Syn-Ake
A "snake-venom mimetic" cosmetic tripeptide modeled on Waglerin-1 (Tropidolaemus wagleri venom) — blocks post-synaptic acetylcholine receptors rather than acting pre-synaptically like Argireline; modest reductions in expression-line depth in manufacturer studies.
A synthetic tripeptide analog of Waglerin-1 (a Tropidolaemus wagleri temple-viper venom peptide), developed by Pentapharm/DSM as a topical cosmetic ingredient that antagonizes the muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor post-synaptically to produce a mild, localized relaxation of facial expression muscles.
Mechanism of action
Designed to mimic the action of Waglerin-1 on the muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor — competitive antagonism at the post-synaptic receptor blocks acetylcholine-driven muscle contraction. This mechanism is complementary to Argireline, which acts pre-synaptically on SNAP-25; the two are often combined in formulations on the claim that pre- and post-synaptic blockade is additive.
Primary uses
- Topical cosmetic anti-aging formulations (expression-line reduction)
Typical dosing
The concentrations in circulation come from the ingredient's supplier, and a seller's figure is not a source on this site; no study in the sources read sets one.
Regulatory status
Cosmetic ingredient; not a drug. Widely used in topical anti-aging formulations since the mid-2000s.
Status as of this entry's last review, April 19, 2026. Approvals, compounding rules and sport rules change; the regulatory tracker is checked more often.
What the studies show
Syn-Ake is the cosmetic peptidomimetic dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate. Its published work is one laboratory and computational study and one product study in which it was one of several actives.
In Vitro · 2024
Laboratory and computational tests
In silico and cell studies suggested anti-ageing activity and established a safe concentration, and the authors see a place for it in anti-ageing formulations.
Human · 2026
A multi-ingredient serum
An ex vivo study and two clinical studies (50 and 42 participants) of a serum containing Syn-Ake with acetyl hexapeptide-8, gluconolactone, niacinamide and kelp extract reported fewer static and dynamic wrinkles and better elasticity (33%) and firmness (36%). With five actives, the effect cannot be assigned to Syn-Ake.
References
- [manufacturer] Pentapharm / DSM. "Syn-Ake technical data sheet and cosmetic ingredient profile."
- [pubmed] Schürer N, et al. "Waglerin analog peptide in topical cosmetic formulation: effect on expression-line depth." Int J Cosmet Sci, 2008;30(4):297-306.
- [pubmed] Gok B, et al. "Anti-aging activity of Syn-Ake peptide by in silico approaches and in vitro tests." J Biomol Struct Dyn, 2024;42(10):5015-5029. PMID: 37349941.
- [pubmed] Zhu M, et al. "The effect of a serum containing acetyl hexapeptide-8, dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate and gluconolactone on skin biomarkers, wrinkles and skin texture: Ex vivo and clinical studies." Int J Cosmet Sci, 2026. PMID: 41668671.
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This entry is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosing information reflects published regulatory or research data and is not a recommendation. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use in the United States. Consult a licensed medical professional before considering any peptide therapy.