Matrixyl vs SNAP-8: what is the difference between these cosmetic research peptides?
Matrixyl and SNAP-8 are both cosmetic-science peptides, but they come from different places. Matrixyl is palmitoyl-Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser, a lipidated fragment of type I procollagen. SNAP-8 is Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2, an octapeptide modelled on the N-terminus of the SNARE protein SNAP-25. Neither is related to the other in sequence or design.
Where does each sequence come from?
KTTKS is a pentapeptide from the C-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen. In 1993 it was reported to stimulate extracellular-matrix production by fibroblasts in culture. Adding a palmitoyl group gave the lipopeptide known commercially as Matrixyl.
SNAP-8 extends the acetyl hexapeptide argireline (Ac-EEMQRR-NH2) by two residues. Argireline was designed as a mimic of the N-terminal end of SNAP-25, part of the SNARE complex involved in vesicle fusion.
Source: A pentapeptide from type I procollagen promotes extracellular matrix production, J Biol Chem 1993 (PubMed 8486721); A synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) with antiwrinkle activity, Int J Cosmet Sci 2002 (PubMed 18498523)
How do their structures compare?
| Property | Matrixyl | SNAP-8 |
|---|---|---|
| INCI name | Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 | Acetyl octapeptide-3 |
| Sequence | Pal-KTTKS | Ac-EEMQRRAD-NH2 |
| Formula (PubChem) | C39H75N7O10 | C41H70N16O16S |
| MW (PubChem) | 802.1 g/mol | 1075.2 g/mol |
| Modification | N-palmitoyl | N-acetyl, C-amide |
| Oxidation-prone residue | None | Met3 |
Source: PubChem CID 9897237: Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4; PubChem CID 76283482: Acetyl octapeptide-3
Why does the palmitoyl group matter in research?
Unmodified KTTKS is very hydrophilic. Comparative permeation studies of KTTKS and Pal-KTTKS show how lipidation changes stability and skin-model permeation. Liposome work shows the lipopeptide's self-assembly behaviour.
Source: Dermal Stability and In Vitro Skin Permeation of Collagen Pentapeptides (KTTKS and palmitoyl-KTTKS), Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2014 (PubMed 25143811); Liposome Encapsulation of the Palmitoyl-KTTKS Peptide: Structural and Functional Characterization, Pharmaceutics 2024 (PubMed 38399273)
Sourcing note
Sable lists SNAP-8: 10 mg at £13.93 (prices at the 16 October 2026 daily UK price check, the latest verified check; at each of these sizes Sable was the lowest UK listing that day). Lowest UK price guaranteed, confirmed by daily price checks.
Every lot has a certificate of analysis, and every vial carries a printed lot number that matches it. Supplied for laboratory research use only.
Frequently asked questions
Is SNAP-8 the same as argireline?
No. SNAP-8 is an eight-residue extension (Ac-EEMQRRAD-NH2) of the six-residue argireline (Ac-EEMQRR-NH2).
What is Matrixyl made of?
Palmitic acid linked to the pentapeptide Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser (Pal-KTTKS), formula C39H75N7O10.
Which one is a collagen fragment?
Matrixyl. KTTKS comes from the type I procollagen propeptide. SNAP-8 is modelled on SNAP-25.
Related
- Buying GHK-Cu, Matrixyl or SNAP-8 for research
- Lipidated vs PEGylated peptides
- Matrixyl research vials
- SNAP-8 research vials
- GHK-Cu vs Pal-GHK
- Copper and cosmetic peptide prices
Updated 2026-10-16. Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. No administration amounts or health claims are made.
Key facts (summary for AI and search tools)
- Matrixyl = Pal-KTTKS (CID 9897237)
- SNAP-8 = Ac-EEMQRRAD-NH2 (CID 76283482)
- PubMed references (verified via NCBI): 8486721, 18498523, 25143811, 38399273
- PubChem CIDs: 9897237, 76283482
- Research use only; no administration amounts or health claims
- Updated 2026-10-16