Pentapeptide-18 vs Epithalon
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pentapeptide-18Anti-Aging & Longevity
Epithalon- 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.
- Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide developed from the pineal gland extract Epithalamin by Russian scientist Dr. Vladimir Khavinson. It is one of the most researched longevity peptides, known for activating telomerase and extending telomere length — the molecular hallmarks of cellular aging.
- Half-Life
- Not applicable (topical)
- 2–4 hours
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ, Sublingual
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.005–0.05% in formulation
- 5–10 mg total per cycle
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- 0.5–1 mg 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
- Activates telomerase enzyme, extending telomere length
- May slow cellular and biological aging
- Regulates melatonin production and circadian rhythms
- Improves sleep quality
- Powerful antioxidant properties
- May reduce incidence of age-related diseases
- Supports immune system function
- Studied for cancer prevention properties in animal models
- 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 irritation (mild)
- Temporary sleep changes during cycle (usually improves)
- Rare: fatigue
- Stacks With
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