Leuphasyl vs ACTH
Head-to-head comparison of Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) and ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (Corticotropin)) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.
| Property | Leuphasyl | ACTH |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Skin & Cosmetic | Skin & Cosmetic |
| Full Name | Pentapeptide-18 | Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (Corticotropin) |
| Molecular Weight | 569.6 Da | 4541 Da |
| Half-Life | N/A | ~10 minutes |
| Amino Acids | 5 | 39 |
| Typical Dose | 0.01-2% in cosmetic formulations | 10–1000 nM |
| Route | Topical | In vitro / ex vivo |
| Purity | ≥98% | ≥98% |
| Studies Count | 22 | 500 |
| Research Status | Clinical | Clinical/Pre-clinical |
Leuphasyl Benefits
- ✓wrinkle-appearance reduction
- ✓expression-line softening
- ✓topical anti-aging support
- ✓cosmetic skin-smoothing
ACTH Benefits
- ✓Stimulates melanogenesis
- ✓Supports eumelanin production
- ✓Useful for pigmentation-pathway research
- ✓May model UV-response signaling
Leuphasyl Dosing
Topical serum/cream 0.01-2%|Apply once or twice daily|Combine with moisturizer or peptide serum
ACTH Dosing
10 nM exposure|100 nM exposure|1 uM exposure
Leuphasyl Side Effects
- ⚠temporary redness
- ⚠mild irritation
- ⚠sensitivity in compromised skin
ACTH Side Effects
- ⚠Receptor desensitization
- ⚠Off-target melanocortin signaling
- ⚠Rapid proteolysis
Research Overview
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.
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.
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