Allure
May 2003

Botox® Spin-offs

Some face creams now contain an ingredient that mimics the effect of Botox® injections-but with less potent results, according to a small study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science. Acetyl hexapeptide-3, marketed as Argireline, is a synthetic made of amino acids that was specifically engineered to relax wrinkles. The eight women who completed the experiment applied a lotion containing a .05 solution of Argireline to the crow’s-feet. After one month, they had experienced no side effects, and before-and-after silicone molds demonstrated a 30 percent reduction, on average, in the depth of wrinkles. Like Botox® Argireline locally disrupts nerve signals sent to muscles, relaxing the muscles and flattening the overlying skin, according to Arturo Puig, director of regulatory affiars and documentation for Lipotec Cosmetic Division, Argireline’s manufacturer. But Argireline slows down these signals, whereas Botox® stops them altogether.