Vilon vs Pentapeptide-18
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Immune SupportAnti-Aging & Longevity
VilonSkin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pentapeptide-18- Summary
- Vilon is a synthetic dipeptide (Lys-Glu) derived from the thymus gland extract Thymalin. The shortest immune-regulatory peptide known, Vilon modulates T-cell and NK-cell function, extends lifespan in animal models, and shows epigenetic anti-aging activity. It is one of the Khavinson peptide bioregulators.
- 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
- Very short as a free dipeptide; effects mediated via gene regulation
- Not applicable (topical)
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Oral
- Topical
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 1–2 mg SC daily or 5–10 mg oral daily
- 0.005–0.05% in formulation
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Immune system modulation and restoration
- Lifespan extension (30–40% in animal studies)
- T-cell and NK-cell activation
- Epigenetic anti-aging activity
- Reduces oxidative stress markers
- Antioxidant gene upregulation
- May prevent age-related immune senescence
- Anti-tumor immune surveillance
- 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
- Excellent safety profile, decades of Russian clinical use
- Rare: mild injection site reaction
- Very rare: mild allergic reaction
- 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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