Pentapeptide-18 vs ARA-290
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pentapeptide-18Immune SupportRecovery & Repair
ARA-290- 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.
- ARA-290 is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the helix B region of erythropoietin (EPO). Unlike EPO, it selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR) without stimulating hematopoiesis, providing tissue protection, anti-inflammation, and neuropathy relief.
- Half-Life
- Not applicable (topical)
- ~2–4 hours (SC administration)
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.005–0.05% in formulation
- 4 mg (fixed dose)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Once 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
- Reduces neuropathic pain from small fiber neuropathy
- Anti-inflammatory without immune suppression
- Tissue protection after ischemia/reperfusion injury
- Promotes nerve fiber regeneration
- Improves symptoms of sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy
- May reduce insulin resistance and improve metabolic health
- Shown to improve autonomic neuropathy symptoms
- 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)
- Injection site reactions
- Mild fatigue at initiation
- Transient warm sensation post-injection
- Rare: mild headache
- Stacks With
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