How to make a SNAP‑8 eye serum
An expression-line serum for the eye area from one vial of SNAP‑8, with kitchen measures and drop counts.
What SNAP‑8 does
SNAP‑8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is the octapeptide behind expression-line serums and eye creams. It dissolves colorless, so it disappears into any clear base. At the standard level one gram makes about 100 one-ounce bottles, roughly 45¢ of peptide per bottle.
What you need
- 1 g SNAP‑8
- 100 mL (7 tbsp) distilled water
- A base with a pH of 3–6: an unscented hyaluronic acid serum, a light gel or a plain eye cream
- Measuring spoons down to ⅛ tsp, a dropper, a glass jar and a small serum bottle
Step 1: make the stock solution
SNAP‑8 powder absorbs moisture from the air, so dissolve the whole vial soon after opening. Stir 1 g into 100 mL (7 tbsp) of distilled water until clear. That's a 1% stock. Seal it, keep it in the fridge and use it within 30 days.
Step 2: mix the eye serum
Add 3 drops of stock to 30 g (1 oz) of base and stir. That's the gentle level, the one for the eye area. For a face serum, use the standard level instead: ⅛ tsp, about 15 drops, per ounce.
Strengths
| Per 100 g | Stock | Per 1 oz | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 drops | 0.5 mL | 3 drops | Gentle, first time, eye area |
| ½ tsp | 2.5 mL | ⅛ tsp | Standard, serums and creams |
| 1 tsp | 5 mL | ¼ tsp + 5 drops | Maximum |
For other batch sizes, use the dosage calculator.
Step 3: apply
Pat a drop along the orbital bone, morning or evening. If you use an acid toner or exfoliant first, wait 15 minutes before the SNAP‑8 serum.
Combining it
SNAP‑8 works with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, ceramides, squalane and other peptides. A GHK‑Cu serum can carry it too if the base sits at pH 5 to 6, where both are happy.
What to avoid
Heat above 104°F (40°C), alkaline formulas above pH 7, strong acids below pH 3 in the same bottle, and leaving the stock out of the fridge.
