Argireline vs MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Argireline
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) is a widely-used cosmetic peptide that reduces wrinkle depth by inhibiting neurotransmitter release. One of the first 'Botox-like' peptides developed for topical use.
Full details →MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is a splice variant of IGF-1 that is produced locally in muscle tissue in response to mechanical stress. The non-PEGylated form has a very short half-life.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Argireline | MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Inhibits the formation of the SNARE complex required for neurotransmitter release, reducing the intensity of muscle contractions that cause expression lines. | Activates muscle satellite cells (stem cells) and promotes their proliferation without differentiation, priming them for fusion with existing muscle fibers during repair and growth. |
| Typical Dosage | Topical: 5-10% concentration in serums, applied twice daily. Higher concentrations used in professional treatments. | Due to extremely short half-life (minutes), typical protocols use 100-200mcg injected directly into target muscles immediately post-workout. |
| Administration | Topical application to clean skin. Most effective on expression lines (forehead, crow's feet). Consistent use required for visible results. | Intramuscular injection into trained muscles within minutes of workout completion. Must be used immediately after reconstitution due to instability. |
| Side Effects | Generally very well-tolerated. Occasional mild irritation or dryness. No systemic absorption at cosmetic doses. | Injection site soreness, potential hypoglycemia, localized swelling. Short half-life limits systemic effects. |
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