Follistatin vs Argireline
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Follistatin
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin, the protein responsible for limiting muscle growth. By blocking myostatin, follistatin can theoretically allow for increased muscle development beyond natural limits.
Full details →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 →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Follistatin | Argireline |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to and neutralizes myostatin and activin, both of which are negative regulators of muscle mass. This removes the natural brake on muscle growth, allowing for enhanced hypertrophy. | Inhibits the formation of the SNARE complex required for neurotransmitter release, reducing the intensity of muscle contractions that cause expression lines. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. | Topical: 5-10% concentration in serums, applied twice daily. Higher concentrations used in professional treatments. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Different isoforms exist (FS344, FS315) with varying properties. Requires careful sourcing due to complexity. | Topical application to clean skin. Most effective on expression lines (forehead, crow's feet). Consistent use required for visible results. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Theoretical concerns about effects on other organs where activin signaling is important. | Generally very well-tolerated. Occasional mild irritation or dryness. No systemic absorption at cosmetic doses. |
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