Pentapeptide-3
/ Synthetic pentapeptide; INCI 'Pentapeptide-3'; nicotinic acetylcholine receptor blocker (topical)ALIAS · Vialox (trade) · Pentapeptide-3 (INCI)
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Tier 4. Pentapharm's Vialox is marketed as a topical 'instant-effect' anti-wrinkle peptide acting as a competitive antagonist at the postsynaptic muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor — a snake-venom-derived (waglerin-like) mechanism intended to produce mild local muscle relaxation in expression-line areas. Supplier-authored evidence; peer-reviewed independent primary literature on Pentapeptide-3 specifically is sparse.
The supplier-described mechanism is competitive antagonism of the postsynaptic muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor — analogous to (and inspired by) snake-venom waglerin peptides. Topical application is claimed to produce mild local relaxation of facial mimic muscles, marketed as a 'topical alternative' framing relative to botulinum toxin. The pharmacological plausibility of meaningful transdermal delivery to neuromuscular junctions in clinical-grade quantities is contested.
Tier 4. Supplier-authored finished-product cosmetic trials are the primary evidence source. PubMed-indexed independent controlled comparisons with botulinum toxin or with vehicle are not available in the peer-reviewed literature.
No published independent safety database. Cosmetic INCI status implies regulatory acceptance for topical use. Theoretical neuromuscular concerns at clinical-grade concentrations are unlikely given the limited transdermal delivery of a hydrophilic pentapeptide.
Regulatory status
- FDA status:
- Not FDA-approved
The botulinum-toxin-analog framing in supplier marketing overstates the pharmacological reach of a topical pentapeptide; the same supplier-authored evidence is not equivalent to the rigorous clinical-trial evidence base supporting botulinum toxin in expression-line indications.