Research Only Cosmetic & Skin

Syn-Ake

also known as: Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, β-Ala-Pro-Dab-NHBn·2AcOH

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

4 % (topical formulation) daily topical application (topical)

Manufacturer-recommended usage concentration.

Regulatory status

Cosmetic ingredient; not a drug. Widely used in topical anti-aging formulations since the mid-2000s.

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.

Related peptides

Argireline

A cosmetic-industry hexapeptide marketed as "topical Botox" — reduces muscle contraction signaling at the neuromuscular junction; modest but documented effects on expression-line depth.

SNAP-8

An octapeptide cosmetic ingredient extending the Argireline concept — same SNAP-25 competitive mechanism with two additional residues and claims of enhanced activity.

Matrixyl

A palmitoylated pentapeptide derived from a collagen-I breakdown fragment (KTTKS) — widely used in cosmetic topicals with clinical data supporting modest reductions in fine-line depth over 12 weeks.

Disclaimer

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.