Pentapeptide-18
Pentapeptide-18, often called Leuphasyl, is a cosmetic peptide investigated for molecular interactions relevant to skin-aging hypotheses. Computational findings are not clinical wrinkle outcomes.
At a glance
- Regulatory status
- Cosmetic ingredient; cosmetic marketing or an ingredient listing is not FDA drug approval. Claims and intended use determine regulatory treatment.
- Research context
- Pentapeptide-18, often called Leuphasyl, is a cosmetic peptide investigated for molecular interactions relevant to skin-aging hypotheses. Computational findings are not clinical wrinkle outcomes.
What this is
- Pentapeptide-18, often called Leuphasyl, is a cosmetic peptide investigated for molecular interactions relevant to skin-aging hypotheses. Computational findings are not clinical wrinkle outcomes.
What this isn't
- A recommendation to use, prepare, combine, or administer a product
- Evidence that a related molecule or a differently formulated product has the same effects
Key terms
Pentapeptide-18, often called Leuphasyl, is a cosmetic peptide investigated for molecular interactions relevant to skin-aging hypotheses. Computational findings are not clinical wrinkle outcomes.
A 2026 study characterized the peptide with spectroscopy and computational chemistry, then modeled interactions with proteins associated with inflammatory and matrix-related pathways. Predicted binding is a hypothesis-generating result. It does not establish that a topical product reaches those proteins or meaningfully changes their activity in people. Primary study.
Evidence limits
How to read the evidence
The key gap is translation from molecule and model to a tested formulation in people. A study can be technically informative without proving the consumer claim attached to it. No equivalence to a prescription neuromuscular treatment follows from the reviewed work, and a predicted receptor interaction should not be described as a demonstrated clinical mechanism.
Sources appraised 2026-10-28. Educational information; not medical advice. Study findings apply to the populations, preparations and outcomes described.
External sources and citations
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