Pentapeptide-18 vs Livagen
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pentapeptide-18Anti-Aging & Longevity
Livagen- 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.
- Livagen is a dipeptide bioregulator (Lys-Glu) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson, tissue-specific for the liver and thymus. It supports hepatocyte function, promotes liver cell regeneration, and modulates immune function via thymic activity. Research suggests benefits in chronic liver disease, hepatic aging, and immune restoration following liver damage.
- Half-Life
- Not applicable (topical)
- Short (minutes); gene-regulatory effects are sustained
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ, Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.005–0.05% in formulation
- 10 mg per day
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Daily for 10–30 days
- 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
- Supports hepatocyte regeneration and liver tissue repair
- Normalizes liver cell protein synthesis
- Immune modulation via thymic activity
- Potential benefits in chronic hepatitis and liver aging
- Anti-aging effects on hepatic tissue
- May support liver recovery after toxic insult or alcohol damage
- Complementary to NAD+ and glutathione in liver health protocols
- 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
- Mild injection site reactions
- No significant hepatotoxic effects reported at standard doses
- Stacks With
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