---
title: "Matrixyl vs SNAP-8: what is the difference between these cosmetic research peptides? | Sable Peptides"
description: "Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Pal-KTTKS) and SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) come from different protein sources and are designed on different principles. Sequences, PubChem data and origin papers compared."
canonical: https://www.sablepeptides.co.uk/guides/matrixyl-vs-snap-8-signal-and-neurotransmitter-peptides
dateModified: 2026-10-16
publisher: Sable Peptides Limited (UK company 17488610)
note: Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
---

# 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)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8486721/); [A synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) with antiwrinkle activity, Int J Cosmet Sci 2002 (PubMed 18498523)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/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](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/9897237); [PubChem CID 76283482: Acetyl octapeptide-3](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/76283482)

## 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)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25143811/); [Liposome Encapsulation of the Palmitoyl-KTTKS Peptide: Structural and Functional Characterization, Pharmaceutics 2024 (PubMed 38399273)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/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](/guides/buyer-checklist-for-cosmetic-peptide-research-materials)
-   [Lipidated vs PEGylated peptides](/guides/lipidated-and-pegylated-peptides-in-the-catalogue)
-   [Matrixyl research vials](/products/matrixyl)
-   [SNAP-8 research vials](/products/snap-8)
-   [GHK-Cu vs Pal-GHK](/guides/ghk-cu-vs-pal-ghk-copper-peptide-and-lipopeptide)
-   [Copper and cosmetic peptide prices](/guides/uk-copper-and-cosmetic-peptide-prices-october-2026)

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