Direct Answer
Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) is an enkephalin-derived cosmetic peptide marketed for expression lines; independent peptide-specific evidence is limited.
Summary Table
Evidence Level
Preclinical
AI Summary
Leuphasyl (INCI Pentapeptide-18) is an enkephalin-derived cosmetic peptide marketed in the "neuro-cosmetic" category for the appearance of expression lines. The evidence base is preclinical and limited: independent, peptide-specific primary studies are scarce, and much of the available literature involves cosmetic formulation or delivery studies rather than isolated peptide efficacy. It is a cosmetic ingredient, not an approved medicine, and controlled human outcome data specific to the peptide are limited. Effects are framed as marketed and studied in formulation contexts, not established.
Key Information
Classification
Key Takeaways
- Leuphasyl is the cosmetic peptide Pentapeptide-18, marketed for expression lines
- Independent, peptide-specific evidence is limited; most studies involve full formulations
- It is a cosmetic ingredient, not an approved medicine
Scientific Overview
In Plain English
Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) is a cosmetic peptide used in some anti-wrinkle products, marketed to relax expression lines. There is very little independent research on the peptide by itself; most studies involve full cosmetic formulations. It is a cosmetic ingredient, not a medicine.
Scientific Details
Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) is an enkephalin-derived peptide marketed as a "neuro-cosmetic" for expression-line appearance, proposed to modulate neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction. Independent, peptide-specific primary evidence is limited; the available literature includes cosmetic formulation and delivery studies (for example nanoparticle carriers combining Pentapeptide-18 with other actives) rather than controlled efficacy trials isolating the peptide.
How It Works
Leuphasyl is described in marketing and research as an enkephalin-derived peptide proposed to modulate neurotransmitter release relevant to muscle contraction and expression lines. This proposed mechanism is not established by controlled human efficacy studies isolating the peptide.
Mechanism of Action
Proposed neurotransmitter modulation
cell
Marketed as an enkephalin-derived "neuro-cosmetic" peptide proposed to modulate neuromuscular signaling relevant to expression lines; not established by controlled efficacy studies isolating the peptide.
Evidence Level
Human Evidence
Controlled human efficacy data isolating Pentapeptide-18 are limited; most available studies involve multi-ingredient cosmetic formulations or delivery systems.
Cell Evidence
Formulation and delivery studies characterize the peptide in cosmetic contexts.
Limitations
Independent peptide-specific primary evidence is scarce; marketed effects are not established by controlled trials isolating the peptide.
Why This Grade
Graded preclinical: independent, peptide-specific primary evidence is limited, and available studies address cosmetic formulation/delivery rather than isolated peptide efficacy.
References
- Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Incorporated with Retinol and Pentapeptide-18-Optimization, Characterization, and Cosmetic Application. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.Cell / In Vitrodoi:10.3390/ijms251810078 →
Alternative Names
- Pentapeptide-18
- Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu (enkephalin-derived)
Risks & Safety
- Not a medicine; used as a cosmetic ingredient with the usual patch-test considerations
- Independent evidence specific to the peptide is limited; marketed anti-aging effects are not established
- Most available data involve multi-ingredient formulations, so effects cannot be attributed to the peptide alone
Claim Boundaries
ION BLUE is an educational research aggregator. This content summarizes published scientific literature. It is not medically reviewed, is not medical advice, and is not a recommendation to use any substance. Consult a licensed healthcare provider. This entry summarizes limited cosmetic-ingredient research and is not an assertion that Leuphasyl produces any particular result.
This page summarizes published research and is for informational purposes only; it is not medical advice.