Public Interest in Acetyl Hexapeptide-8: Longitudinal Analysis

• Main Authors: Sofia Eva Olsson (Author), Bhavana Sreepad (Author), Trevor Lee (Author), Manal Fasih (Author), Arman Fijany (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: JMIR Publications, 2024-02-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 2562-0959; 10.2196/54217
• Keywords: Dermatology; RL1-803
• Source: JMIR Dermatology, Vol 7, p e54217 (2024)

BackgroundAcetyl hexapeptide-8, also known as Argireline, is a topical, short-acting, synthetic peptide that has recently gained popularity for its antiwrinkle effects. This agent has emerged as a more accessible alternative to botulinum neurotoxin. ObjectiveThis study evaluates the public interest in acetyl hexapeptide-8 in the United States from 2013 to 2023, as described by search volume on Google, the most-used search engine. MethodsWe analyzed the longitudinal relative monthly search volume from January 1, 2013, to January 1, 2023, for acetyl hexapeptide-related terms. We compared the internet search trends for "Botox" during this period to "Argireline." ResultsThe terms "Argireline" and "Botox in a Bottle" both had substantial increases in search volume in 2022. Although its search volume is drastically increasing, "Argireline" was less searched than "Botox," which had a stable, up-trending search volume over the past decade. ConclusionsThe increasing interest in acetyl hexapeptide-8 may be due to its cost-effectiveness and use as a botulinum neurotoxin alternative. Affordability, over-the-counter availability, and ease of self-application of the agent suggest its potential to enhance accessibility to cosmetic dermatologic care.