Vialox vs Pentapeptide-18
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
VialoxSkin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pentapeptide-18- Summary
- Vialox is a synthetic pentapeptide that mimics the activity of conotoxin from cone snails, acting as an antagonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. Similar to Syn-Ake but derived from cone snail venom biochemistry, it reduces facial muscle contraction to smooth expression wrinkles.
- 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
- Not applicable (topical; effect duration hours)
- Not applicable (topical)
- Admin Route
- Topical
- Topical
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.005-0.05% in formulation
- 0.005–0.05% in formulation
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Reduces dynamic wrinkles from repetitive facial expressions
- Reversible muscle-relaxing effect without injection
- Smooths forehead, periorbital, and perioral lines
- Complementary to collagen-stimulating peptides
- Well-studied tolerability in cosmetic concentrations
- Can be combined with Syn-Ake for dual conotoxin/viper venom effect
- 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
- Generally very well-tolerated topically
- Rare contact sensitivity or mild irritation
- No clinically significant systemic neuromuscular effects at cosmetic doses
- 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
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