Pentapeptide-18 vs Vesilute
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pentapeptide-18Anti-Aging & Longevity
Vesilute- 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.
- Vesilute is a tetrapeptide bioregulator (Lys-Glu-Asp-Leu) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson, tissue-specific for the retina and visual system. It supports retinal cell function, promotes normalization of photoreceptor protein synthesis, and is studied for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal aging, and vision preservation in the elderly.
- 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 retinal photoreceptor cell function and survival
- May slow progression of age-related macular degeneration
- Reduces retinal cell apoptosis from oxidative stress and aging
- Anti-aging effects on retinal pigment epithelium
- Potential support in diabetic retinopathy management
- Preserves visual acuity with aging
- Complementary to lutein, zeaxanthin, and NAD+ in ocular health protocols
- 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 ocular adverse events reported at standard doses
- Stacks With
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