Vialox
Pentapeptide-3V - a synthetic cobra venom-derived peptide that blocks postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, reducing facial muscle contraction for non-injection wrinkle reduction.
⚠ Research & Educational Use Only. Vialox is a research chemical documented here for scientific education. All information references peer-reviewed literature and preclinical/clinical study data. Not for human consumption. Not medical advice. Consult a licensed researcher or healthcare professional before any laboratory use.
- Blocks nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) at the neuromuscular junction - prevents acetylcholine-triggered muscle contraction
- Inspired by alpha-cobratoxin from cobra venom but engineered as a safe synthetic pentapeptide
- Reduces facial muscle contraction frequency, softening dynamic expression lines
- Vialox is not FDA-approved for human use. Cosmetic ingredient. Approved for topical use globally.
Research At a Glance
- Blocks nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) at the neuromuscular junction - prevents acetylcholine-triggered muscle contraction
- Inspired by alpha-cobratoxin from cobra venom but engineered as a safe synthetic pentapeptide
- Reduces facial muscle contraction frequency, softening dynamic expression lines
- Complementary mechanism to Syn-Ake (which acts at the same receptor) and Argireline (which reduces ACh release)
What is Vialox?
Vialox (INCI name: Pentapeptide-3V, also marketed as Pentapeptide-3) is a synthetic pentapeptide inspired by the neurotoxic activity of alpha-cobratoxin - a component of cobra venom. Like Syn-Ake (which is derived from a different venom peptide, Waglerin-1 from the Temple Pit Viper), Vialox was developed to harness the neuromuscular junction-blocking mechanism of venom toxins while creating a safe, non-toxic synthetic analogue suitable for cosmetic application.
Alpha-cobratoxin, the parent compound, is a curare-like neurotoxin that produces paralysis by blocking nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) at neuromuscular junctions. Unlike botulinum toxin (which blocks acetylcholine release from the presynaptic nerve terminal), alpha-cobratoxin acts postsynaptically - blocking the receptor on the muscle fibre that receives the acetylcholine signal. This postsynaptic mechanism prevents muscle activation even if acetylcholine is released normally.
Vialox replicates the key pharmacophore responsible for alpha-cobratoxin's nAChR binding activity in a five-amino acid sequence that is non-toxic and suitable for topical cosmetic use. By binding to nAChR at facial neuromuscular junctions, Vialox reduces the frequency and force of muscle contractions in expression muscles, leading to gradual softening of the dynamic wrinkles (expression lines) caused by repetitive muscle movement.
The neuromuscular junction targeting of Vialox positions it within the category of topical botox-alternative peptides, alongside Argireline (which blocks presynaptic acetylcholine release) and Syn-Ake (which also blocks nAChR but with a different binding site). Each of these peptides acts at a different point in the neurotransmission pathway, and combining them in formulations provides theoretically complementary inhibition for enhanced anti-wrinkle efficacy.
Clinical evaluation of Vialox at 5% concentration has shown statistically significant reductions in wrinkle depth after 4 weeks of twice-daily application, with particular efficacy on forehead lines and crow's feet. The effect is completely reversible - normal muscle function returns when use is discontinued - and the partial nature of the neuromuscular inhibition means expression is reduced rather than eliminated, preserving natural facial movement.
Key Research Benefits
Documented effects observed in preclinical and clinical studies on Vialox. See all Skin & Anti-Aging peptides for comparison.
Side Effects & Risks
Adverse effects reported in the research literature. All data sourced from preclinical and clinical study reports.
Dosing Data from the Literature
Doses referenced below are sourced from published preclinical and clinical studies. Use the peptide dose calculator to convert these values to injection volume.
Vialox is used as a topical cosmetic ingredient at 2-5% concentration.
Typical concentration: 2-5% Application: once to twice daily to expression line areas Often combined with: Argireline (pre-synaptic mechanism), Syn-Ake (post-synaptic), and matrix peptides for comprehensive anti-wrinkle approach Onset: visible effects typically within 4 weeks of consistent use
Administration in Research Settings
Standard reconstitution and administration methodology for laboratory research use.
Apply topical formulation to cleansed, dry skin. Concentrate on dynamic expression lines - forehead, crow's feet, perioral. Gently massage until absorbed. Allow to penetrate before applying heavier products. Use morning and evening for best results.
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Quick Reference
Research Use Only
This information is for educational research purposes only. This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.