targeting adipose tissue directly, reducing fat cell size and number while increasing metabolic rate.
- Half-Life
- Not applicable (topical)
- Estimated 4–8 hours
- Admin Route
- Topical
- Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.005–0.05% in formulation
- 50–100 mg
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Once to twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Reduces depth of expression lines (forehead, crow's feet, glabellar)
- Inhibits acetylcholine release for muscle-relaxing effect
- Complementary mechanism to Argireline for enhanced anti-wrinkle activity
- Reversible and well-tolerated
- No risk of systemic paralysis at cosmetic concentrations
- Suitable for daily use in serums and creams
- Raises intracellular NAD+ levels
- Directly targets adipose tissue for fat reduction
- Reduces fat cell size and differentiation
- Increases basal metabolic rate
- SIRT1 activation for metabolic regulation
- No stimulant cardiovascular side effects
- Synergistic with intermittent fasting and caloric restriction
- May have anti-aging metabolic benefits
- Side Effects
- Generally very well-tolerated topically
- Rare skin sensitivity or mild irritation
- Theoretical opioid receptor desensitization with very prolonged high-dose use (not documented cosmetically)
- Generally well-tolerated in available studies
- Mild GI discomfort (rare)
- Limited long-term human data
- Stacks With
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