Pentapeptide-18 vs VIP
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pentapeptide-18Immune SupportSleep Optimization
VIP- 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.
- VIP is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide with profound anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and immunomodulatory effects. It plays a critical role in gut motility, circadian rhythm, and immune tolerance. Used therapeutically for CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), MCAS, and inflammatory conditions.
- Half-Life
- Not applicable (topical)
- ~2 minutes in plasma (rapidly degraded by peptidases); intranasal delivery may extend local CNS effects
- Admin Route
- Topical
- Intranasal, SubQ, IV
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 0.005–0.05% in formulation
- 50 mcg (4 sprays of 12.5 mcg each)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- 4x 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
- Potent anti-inflammatory for CIRS and mold illness
- Improves pulmonary hypertension symptoms
- Regulates gut motility and IBS symptoms
- Modulates circadian rhythm and sleep quality
- Reduces mast cell activation (MCAS)
- Improves cognitive function in neuroinflammatory conditions
- Vasodilatory — reduces vascular resistance
- 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)
- Facial flushing (transient, intranasal)
- Mild nausea
- Headache at initiation
- Hypotension at high doses
- +1 more
- Stacks With
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