Overview
This study is the first to describe the longitudinal internet popularity of the topical antiwrinkle agent acetyl hexapeptide-8 over the past decade. Viewers likely searched the internet to purchase or research Argireline peptide following exposure through social media or other sources. Though important studies demonstrating the antiwrinkle effects of acetyl hexapeptide-8 were published in 2013, the search volume of the product’s trade name, Argireline, increased exponentially in the year 2022 (Figure 1) [7]. This was likely due to the popularization of the serum through social media platforms such as TikTok. The longitudinal increase in Argireline and related terms’ search volumes confirms a growing public interest in the agent, likely as an alternative to traditional BoNTs. Despite its marketing as a cost-effective, less-invasive, and shorter-acting alternative to BoNTs [1,11], Google Trends data analysis revealed that the internet popularity of “Botox” increased within the last decade as well. Botox was searched for far more frequently than the newly popularized Argireline. This may be due to the perceived reliability of BoNTs, as they have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for cosmetic use since 2002 [17,18].
The relatively low search volume for the terms “Acetyl hexapeptide-3” and “Acetyl hexapeptide-8” may stem from the knowledge barrier of scientific jargon and specialized terminology [19,20]. Products containing acetyl hexapeptide-8 appear to use the agent’s scientific nomenclature or its trade name in ingredient lists, with no consensus on the use of a single term. Internet users may be familiar with terms or phrases commonly used in English, such as “Botox in a Bottle” or “Argireline,” and rely on them to better comprehend the effects of the product [19,20]. Importantly, the conflicting public search trends between lay and scientific jargon may indicate a need for further scientific research on the agent and clarification to consumers regarding their acetyl hexapeptide-8 product options.
The less-invasive nature of acetyl hexapeptide-8, the ability to self-apply cost-effectively, and the minimal side effects are potential reasons for its increasing popularity over the past decade. Due to its lesser neurotoxicity and shorter-acting effects, acetyl hexapeptide-8 does not carry the risks of ptosis, eyebrow asymmetry, and other complications seen in facial BoNT injections [4,6,21]. The ability to self-apply acetyl hexapeptide-8 products brings down the cost of their usage, as sterile equipment and a medical professional are not required for their application. Argireline peptide solutions typically cost less than US $100 when purchased over the counter, whereas BoNT injections require a medical professional for administration, costing an average of US $300-US $600 [5,22]. The relatively low price point and over-the-counter status of acetyl hexapeptide-8 products allow them to improve accessibility to cosmetic dermatologic care. Self-application also improves accessibility to antiwrinkle care, as transportation to a site and appointment time are no longer barriers to treatment.
There are various strengths to this project. The anonymity of Google Trends big data limits interviewer and chronology bias. Observing internet search volume gauges consumer interest and exposure without the financial barrier of product purchase. As of 2022, Google is the most-used search engine, occupying 86.99% of the United States search engine market [13]. Therefore, Google search volumes provide the most complete understanding of public interest and internet exposure to acetyl hexapeptide-8. A limitation of Google Trends’ big data is the lack of community and individual-level data, hindering assessment groups with differing representation. It also allows for potential bias from differences in the interests of Google users compared to those who use other search engines.
Understanding consumers’ skincare preferences can guide future research regarding trending products’ efficacy, safety, and innovation. Future directions for acetyl hexapeptide-8 research include its potential use as a therapeutic agent alongside the current cosmetic indications. Assessing Argireline use in various socioeconomic groups, age groups, and geographic locations may provide greater insight into its role as an accessible option for dermatologic health maintenance.