SNAP-8 vs MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
SNAP-8
SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is a cosmetic peptide that reduces the appearance of wrinkles by modulating muscle contraction. It is often called 'topical Botox' though it works through a different mechanism.
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 | SNAP-8 | MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Mimics the N-terminal end of SNAP-25, competing with native SNAP-25 for position in the SNARE complex. This reduces neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction, decreasing muscle contraction. | 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: 3-10% concentration in serums or creams, applied 1-2 times daily to target areas (forehead, crow's feet, etc.). | Due to extremely short half-life (minutes), typical protocols use 100-200mcg injected directly into target muscles immediately post-workout. |
| Administration | Topical application only. Should be applied to clean skin. Often formulated with penetration enhancers for better absorption. | Intramuscular injection into trained muscles within minutes of workout completion. Must be used immediately after reconstitution due to instability. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated topically. Rare reports of mild skin irritation. No systemic effects at cosmetic doses. | Injection site soreness, potential hypoglycemia, localized swelling. Short half-life limits systemic effects. |
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