GHK (Basic) vs SNAP-8
A side-by-side research comparison of GHK (Basic) and SNAP-8 across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | GHK (Basic) | SNAP-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | GHK (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine, Copper-Free) | SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) |
| Category | Skin & Anti-Aging | Skin & Anti-Aging |
| Status | Cosmetic research peptide | Research compound |
| Mechanism | GHK is a matrikine signal peptide that resets gene expression toward tissue repair, stimulating collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and modulating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. It readily binds copper to become GHK-Cu in situ. | More effectively competes with SNAP-25 for SNARE complex incorporation due to longer sequence, providing greater vesicle-membrane fusion inhibition. |
| Molecular weight | 340.4 Da | 1,075 Da |
| Half-life | Short (peptide) | 8-14 hours (topical) |
| Bioavailability | Topical (local); injectable (research) | Moderate (topical) |
| Typical dose | Topical serum (~1-3 mg/mL) | 3-10% solution |
| Frequency | 1-2x daily | 2x daily |
| Route | Topical | Topical |
GHK (Basic) reported benefits
- Skin remodeling and repair signaling
- Stimulates collagen and elastin
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- Supports wound healing
- Improves skin firmness
SNAP-8 reported benefits
- Superior to argireline
- Deeper wrinkle reduction
- Prevents expression lines
- Good skin penetration
Related comparisons
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.