Ingredient Research
A synthetic hexapeptide shown in clinical studies to visibly soften the look of expression lines around the eyes and forehead.
What Is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8?
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (acetyl hexapeptide-3) is a synthetic peptide first described by researchers at Lipotec (now Lubrizol). It is one of the most popular peptides in modern anti-wrinkle skincare, valued for helping to visibly relax the look of expression lines around the eyes and forehead.
It is applied topically as a gentle part of a skincare routine. Independent 2025 reviews note that results depend largely on how well a formulation delivers the peptide into the skin.
Published studies report improvements in the appearance of expression lines over several weeks of twice-daily use.
Before
After 4 weeks
48.9% overall anti-wrinkle efficacy vs placebo
48.9% Overall Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy vs Placebo
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial examined the anti-wrinkle effects of topical Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 applied twice daily to the periorbital region (crow's feet area).
Study design: RCT, placebo-controlled, 60 subjects (3:1 ratio), 4 weeks, twice daily application
Key results:
- 48.9% total anti-wrinkle efficacy in the Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 group vs 0% in placebo
- All objective roughness parameters decreased significantly (p < 0.01)
Wang Y et al. (2013). American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. View on PubMed
Before
After 30 days
Up to ~30% softer-looking wrinkle depth
Up to ~30% Softer-Looking Wrinkle Depth in 30 Days
An early study by the peptide's developers combined laboratory (in-vitro) mechanism data with a small in-use test of an Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 emulsion.
Study design: Combined in-vitro + in-use proof-of-concept, healthy female volunteers, 30 days.
Key results:
- Up to ~30% reduction in measured wrinkle depth after 30 days (early proof-of-concept by the developers)
- Supported the appearance of smoother skin around the eyes over 30 days
Blanes-Mira C et al. (2002). International Journal of Cosmetic Science. View on PubMed
Before
After 5 days
14.6% fine wrinkle improvement
14.6% Improvement in Just 5 Days
A double-blind, randomized trial tested microneedle patches containing Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 against patches alone on 52 Korean female subjects using a split-face design.
Study design: Double-blind RCT, split-face, 52 subjects, 29 days
Key results:
- 14.6% fine wrinkle improvement vs 5.9% for patch alone (p < 0.05)
- 13.6% deep wrinkle improvement vs 3.5% for patch alone
- Statistically significant results within just 5 days
An JH et al. (2019). Annals of Dermatology. View study
Published References
A synthetic hexapeptide with antiwrinkle activity
Blanes-Mira C et al., 2002 · International Journal of Cosmetic Science · 24(5):303-310
The anti-wrinkle efficacy of a synthetic hexapeptide in Chinese subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study
Wang Y et al., 2013 · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology · 14(2):147-153
Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy of a Microneedle Patch with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and EGF
An JH et al., 2019 · Annals of Dermatology · 31(3):263-271
Acetyl hexapeptide-3 in a cosmetic formulation acts on skin mechanical properties
Tadini KA, Mercurio DG, Campos PMBGM, 2015 · Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences · 51(4):901-909
The efficacy study of the combination of tripeptide-10-citrulline and acetyl hexapeptide-3
Raikou V et al., 2017 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology · 16(2):271-278
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 in Cosmeceuticals - A Review of Skin Permeability and Efficacy
Zdrada-Nowak J et al., 2025 · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 26(12):5722
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8.
What is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8?
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is a synthetic peptide developed by Lipotec (now Lubrizol). Applied topically, it is valued in skincare for helping to visibly relax the look of expression lines around the eyes and forehead for a smoother appearance.
How effective is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 for wrinkles?
In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, topical Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 delivered 48.9% overall anti-wrinkle efficacy versus 0% for placebo (Wang 2013). It is particularly valued for the look of dynamic expression lines - crow's feet, forehead lines and frown lines.
How does Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 work on expression lines?
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is applied topically as a gentle part of a skincare routine and is generally well tolerated. It is valued for helping to visibly relax the look of expression lines for a smoother appearance. How much effect is seen depends on the formulation's ability to deliver the peptide into the skin.
What concentration does Skingenetix use?
Skingenetix uses Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 at a well-studied cosmetic level, in line with the published clinical studies on this peptide.
How long before I see results?
Clinical studies show measurable improvements from day 15, with significant results at 28 days. Continued use beyond 28 days delivers additional cumulative benefits. For best results, apply twice daily to clean skin.
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Try Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Experience the research in our Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 Expression Line Reducing Serum.