How it works, what makes it different from Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, clinical studies, and anti-aging cosmetic applications
2. What is Munapsys™: origin, structure, and biotechnological innovation
Munapsys™ is a next-generation biomimetic peptide, developed through in silico molecular design techniques, with the goal of selectively reproducing the relaxing effect of botulinum toxin, but in a topical and safe cosmetic form. Its INCI name is Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, and it stands out in the neurocosmetics field for a unique mechanism of action, involving both nerve transmission (pre-synaptic phase) and muscle response (post-synaptic phase)
2.1 Origin and design in silico
Munapsys™ was designed through an advanced scientific approach, called “design in silico”, which uses computational algorithms to simulate interactions between molecules and target proteins. In particular, the peptide was optimized to compete with the Munc-18 protein, a key element of the SNARE complex, interfering with the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), which underlies muscle contraction
This makes it the first neurocosmetic peptide with targeted activity towards Munc-18, a biological strategy similar to that employed by botulinum toxin, but achieved through a topical, non-invasive, and clinically safe mechanism.
2.2 Composition and natural origin
Munapsys™ is composed of 99.4% natural origin ingredients, according to ISO 16128 standard, and is presented as a highly soluble aqueous solution, easy to integrate into cosmetic formulations both in cream and serum. It is indicated for concentrations between 2% and 5%, and can be included in both daily home-use products and intensive professional treatments.
3. The unique mechanism of action of Acetyl Hexapeptide-1
The heart of Munapsys™ innovation lies in its biomimetic mechanism of action, which reproduces the botox effect by blocking the muscle contraction responsible for expression wrinkles, but does so with a topical, safe, and reversible approach. Unlike other relaxing cosmetic peptides, It acts both on nerve transmission (presynaptic phase) and on muscle response (postsynaptic phase)
3.1 Presynaptic action: selective blockade of acetylcholine release
In the neuromuscular system, muscle contraction is activated by the release of acetylcholine (ACh) from the synaptic vesicles of the motor neuron. This release depends on the proper assembly of the SNARE protein complex, composed of Munc-18, Syntaxin, SNAP-25, and VAMP.
Munapsys™ was designed to interfere with the Munc-18 protein, blocking its ability to bind to syntaxin and thus preventing the formation of the SNARE complex. This interruption drastically reduces acetylcholine release, with an effect similar to botulinum toxin, but reversible and without injections.
In vitro, it has been observed that Munapsys™ inhibits the binding between Munc-18 and syntaxin by 37%, already after 3 hours of treatment. This effect was measured by ELISA tests on neuronal models.
3.2 Postsynaptic action: modulation of the muscle response
The second innovative action of Munapsys™ occurs at the muscle level. Unlike botulinum toxin or Argireline®, which act only at the neural level, Munapsys™ also modulates the activity of genes involved in muscle contraction.
In models of mature human skeletal myocytes, the peptide showed a significant effect on reduction:
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intracellular calcium mobilization (-30%),
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myosin levels (-38%),
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gene expression of receptors and ion channels involved in contraction
This double level of action (pre and post synapse) represents an evolutionary leap in neurocosmetics, offering a more powerful, complete, and lasting result compared to other relaxing peptides.
🧪 In summary, Munapsys™ inhibits:
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the neuromuscular transmission (like Botox),
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and the muscle response, reducing contractility.
4. Dual synaptic action: how Munapsys™ acts on two fronts
The great innovation of Munapsys™ (Acetyl Hexapeptide-1) lies in its dual mechanism of action, which allows it to intervene in two fundamental phases of the muscle contraction process: neuronal communication (pre-synapse) and muscle response (post-synapse). This feature distinguishes it from all other botox-like peptides available in cosmetics.
4.1 Presynaptic action: competition with Munc-18
Munapsys™ was designed to compete with the Munc-18 protein, essential for the assembly of the SNARE complex, the molecular system that allows synaptic vesicles to fuse with the neuronal membrane and release acetylcholine.
🔬 Experimental results:
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37% reduction in Munc-18/syntaxin interaction (ELISA test)
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14% decrease in exocytosis in SH-SY5Y neurons
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12% inhibition of ACh release compared to the benchmark Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
4.2 Postsynaptic action: modulation of the muscle response
The innovative action of Munapsys™ continues downstream of the synapse, with direct effects on the muscle cell:
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Decrease in intracellular calcium mobilization (-30%), reducing the contractile response
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Lowering of myosin levels (-38%), the protein responsible for contraction
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Negative modulation of gene expression of:
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ATP2A (SERCA pump)
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TNNC1 (troponin C1)
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MYH1 (heavy myosin 1)
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ACTA1 (alpha actin)
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CACNB1 (calcium channel)
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SCN3A (sodium channel)
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In practice, Munapsys™ reduces the muscle's sensitivity and reactivity to nerve stimulus, with a deep, safe, and reversible relaxation effect.
4.3 Summary diagram – Munapsys™ mechanism of action
| Phase | Action | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Presynaptic | Interferes with Munc-18 → blocks SNARE complex | ↓ ACh (acetylcholine) release |
| Postsynaptic | Modulates contractile genes, ↓ calcium, ↓ myosin | ↓ Muscle response to stimulus |
🔍 Expected clinical result: visible and measurable reduction of expression wrinkles already after 7 days of topical use.
5. Experimental studies: efficacy in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo
The scientific value of Munapsys™ is confirmed by a robust portfolio of preclinical and clinical tests, demonstrating its efficacy at various levels:
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in vitro on neuronal and muscle cell models,
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ex vivo on human neuromuscular models,
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in vivo on volunteers aged 35 to 55.
5.1 In vitro: tests on human neuronal and muscle cells
Studies conducted on SH-SY5Y cells (human neuroblastoma neurons) and mature human myocytes (hSkMC) show:
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-14% neuronal exocytosis (with 1% Munapsys™)
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-12% acetylcholine (ACh) release compared to the benchmark (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8)
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-30% available intracellular calcium in treated myocytes
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-38% myosin levels after 48 hours (5-10% concentration)
Furthermore, Munapsys™ modulated 6 key genes of muscle contractility, such as SCN3A, CACNB1, TNNC1, ACTA1, MYH1, and ATP2A, confirming the complete neuromodulating effect.
5.2 Ex vivo: human neuromuscular model (neuron + muscle)
In an ex vivo study on human neuron-myofiber coculture, Munapsys™ demonstrated an 18% greater reduction in neuromuscular system contraction compared to Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, positioning itself as the most advanced relaxing peptide currently available
5.3 In vivo: clinical tests on 18 volunteers (35–55 years)
A clinical test conducted for 14 days on 18 volunteers showed a significant reduction in expression wrinkles (PRIMOS and VISIA test):
Results with cream containing 3% Munapsys™:
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-25.5% Ra roughness
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-26.0% Rz depth
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-33.8% maximum Rt depth
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-35.9% total wrinkle volume
💡 Visible results already after 7 days (half-face comparison)
6. Cosmetic benefits, safety, and skincare applications
Thanks to its dual neurocosmetic activity and positive clinical studies, Munapsys™ (Acetyl Hexapeptide-1) positions itself as one of the most complete and innovative anti-aging actives available for functional cosmetics. Its versatility allows use in daily home products and professional aesthetic treatments, ensuring visible efficacy and optimal tolerability even on sensitive skin.
6.1 Main aesthetic benefits
Reduction of expression wrinkles
Munapsys™ acts effectively on:
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forehead wrinkles (glabellar),
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crow's feet,
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nasolabial folds,
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perioral wrinkles (barcode).
Visible smoothing effect
Thanks to topical neuromuscular relaxation, features appear more relaxed, serene, and rested already after the first week.
Improvement of the overall skin appearance
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Increase in collagen I synthesis in human fibroblasts (+57% in 48 hours)6b5785a6-0df0-4174-88d6…
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Reduction of chronological wrinkle volume as well as expression lines
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Contributes to a firmer and more toned skin appearance
6.2 Safety of use and dermatological profile
Excellent toxicology
According to safety data provided by the manufacturer, Munapsys™ boasts:
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a null skin and eye irritation profile (in vitro test on EpiSkin®),
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absence of sensitizing potential (HRIPT test),
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excellent formula stability.
Naturalness
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99.4% of its content is of natural origin (ISO 16128 standard)
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Optimal solubility in water, compatible with most dermocosmetic actives
6.3 Recommended cosmetic applications
Munapsys™ can be included in:
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high-intensity anti-wrinkle serums (2–5%)
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face creams with immediate lifting effect
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eye contour for fine lines and dynamic wrinkles
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intensive treatments in beauty salons, also in synergy with radiofrequency or microcurrents
The recommended dose ranges from 2% to 5%, with strong clinical evidence already at 3%
8. Botoxil: the advanced topical treatment with Munapsys™ for a botox-like effect without injections
Botoxil is the name of the cosmetic treatment that contains all the neurocosmetic power of Munapsys™ (Acetyl Hexapeptide-1), bringing to market an effective, clinically tested product suitable also for sensitive skin.
Designed to reduce dynamic wrinkles quickly and visibly, Botoxil represents a new frontier in professional anti-aging treatments, thanks to the presence of this cutting-edge biomimetic peptide in functional percentages.
7.1 What is Botoxil
Botoxil is an intensive face serum based on Munapsys™ at high concentration, specifically formulated for:
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visibly smooth expression wrinkles (glabella, forehead, eye contour, lips)
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reduce deep chronological wrinkles thanks to collagen stimulation
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achieve an immediate and progressive lifting effect, without stress for the skin
It is indicated for women and men aged 30 years and over, especially for those who:
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shows marked signs in mimic areas,
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wants a needle-free botox effect treatment,
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has sensitive skin or does not tolerate injections.
7.2 The advantages of Botoxil
Clinically proven efficacy (Munapsys™ data):
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Up to -36,9% depth of wrinkles in 14 days
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Improvement of facial expressiveness, maintaining naturalness
Highly tolerable formula, with natural origin actives
Visible results from the first week of use
7.3 When to include it in a skincare protocol
Botoxil can be:
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used as a daily serum before face cream
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integrated into professional intensive antiage protocols
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combined with treatments such as radiofrequency, electroporation, or neuromuscular massages
7.4 Why choose Botoxil
Unlike common “lifting” serums, Botoxil does not act on the surface, but precisely reproduces the mechanism of botulinum toxin, modulating communication between neurons and muscles. The result is a more relaxed, harmonious, and youthful face, without altering expressiveness.
It is ideal for those who want naturally relaxed skin, without needles, fillers, or scalpels.
Disclaimer: Functional cosmetics do not replace aesthetic medicine, they are a valid ally as a home program in combination with aesthetic medicine or an alternative for those seeking non-invasive solutions.
