Pentapeptide-18 vs Thymagen
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pentapeptide-18Immune Support
Thymagen- 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.
- Thymagen is a dipeptide bioregulator (Glu-Asp) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson, tissue-specific for the thymus gland. It supports T-lymphocyte maturation, thymic function, and immune system normalization. As the thymus involutes with age (thymic atrophy), immune competence declines. Thymagen is used to support immune restoration, particularly in aging, post-illness recovery, and immunodeficiency states.
- 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
- Supports thymic epithelial cell function and T-cell maturation
- May partially restore thymic output reduced by age-related atrophy
- Normalizes T-lymphocyte subpopulation balance
- Supports immune recovery after illness, surgery, or chemotherapy
- Anti-aging effects on thymic tissue
- Complementary to Thymosin Alpha-1 and Thymalin in immune protocols
- May improve vaccine responsiveness in older individuals
- 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 significant immunological adverse events reported
- Stacks With
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