While cosmetic injectables are revered for being the most effective way to erase fine lines and wrinkles, we’re always on the hunt for good topical ingredients that provide comparable results, but without the side effects. With more and more studies now emerging to back up the benefits of Argireline, we decided to take an in-depth look at the anti-aging ingredient that many refer to as “Botox in a jar”. Can products containing Argireline really give you a smooth, firm, and wrinkle-free face? Let’s find out…
Contents
What is Argireline?
Argireline is the brand name for a specific peptide known as Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. It’s officially manufactured by a Spanish company called Lipotec, although they’ve licensed production out to other brands.
Argireline is a plant-derived compound that’s often compared to Botox because of how the two work in similar ways. When applied topically, Argireline inhibits communication between nerves and muscles. This prevents facial muscles from contracting properly, which stops dynamic wrinkles from forming.
Argireline vs Botox
While many may compare the two, Argireline differs from Botillium Toxin in a few ways. For starters, Botox is injected directly into the skin, which means faster results. Whether you’re treating the early signs of crow’s feet, deep marionette lines, or rigid wrinkles on your forehead and around your eyes, you’ll notice an improvement in your wrinkles after just one injection.
On the other hand, since the Argireline peptide is applied topically, it takes longer to make a difference. That said, regular use will provide long-term effects, compared to injectables that only last for a few months. Considering the fact that skincare products containing peptides are also much cheaper than injections, it’s easy to see why Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has become so popular!
Benefits of Argireline for Skin
Peptides are known for being extremely beneficial to the skin. Each peptide has its own unique effect, which is why many peptide skin care products contain a blend of different types. When it comes to Argireline, here’s what you can expect:
Prevents the Formation of Dynamic Fine Lines and Wrinkles
As mentioned, Argireline inhibits facial muscle contractions. This physically stops facial muscles from moving quite so much, meaning that all of those dynamic wrinkles (think crows feet around the eyes when you laugh, smile lines around your mouth, or the 11’s on your forehead when you frown) simply don’t appear.
Granted, those expression lines don’t mean much when you’re young – they’re a natural part of your appearance. However, the aging process causes a decline in the skin’s proteins, particularly collagen and elastin, which are responsible for keeping your skin smooth and elastic. Fewer structural proteins mean that those temporary creases will soon stop bouncing away each time your face relaxes, and will instead become permanently etched onto your skin. Preventing the formation of those expression lines in the first place therefore also prevents each one from turning into a deep and permanent wrinkle.
Scientific research backs this up. Studies have found that regular use of the peptide twice a day for four weeks results in a 48.9% reduction in wrinkle depth and length [1]. Research also shows that, even at high doses, the ingredient doesn’t cause irritation or side effects, even on sensitive skin [2].
Boosts Collagen Production
While inhibiting facial muscle contractions is an effective way to prevent wrinkles from forming, what about those deep creases that are already there? This is where the collagen-boosting abilities of Argireline really shine.
Just like other peptides, Argireline has the ability to increase the skin’s natural production of collagen. It does this in a very direct way – peptides are composed of amino acids, which your skin needs to build protein fibers. Studies show that, when used regularly, Argireline products are able to increase the number of collagen fibers in the skin [3]. This means that the skin has more proteins holding it up from within, preventing it from sagging and wrinkling. Ramping up collagen production is one of the main aims of every anti-aging routine, so it’s good to see that this peptide is able to do that so well.
Increases Skin Moisture Levels
The more collagen your skin has, the better it’s able to retain moisture. More moisture not only means that your skin cells are able to function optimally, but it also helps to keep them plumped up from within. As you can imagine, the plumper and fuller your skin is, the less visible your wrinkles will be.
In addition to helping to keep your face smooth and wrinkle-free, improved hydration will also make a difference to skin texture and tone.
Is Argireline Safe?
Argireline has been shown to be a safe beauty ingredient. No side effects have been reported from its use, even on sensitive skin. That said, if you’re concerned about using this peptide in a product for the first time, perform a patch test on a small area of skin on your hand before applying it to your face.
How to Use Argireline
Argireline works best when it’s in serum form, ideally as part of a peptide complex. Matrixyl 3000 makes for a good partner, with this peptide also known for its anti-wrinkle effects.
Whichever Argireline product you end up choosing, concentrate it onto each individual line and wrinkle when you’re applying it. From crows feet around the eyes to nasolabial folds around your mouth, give the product to the areas of your skin that need it the most.
Another option would be to go for anti-aging moisturizer products containing Argireline. However, since a wrinkle cream is thicker and heavier than a serum, its ingredients don’t penetrate into the skin at the same depth, meaning that it will take longer to see results.
Argireline Solution 10%
Do a search for Argireline products and you’ll likely stumble across this light solution from popular skincare brand The Ordinary. While it looks impressive, this oil-free formulation only contains one peptide. For best results, you would need to combine it with other peptides, botanical oils, and antioxidants.
Also note that you don’t quite need to use quite so much Argireline in a serum for its wrinkle reduction effects to take place. Even a product containing just 2% of the peptide would be beneficial.
Are There Any Ingredients That Shouldn’t Be Used with Argireline?
While Argireline mixes well with most other ingredients, our review found that there is one that shouldn’t be used in the same routine; vitamin C, particularly in the form of L-ascorbic acid and ethylated ascorbic acid. When these direct acids are combined with peptides, a chemical reaction takes place that reduces the efficacy of all ingredients involved.
FAQs
Is Argireline better than retinol?
Yes, when it comes to the ability to give you smoother and wrinkle-free skin, Argireline is better than retinol. That said, retinol does also have some powerful beauty-related benefits, so using a product complex containing both would give you the best results.
Does Argireline cause sagging?
No, this is a myth. Studies show that Argireline products tighten and prevent sagging skin, and definitely don’t cause it.
When should you use Argireline?
Research shows that Argireline products should be used twice a day for best results, even if you’re also using Matrixyl 3000. Include the ingredient in both your morning and night skincare routine and you should see a reduction in wrinkle depth and length after just one month.
Conclusion
When it comes to the most effective, non-prescription anti-aging products, Argireline is, without a doubt, at the very top of the list. It’s capable of firming and tightening even deeper wrinkles, and, unlike injectables, its effects stick around for the long term. This may be the first time that you’re hearing about Argireline, but we can guarantee that it won’t be the last – this ingredient really is set to revolutionize the anti-aging skin care industry.
References
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23417317/
[2] https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01381484
[3] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235878739_The_anti-wrinkle_efficacy_of_Argireline
