Pentapeptide-18 vs Ovagen
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pentapeptide-18Anti-Aging & Longevity
Ovagen- 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.
- Ovagen is a tripeptide bioregulator (Glu-Asp-Leu) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson, primarily targeting liver tissue. It supports hepatocyte function, liver cell regeneration, and protection against hepatic aging and disease. Ovagen is used in protocols for chronic liver disease, hepatoprotection, and metabolic liver conditions including fatty liver disease.
- Half-Life
- Not applicable (topical)
- Short (minutes); sustained gene-regulatory effects
- 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
- Hepatoprotective effects against toxic, viral, and metabolic liver damage
- Promotes hepatocyte regeneration and liver tissue repair
- May reduce liver fibrosis progression
- Supports liver metabolic function and detoxification capacity
- Anti-aging effects on hepatic tissue
- Useful in NAFLD/MASH supportive protocols
- Compatible with NAD+, glutathione, and BPC-157 in liver health stacks
- 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 clinically significant hepatotoxicity reported
- Stacks With
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