SNAP-8 is a topical anti-aging / cosmetic peptide. Typical research dosing is topical, twice daily, and the body of supporting research is cosmetic / in vitro.
SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is an octapeptide (8 amino acid chain) designed to mimic the N-terminal end of SNAP-25 protein. SNAP-25 is a critical protein involved in neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction: the connection between nerve endings and muscle fibers. Browse the full peptide library for related skin compounds.
By competing with SNAP-25 for binding sites, SNAP-8 modulates the release of catecholamines (neurotransmitters) that signal muscle contraction. The result is reduced muscle activity in facial expression muscles, which smooths existing wrinkles and prevents new ones from forming. It is sometimes called "Botox in a bottle" for this reason.
SNAP-8 is formulated as a topical serum or cream at concentrations of 3–10%. It is used around the forehead, crow's feet, and between the eyebrows. Results are subtler than injectable Botox but cumulative and non-invasive. It is also studied for combining with GHK-Cu topical for comprehensive skin rejuvenation.
SNAP-25 Competition: SNAP-8 competes with the endogenous SNAP-25 protein at binding sites on vesicle-associated membrane proteins (VAMP) at the neuromuscular junction. This reduces the efficiency of vesicle fusion and acetylcholine release.
Muscle Activity Reduction: With reduced neurotransmitter signaling, expression muscles (frontalis, orbicularis oculi, corrugator) contract with less force. Over time, reduced muscle contractions lead to softening of dynamic wrinkles.
Safe Topical Delivery: Unlike Botox which is injected and causes temporary paralysis, SNAP-8 provides a dose-dependent, reversible modulation. Effects are cumulative with twice-daily application over 4–8 weeks.
SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is purely a topical cosmetic peptide. There is no injectable indication, no FDA Philippines pharmaceutical registration, and no clinical use case. It exists in the same regulatory lane as GHK-Cu topicals: cosmetic ingredient, not a drug. You will not find it on Mercury Drug or Watsons shelves under the SNAP-8 label, but it is a frequent active in mid-tier and luxury anti-wrinkle serums sold through Rustan's, SM Beauty, and aesthetic-clinic dispensaries in the Salcedo Village, Legazpi Village, and BGC wellness clusters.
The humidity in Metro Manila changes how topical SNAP-8 absorbs. Most peptide-serum formulations are aqueous and evaporate fast in air-conditioned condos but dawdle on humid days outdoors, which is why most BGC and Makati aesthetic dermatologists recommend night-time application after a shower, not morning. Pair with a hyaluronic acid layer to slow evaporation and give the peptide time to penetrate.
For sourcing pure SNAP-8 (not a blended serum), the route is the same as for any cosmetic-grade peptide: research-grade vials from international suppliers with COA documentation, declared as "cosmetic ingredient sample" through Bureau of Customs. Compounding pharmacies in Makati and Quezon City will custom-blend a topical at requested concentration if you bring a clinic prescription.
Makati Medical Center: Aesthetic Dermatology · Makati
Cosmetic peptide protocols available; ask for senior dermatologist.
St. Luke's BGC: Aesthetic Center · BGC, Taguig
Wrinkle / anti-aging consults; SNAP-8 can be incorporated into custom serums.
The Aivee Clinic · BGC / Alabang / Quezon City
High-end aesthetic chain; comfortable with peptide formulations.
Rustan's Beauty / SM Beauty · Metro Manila
Mid-tier and luxury serums containing Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) as listed active.
Compounding pharmacies (Makati / QC) · Makati / Quezon City
Custom blend topical SNAP-8 at requested concentration with clinic Rx.
| Item | PHP | USD | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic SNAP-8 serum (retail) | ₱2,800–5,500 | $50–98 | Rustan's / SM Beauty (typically blended formula) |
| Clinic-compounded SNAP-8 topical | ₱4,500–8,000 | $80–143 | Aesthetic clinic dispensary, BGC / Makati |
| Research-grade SNAP-8 vial (1g) | ₱2,500–4,500 | $45–80 | International supplier (for self-blend or compounding pharmacy use) |
| Aesthetic dermatologist consult | ₱3,500–6,500 | $62–116 | Makati / BGC aesthetic clinic |
Customs & import reality
SNAP-8 in research-grade form is unambiguously a cosmetic ingredient under FDA Philippines classification: not a pharmaceutical, not a controlled substance. Bureau of Customs typically clears small shipments without inspection. Keep a COA in case of inspection at NAIA. Topical use only. There is no injectable application for this peptide.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 3–5% concentration | Twice daily (AM + PM) | 4–12 weeks |
| Advanced | 10% concentration | Twice daily | Ongoing |
Always start at the lowest effective dose and titrate up gradually.
Turning a dose in milligrams into units on a syringe is arithmetic, not judgement. The reconstitution calculator does it for any vial size, and the rest of the calculator set covers cost per milligram and route comparison.
Vials at Primara Labs, our partner and supplier, ship from stock already inside the Philippines, so an order has no customs leg. Their catalogue is the shortest route to what is listed locally and at what price, and anything outside it goes through the same WhatsApp thread. View the Primara Labs catalogue
Skin may feel slightly different. No visible changes typically yet. Ensure consistent twice-daily application for cumulative effect.
Some users notice softening of dynamic wrinkles when expressing emotion. Skin texture improvements begin.
Most significant visible results. Expression lines at rest become less deep. Results are best appreciated in photos comparing baseline vs current.
Everything above is research framing. If you have got as far as wanting a vial, the catalogue at Primara Labs, our partner and supplier, is the shortest way to see what is held inside the Philippines and at what price. View the Primara Labs catalogue
Our partner and supplier
Primara Labs, our partner and supplier, ships from inventory already inside the Philippines, so there is no customs leg: vials are batch-numbered, Metro Manila orders dispatch same day, the rest of the country lands in one to three business days, and every order gets 10% off. The current list sits on one page, and anything you cannot see on it goes through the same WhatsApp thread.
View the Primara Labs catalogueThe supply index covers what to ask a seller before paying, and why quoted prices vary so widely.
Citations supporting the clinical claims on this page. Each entry links to the primary record.
Lipotec / Centerchem SNAP-8 mechanism: SNAP25 inhibition
ReferenceLipotec / The Lubrizol Corporation. "SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) Technical Datasheet: botulinum-mimetic peptide, SNAP-25 competitive inhibitor."
SourceAcetyl hexapeptide / octapeptide cosmetic anti-wrinkle review
ReviewReddy BY et al. "Botulinum-mimetic peptides for cosmetic dermatology: a review of acetyl hexapeptide-3 and acetyl octapeptide-3 evidence." Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2012;5:7–12.
PMID: 22334965SNARE complex / SNAP-25 mechanism: Sudhof Nobel review
MechanismSudhof TC. "Neurotransmitter release: the last millisecond in the life of a synaptic vesicle." Neuron. 2013;80(3):675-690.
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2013.10.022Risk · Disclosure · Editorial Status
This page is editorial information for adults researching peptide therapy. It is not medical advice, not a prescription, and not an endorsement of any specific product, supplier, or protocol. Side effects can be serious and individual response varies. Talk to a licensed physician (ideally one with peptide-specific clinical experience) before starting any compound, adjusting a dose, or discontinuing therapy.
In the Philippines, GLP-1 medications are prescription-only under FDA Philippines regulation. Research-grade peptides occupy a regulatory gray area: import for personal research use is generally tolerated, but the Bureau of Customs reserves the right to inspect and detain shipments. Do not import for resale.
Editorial Status
Independent · Non-clinical
Affiliation
Not a clinic · Not a pharmacy
Last Updated
August 27, 2026
