Pentapeptide-18 vs TB-500
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pentapeptide-18Recovery & Repair
TB-500- 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.
- TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of Thymosin Beta-4, a naturally occurring peptide found in nearly all human and animal cells. It promotes cell migration to injury sites, accelerates tissue regeneration, and reduces chronic inflammation.
- Half-Life
- Not applicable (topical)
- 2–3 hours
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ, IM
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.005–0.05% in formulation
- 2–2.5 mg
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Twice weekly
- 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
- Enhances muscle tissue regeneration
- Accelerates healing of wounds and injuries
- Reduces inflammation and pain
- Improves flexibility and mobility
- Promotes new blood vessel formation
- Supports hair growth and skin health
- May improve cardiac function after injury
- Systemic healing effect — works at distance from injection site
- 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 discomfort
- Fatigue (rare)
- Headache (rare)
- Stacks With
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