Pentapeptide-18 vs Teduglutide
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pentapeptide-18Recovery & Repair
Teduglutide- 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.
- Teduglutide is a GLP-2 (glucagon-like peptide-2) analog with enhanced stability. Unlike GLP-1, GLP-2 specifically acts on the intestinal epithelium to increase intestinal length, villus height, and absorption surface area. FDA-approved as Gattex for short bowel syndrome, it is also being investigated for IBD, leaky gut, and mucosal healing.
- Half-Life
- Not applicable (topical)
- ~2 hours; once-daily dosing due to gut-specific residence
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.005–0.05% in formulation
- 0.05 mg/kg/day
- 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
- Increases intestinal villus height and absorption surface area
- Reduces intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
- FDA-approved for short bowel syndrome
- Reduces parenteral nutrition dependence in SBS patients
- Promotes intestinal mucosal healing in IBD
- Increases tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin
- 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 reactions
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Nausea
- Risk of intestinal polyp growth (requires colonoscopy surveillance)
- +1 more
- Stacks With
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