Botulinum toxin has been used for many years to reduce the appearance of ageing signs such as expression lines. Applying a daily care product enriched with argireline is a less invasive but also effective alternative for diminishing expression lines.
Argireline, an alternative to botulinum toxin.
Summary
Published on May 13, 2025, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 4 min of reading
Themes:
Expression lines, in a nutshell.
Expression lines are caused by repeated muscular movements. These are the first signs that appear over time. They are common in areas of the face that are particularly stressed , such as around the eyes (crow's feet), between the eyebrows (frown lines), on the forehead or around the mouth. They are also referred to as dynamic wrinkles.
To eliminate dynamic wrinkles, it is undeniable that injectable neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport, Juveau) are formidable solutions. By paralysing the muscles, they prevent movements and "freeze" the skin. However, injections are not pleasant and can cause adverse effects (pain, itching, swelling, skin rashes). So, what to do if you don't want to go under the needle? Adopt a skincare routine with argireline!
What is Argireline?
Theargireline is a synthetic peptide that has several potential effects for combating wrinkles and fighting against ageing.
The term argireline is actually the trade name for a peptide, acetyl hexapeptide-3. To clarify, peptides are short sequences of amino acids. The argireline is the first isolated peptide to demonstrate effectiveness on dynamic wrinkles. It impacts the communication between the nerve and the muscle, so that the muscles cannot contract optimally. In addition to its muscle-paralysing effects, this peptide stimulates the production of collagen, which helps to keep the skin smooth and wrinkle-free.
Which active ingredients should be used with Argireline?
A study suggests that it works well in conjunction with another peptide, the tripeptide-10-citrulline, which increases the permeability of argireline so that it penetrates to a depth that allows it to target the muscles responsible for wrinkles. Moreover, this peptide is also often combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) to enhance the benefits of hydration. Therefore, you can use in addition to an argireline treatment the hydrating serum or the nourishing cream, both enriched with HA.
In which products can we find Argireline?
Known by its I.N.C.I. name "Acetyl hexapeptide-8", Argireline is a recent active ingredient in the beauty market. Formulas that contain it are most often serums, day or night creams, or even eye contour treatments. Some foundations may also be enriched with Argireline. Non-photosensitising, products that contain Argireline can generally be used both in the morning and in the evening (provided there are no photosensitising ingredients).
To ensure that the chosen skincare product contains a significant amount of Argireline, verify that it is listed among the first ingredients on the I.N.C.I. list.
It's worth noting, argireline can be challenging to formulate, and some manufacturers mix the ingredient with alcohols, which counteracts its moisturising function!
Sources
Raikou V, Varvaresou A, Panderi I, Papageorgiou E.The efficacy study of the combination of tripeptide-10-citrulline and acetyl hexapeptide-3. A prospective, randomised controlled study.J Cosmet Dermatol. (2017).
An JH, Lee HJ, Yoon MS, Kim DH.The anti-wrinkle effectiveness of a cross-linked hyaluronic acid-based microneedle patch containing Acetyl hexapeptide-8 and epidermal growth factor on Korean skin.Ann Dermatol. (2019).
Wang Y, Wang M, Xiao XS, Huo J, Zhang WD.The anti-wrinkle effectiveness of argireline.J Cosmet Laser Ther. (2013).
