Oxytocin vs Leuphasyl
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a natural hormone produced in the hypothalamus, often called the 'love hormone' or 'bonding hormone.' It plays key roles in social bonding, childbirth, lactation, and stress regulation.
Full details →Leuphasyl
Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) is a cosmetic peptide that reduces muscle tension through a mechanism similar to enkephalins. Often combined with Syn-Ake for enhanced anti-wrinkle effects.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Oxytocin | Leuphasyl |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to oxytocin receptors in the brain and peripheral tissues. Promotes social bonding, reduces anxiety and stress response, and has various peripheral effects on smooth muscle contraction. | Mimics enkephalin and binds to enkephalin receptors on muscle cells, reducing acetylcholine release and thereby decreasing muscle contraction intensity. |
| Typical Dosage | Intranasal: 20-40 IU (international units) for social/anxiolytic effects. Clinical uses (labor induction) require IV administration under medical supervision. | Topical: 3-8% concentration in serums. Often used in combination products with other muscle-relaxing peptides. |
| Administration | Intranasal spray for behavioral effects. IV only in clinical settings. Sublingual also possible. Best used situationally rather than continuously. | Topical application to expression lines. Best results with consistent twice-daily use over 8+ weeks. |
| Side Effects | Intranasal: headache, nasal irritation, drowsiness. May cause over-attachment or emotional sensitivity. IV (clinical): uterine hyperstimulation, water retention. | Very well-tolerated topically. No significant adverse effects reported at cosmetic concentrations. |
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