Pentapeptide-18 vs PE-22-28
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pentapeptide-18Cognitive Enhancement
PE-22-28- 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.
- PE-22-28 is a synthetic analog of spadin derived from sortilin, designed to block TREK-1 potassium channels with rapid-onset antidepressant and neurogenic effects. It shows fast-acting depression relief (within 24 hours) and promotes hippocampal neurogenesis.
- Half-Life
- Not applicable (topical)
- Relatively short; CNS effects may persist due to neurogenic mechanisms
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ, Intranasal
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.005–0.05% in formulation
- 200–400 mcg
- 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
- Rapid-onset antidepressant effects (within 24 hours)
- Promotes hippocampal neurogenesis
- Improves cognitive performance and memory
- Reduces anxiety and depressive behavior
- Novel mechanism — does not act on serotonin/dopamine/GABA receptors directly
- May help treatment-resistant depression
- Neuroprotective effects
- 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 animal models
- Limited human data available
- Possible mild headache or transient mood changes at initiation
- Injection site reactions (SC)
- Stacks With
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