PT-141 (Bremelanotide) vs Pentapeptide-18
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Sexual Health & Libido
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pentapeptide-18- Summary
- PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is a cyclic peptide melanocortin receptor agonist that enhances sexual desire and arousal through central nervous system mechanisms. It is FDA-approved as Vyleesi for premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
- 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.
- Half-Life
- 2–3 hours
- Not applicable (topical)
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- Topical
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 0.5–1.75 mg
- 0.005–0.05% in formulation
- Frequency
- As needed (not daily)
- Twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Enhances sexual desire and libido in both men and women
- Improves arousal through central nervous system activation
- Effective for psychological erectile dysfunction
- Works for female sexual arousal disorder
- May improve sexual satisfaction and intensity
- Fast-acting — effects within 45–60 minutes
- FDA-approved for HSDD in premenopausal women
- 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
- Side Effects
- Nausea (most common — 40% of users in clinical trials)
- Facial flushing and warmth
- Transient blood pressure changes (typically increase then normalize)
- Headache
- +2 more
- Generally very well-tolerated topically
- Rare skin sensitivity or mild irritation
- Theoretical opioid receptor desensitization with very prolonged high-dose use (not documented cosmetically)
- Stacks With
- —
- —