Pentapeptide-18 vs Pinealon
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pentapeptide-18Cognitive EnhancementAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pinealon- 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.
- Pinealon is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) developed by the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation, designed to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and exert neuroprotective, neurogenic, and anti-aging effects by regulating pineal gland and brain cell function.
- Half-Life
- Not applicable (topical)
- Short (peptides rapidly degraded), but epigenetic/gene regulatory effects persist
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ, Oral, Intranasal
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.005–0.05% in formulation
- 5–10 mg (oral) or 50–100 mcg (SC)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Once daily for 10 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
- Neuroprotection against oxidative stress and hypoxia
- Promotes neuronal regeneration and repair
- Improves memory and cognitive function
- Enhances sleep quality via melatonin regulation
- Anti-aging effects on brain cells
- May slow cognitive decline in neurodegeneration
- Improves cerebrovascular circulation
- Reduces neuroinflammation
- 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)
- Excellent safety profile in clinical use
- Rare: mild drowsiness
- Transient mild headache at initiation
- Injection site reaction (SC)
- Stacks With
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