Peptide XEP-018 Powder

A cone-snail-inspired peptide, made in the lab

XEP-018 belongs to the biomimetic venom-peptide family. Its sequence is modeled on a peptide found in a marine cone snail, but the cosmetic grade is synthetic and made by peptide synthesis, not harvested. Existing supplier copy positions it for the look of dynamic expression lines. This page is the powder. The published INCI is mu-Conotoxin CnIIIC and the CAS is 936616-33-0. Appearance is confirmed on the CoA for each lot.

Other expression-line peptides

Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate Powder is a snake-venom-inspired peptide and Pentapeptide-3 Solution is another expression-line option. They are different sequences with different INCIs, and many brands combine two of them. There is no XEP-018 solution on our solution list, so the powder is the only form we sell. Compare options in our peptide powders.

Working with the powder

Dissolving

Weigh the powder on a calibrated balance, dissolve it completely in a small portion of the formula water before it meets the rest of the batch, and add that premix in cool-down, below 40 °C. Check that the premix is fully clear before you add it.

Compatibility

Keep it away from strong oxidizers and high-ionic-strength systems, such as products very rich in salts. A mild, water-rich base is the safest home.

Level

Take the use level from the supplier documentation for your lot.

Product types that suit it

Forehead and frown-line serums, eye creams, smoothing primers and concentrated ampoules. Its premium story suits small, high-value packs.

Pairing ideas

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, sodium hyaluronate and glycerin. Add each active separately and check clarity, odor and viscosity after each addition instead of premixing several actives in one beaker.

Example architecture

The level comes from the CoA, so no gram recipe is shown here.

Claims

Describe expression lines that look softer and skin that looks smoother with regular use. Keep claims cosmetic and tied to appearance. Any before-and-after statement needs a test on the finished product, not on the raw material.

Testing the finished product

Run a stability check on the finished product at room temperature, at 40 °C and in a fridge for several weeks, and watch color, odor, clarity, viscosity and pH. Check the product in its final pack too, since pumps, droppers and jars expose it to air differently. A preservative challenge test on the final product is the standard step before launch.

Lot handling and storage

Record appearance and pH on arrival, compare them with the CoA, and keep the CoA with your batch records so each finished batch can be traced to its lot. Keep the powder tightly closed and dry, since peptides pick up moisture from the air, and respect the shelf life on the CoA.

Ordering

It is sold as a raw material for cosmetic formulation, not as a finished consumer product. Start with a small pack for bench trials and scale once your stability checks pass. It ships from Florida, usually within 1 to 2 business days, in the pack sizes shown above, and US shipping is free on orders of $50 or more.