Pentapeptide-18 cosmetic peptide suspension · peptide found in Leuphasyl-class actives™ / Botox-mimetic neuropeptide · choose base, strength, and preservation
Pentapeptide-18 is a synthetic, enkephalin-mimicking neuropeptide found in Leuphasyl-class actives that targets dynamic expression lines; Formulate Labs supplies Pentapeptide-18 only and does not sell Leuphasyl.
Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu (Leuphasyl / enkephalin mimic) · CAS 649563-79-3
Pentapeptide-18 is a synthetic, enkephalin-mimicking neuropeptide designed to target dynamic expression lines. By binding to exterior enkephalin receptors on nerve cells, it closes calcium channels and effectively modulates the release of acetylcholine across synapses. This reversible, localized decrease in neuronal excitability reduces facial muscle contractions without the invasive nature or toxicity of paralytic injections. For cosmetic science positioning, it serves as a highly effective topical alternative—or synergist—to botulinum toxin, excelling in targeted forehead and periorbital anti-aging skin care systems.
Market context: — Pentapeptide-18, the active found in Leuphasyl-class neuromodulators, is widely recognized for its targeted action on expression lines. Other market offerings combine Pentapeptide-18 with additional peptides like Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (as seen in Argirelox-class blends) or position it as a broad-spectrum anti-wrinkle agent (as seen in SpecPed® PP18P-class actives). Formulate Labs supplies Pentapeptide-18 only; we do not sell or represent these branded trade-name SKUs.
At Formulate Labs, Pentapeptide-18 is supplied in highly compatible stock carriers such as Glycerin/Water and Sea Kelp Bioferment. The active’s highly hydrophilic nature integrates seamlessly into these aqueous bases, with Sea Kelp Bioferment offering a nutrient-dense foundation rich in fucoidan and algin that synergizes with the peptide’s hydrating properties, provided the matrix’s ionic strength is managed to prevent precipitation.
Hair & scalp note: PP-18 has no utility in hair care. Its entire purpose is enkephalin-receptor binding to suppress acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction — neurotransmitter modulation does not affect follicle proliferation, anagen growth, or keratin shaft structure. Including it in a scalp serum or shampoo is a waste of raw material budget.*
These attributes are assessments based on the ingredient deck and the supplier information available to us. They are not third-party certifications (no Kosher, Halal, Vegan, or similar certifying body has audited or issued a certificate for this material). If your finished product requires a specific certified status, please reach out and we’ll walk through what we can document.
Every lot is produced to order in our AI-powered robotic factory. Nothing sits on a warehouse shelf going stale - you get a date-of-manufacture-fresh batch every time.
Formulate Labs supplies Pentapeptide-18 (INCI) only, and does not sell or represent supplier-branded trade-name SKUs like Leuphasyl.
Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) is an enkephalin-mimetic neuropeptide that modulates calcium channels to reduce acetylcholine release — a Botox-mimetic mechanism complementary to Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline), which targets the SNARE complex. These are independent, third-party papers we link for formulators evaluating mechanism, tolerability, and published panel data. We did not conduct this research and do not guarantee replication in your finished formula.
Independent spectroscopic and molecular-interaction characterization of pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) supporting enkephalin-receptor and expression-line cosmetic positioning.
Foundational Argireline SNARE-complex mechanism paper — Leuphasyl is routinely stacked with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 because PP-18 blocks calcium-triggered acetylcholine release while Argireline blocks vesicle fusion.
Recent multi-peptide expression-line serum study reporting wrinkle and texture improvements with Argireline-class and Syn-Ake co-actives.
Peer-reviewed overview of neurotransmitter-inhibitor and enkephalin-mimetic cosmetic peptides used in expression-line finished products.
These citations are provided for informational and formulation-research purposes only. Study designs, concentrations, vehicle systems, and populations vary and may not match the suspensions on this page. Published results do not constitute FDA or EU cosmetic claim substantiation for your brand. Always review the primary literature and consult your regulatory counsel before making structure/function statements on finished products.
This is the per-ingredient composition of the suspension as it ships. Updates dynamically when you change the base, strength, or preservation system above. The peptide line shows the PP-18 loading; the preservative line shows the supplier-blend percentage with its sub-ingredients nested below.
SDS + TDS are issued per recipe (each base / preservative combination has its own regulatory paperwork). The links below swap when you change your selection above. COA is batch-specific and ships with the order.
