Acetyl Hexapeptides, a small chain of six amino acids that are attached to the residue of acetic acid is claimed to allow for a full range of conscious facial contractions, whilst enabling the facial muscles to remain relaxed.
The ingredient has previously been used in anti-aging creams, such as the Bio Technologies range, Elements for Men, as well as Aldenine, and looks set to become even more popular following the most recent product launch by London based company, Sezeur.
The two designer peptides ingredients were developed through clinical trials, with twice daily use of a 10 per cent concentration of Argireline - the active ingredient in Bio-Vel's Erase line control serum, said to significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and the signs of aging in the test subjects in as little as 15 days, if applied topically.
Clinical trials have shown that if the molecule is used at less than 10 per cent of the inclusion rate the cream will not be as effective.
Sezeur has taken this concept and made it the main focus of its leading product, Crème de Jeunesse, marketing it as a stress hormone inhibitor that diminishes wrinkles and acts as a 'safe alternative to botox injections'.
Managing Director of the company, Steve Whitehead, stated that: 'It's a tremendously exciting time just now and women are waking up to this new technology'.
The company states that the skin cream is made up of Acetyl Hexapeptides as well as anti-oxidants in order to 'approach skin care from a holistic point of view'. In keeping with the ever present consumer need to reduce fine lines and wrinkles Steve Whitehead states the cream is 'offering women a safe alternative to botox, and by not paralysing facial muscles, we can truly integrate an effective rejuvenation program into women's daily routine'.
Other manufacturers such as Rex, Rafferty and Argent, who produce anti-wrinkle cream, Crème de Vie, also attribute the success of its products to the molecule, stating that: 'it is suitable for both men and women'.
The consumer need for reducing lines and wrinkles often sees men and women head towards the higher end of the market with the more extreme botox injections.
Botox started to be used as an anti-wrinkle treatment in the US some ten years ago, since then it has evolved in to a multi-million dollar business.
However, there is a scientific risk behind botox with Dr Carter Singh from the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary and consultant plastic surgeon Martin Kelly, of London Plastic Surgeons Association suggesting that the because the treatment proves so effective, patients feel they need to continue the treatment, thus creating an addiction.