ACTH vs Leuphasyl
Head-to-head comparison of ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (Corticotropin)) and Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.
| Property | ACTH | Leuphasyl |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Skin & Cosmetic | Skin & Cosmetic |
| Full Name | Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (Corticotropin) | Pentapeptide-18 |
| Molecular Weight | 4541 Da | 569.6 Da |
| Half-Life | ~10 minutes | N/A |
| Amino Acids | 39 | 5 |
| Typical Dose | 10–1000 nM | 0.01-2% in cosmetic formulations |
| Route | In vitro / ex vivo | Topical |
| Purity | ≥98% | ≥98% |
| Studies Count | 500 | 22 |
| Research Status | Clinical/Pre-clinical | Clinical |
ACTH Benefits
- ✓Stimulates melanogenesis
- ✓Supports eumelanin production
- ✓Useful for pigmentation-pathway research
- ✓May model UV-response signaling
Leuphasyl Benefits
- ✓wrinkle-appearance reduction
- ✓expression-line softening
- ✓topical anti-aging support
- ✓cosmetic skin-smoothing
ACTH Dosing
10 nM exposure|100 nM exposure|1 uM exposure
Leuphasyl Dosing
Topical serum/cream 0.01-2%|Apply once or twice daily|Combine with moisturizer or peptide serum
ACTH Side Effects
- ⚠Receptor desensitization
- ⚠Off-target melanocortin signaling
- ⚠Rapid proteolysis
Leuphasyl Side Effects
- ⚠temporary redness
- ⚠mild irritation
- ⚠sensitivity in compromised skin
Research Overview
ACTH
ACTH activates melanocortin receptors on melanocytes and can increase pigment synthesis. It is widely used as a reference peptide in studies of tanning, adrenal biology, and hyperpigmentation.
Leuphasyl
Pentapeptide-18 has published cosmetic and formulation literature supporting its use in anti-aging skincare. Evidence is strongest for topical cosmetic smoothing rather than deep structural remodeling.
Ready to buy?
Find both peptides from our verified, lab-tested vendors with purity certificates and third-party testing.