Description
SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) is an eight-residue peptide that mimics the N-terminal end of SNAP-25, a protein in the SNARE complex that drives neurotransmitter release. It is the two-residue extension of Argireline and a standard tool in SNARE and cosmetic-peptide research. Pure Peptides Canada supplies it as a lyophilized research reagent in 10 mg vials, with an independent Janoshik HPLC and mass-spectrometry report, CAD pricing and tracked shipping from inside Canada.
SNAP-8 at a glance
- What it is: Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2, Argireline (Ac-EEMQRR-NH2) with Ala-Asp added.
- What researchers study: competition with SNAP-25 for a place in the SNARE complex, vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release in cell models, and topical-formulation behaviour.
- Evidence level: in-vitro SNARE studies and small manufacturer-run cosmetic studies. Little independent clinical data.
- Supplied as: sealed lyophilized powder, 10 mg, single vial or box of 10.
- Delivery: ships from inside Canada by tracked Xpresspost in 3–7 days ($25 CAD), or free in 4–12 days on orders over $299.
SNAP-8
Acetyl octapeptide-3 · acetyl glutamyl heptapeptide-3 · SNAP-25 mimetic
- Ac
- E
- E
- M
- Q
- R
- R
- A
- D
- NH₂
Black: the Argireline core (EEMQRR). Blue: acetyl cap and the Ala-Asp extension. Outlined: C-terminal amide.
- Length
- 8 amino acids, acetylated and amidated
- Molecular formula
- C41H70N16O16S
- Molecular weight
- ≈ 1075 g/mol
- Template
- N-terminal region of SNAP-25
- Form
- Lyophilized powder, sealed vial
- Sizes
- 10 mg (single or box of 10)
- SKU
- PP-SNAP8
Where the evidence stands
- Cell studies
- Animal models
- Small human studies
- Approved medicine
Human data comes from small, mostly manufacturer-run cosmetic studies. SNAP-8 is a cosmetic ingredient, not a drug.
What is SNAP-8?
Nerves release neurotransmitters when vesicles fuse with the cell membrane, a process driven by the SNARE complex of three proteins: syntaxin, VAMP and SNAP-25. In the early 2000s, Spanish researchers working with the company Lipotec showed that a short peptide copying the N-terminal end of SNAP-25 could compete with the real protein and partially block SNARE assembly in cell models. That hexapeptide became the cosmetic ingredient Argireline.
SNAP-8 adds two more residues from the SNAP-25 sequence, which in the developer’s data gave somewhat stronger activity. Both peptides are sold widely in topical cosmetics marketed for expression lines, but most of the human evidence comes from small, sponsor-run studies. For researchers, SNAP-8 is a convenient, well-defined peptide for probing SNARE-complex assembly and for comparing peptide length against activity.
What SNAP-8 research looks at
- SNARE assembly: competition with SNAP-25 in reconstituted and cell-based systems.
- Exocytosis: catecholamine or neurotransmitter release in chromaffin and neuronal cell models.
- Structure-activity: SNAP-8 compared with the shorter Argireline hexapeptide.
- Formulation science: stability and skin-penetration models for topical peptides.
- Cosmetic peptide comparisons: alongside the copper peptides GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu.
Regulatory status: this vial is not a cosmetic, drug or supplement. Acetyl octapeptide-3 appears as an ingredient in cosmetics, but we sell SNAP-8 strictly as a laboratory reagent for in-vitro research.
Why researchers order SNAP-8 from Pure Peptides Canada
Add a 10 mg vial or a box of 10 above. Orders over $299 ship free across Canada.
See lab resultsChecking a SNAP-8 identity report
These are the values to compare against when you open the mass-spectrometry result for a SNAP-8 batch. They are calculated from the sequence Ac-EEMQRRAD-NH2 (C41H70N16O16S):
- Monoisotopic mass: 1074.49 Da (average molecular weight about 1075.2 g/mol).
- Singly charged ion, [M+H]+: m/z 1075.49. With two arginines in the sequence, electrospray spectra often show the doubly charged ion, [M+2H]2+ at m/z 538.25, as the stronger peak.
- Methionine oxidation: SNAP-8 contains one methionine, so a satellite peak 16 Da heavier ([M+H]+ m/z 1091.49) indicates oxidized material. A little can form during analysis; a large one points to exposure to air, heat or light.
- A mix-up check: a main peak at [M+H]+ m/z 889.43 would match Argireline (Ac-EEMQRR-NH2), the shorter related peptide, rather than SNAP-8.
Our guide to reading a peptide mass spectrum explains charge states and adducts, and Janoshik batch reports are listed on the peptide testing page.
SNAP-8 FAQ
Where can I buy SNAP-8 in Canada?
Pure Peptides Canada stocks SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) as a lyophilized research reagent in 10 mg vials and ships it from inside Canada by tracked Xpresspost in 3–7 days ($25 CAD), or free in 4–12 days on orders over $299.
What is the difference between SNAP-8 and Argireline?
Argireline is the six-residue peptide Ac-EEMQRR-NH2. SNAP-8 extends it by two residues, Ala-Asp, to eight. Both mimic SNAP-25. Our Argireline vs SNAP-8 guide compares the evidence.
Is SNAP-8 related to Botox?
Both affect the SNARE complex, but differently. Botulinum toxin is an enzyme that cuts SNAP-25. SNAP-8 is a short peptide that competes with SNAP-25 and produces a much weaker effect in laboratory models.
Is this SNAP-8 third-party tested?
Yes. The listing links an HPLC purity and mass-spectrometry identity report from Janoshik Analytical, an independent lab. Our COA guide explains how to read it.
Can this SNAP-8 be used on skin?
No. This vial is a laboratory reagent, not a cosmetic, and is not for human or animal use of any kind, including topical application.
For laboratory research use only. Not a drug, supplement, food or cosmetic, not for human or veterinary use, and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Gianna –
Can’t beat the price for this quality. Really happy with it.