Skip to content
phase 2Skin & Cosmetic

Syn-Ake

Also known as: Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Snake Venom Peptide, Waglerin-1 Mimetic, Synthetic Viper Venom Tripeptide

Syn-Ake is a synthetic tripeptide that mimics the activity of waglerin-1, a neurotoxic peptide found in Temple Viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri) venom. It acts as a reversible antagonist of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction, reducing muscle contraction and thereby smoothing expression wrinkles. Often described as a topical Botox alternative, it targets the same endpoint — muscle relaxation — through a different molecular mechanism than both Botox and Argireline.

3 cited references·5 researched benefits

Quick Answer

Syn-Ake is a synthetic tripeptide that mimics Temple Viper snake venom to reduce expression wrinkles. It acts as a reversible antagonist of the muscular nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (mnAChR), reducing muscle contraction intensity. Clinical studies show up to 52% wrinkle reduction after 28 days of twice-daily application at 4% concentration. Unlike Botox, it works topically and is reversible upon discontinuation.

Key Facts

Mechanism
Syn-Ake mimics waglerin-1, a peptide from Tropidolaemus wagleri venom that acts as a competitive antagonist at the muscular nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (mnAChR). By binding to the receptor and blocking acetylcholine from activating it, Syn-Ake prevents the generation of the endplate potential needed for muscle fiber contraction. This reduces the frequency and intensity of facial muscle micro-contractions responsible for expression lines. Unlike Botox (which cleaves SNARE proteins to prevent vesicle fusion) or Argireline (which competes with SNAP-25), Syn-Ake works post-synaptically at the receptor level. The effect is reversible — normal muscle function returns upon discontinuation.
Research Status
phase 2
Half-Life
N/A (topical cosmeceutical — not systemically absorbed)
Molecular Formula
C₂₈H₃₈N₄O₅
Primary Use
Skin & Cosmetic
Table of Contents

Benefits

  • Reduces expression wrinkle depth — manufacturer studies report up to 52% wrinkle reduction after 28 days at 4% concentrationmoderate
  • Reversible muscle relaxation without injection — provides a non-invasive neuromuscular mechanismmoderate
  • Works through a distinct mechanism from Argireline and Botox, enabling combination protocols for enhanced wrinkle reductionpreliminary
  • Fast onset of visible effects — smoothing reported within 1–2 hours of initial application due to immediate receptor blockingpreliminary
  • Well-tolerated with no significant adverse events in clinical trials at cosmetic concentrationsmoderate

Dosage Protocols

RouteDosage RangeFrequencyNotes
Topical serum1–4% Syn-Ake solution2x dailyApply to clean skin, focusing on expression line areas (forehead, glabella, crow's feet). The 4% concentration used in clinical studies showed the most significant wrinkle reduction. Allow full absorption before layering other products.
Topical cream1–4% Syn-Ake solution2x daily (morning and evening)Can be combined with Argireline for multi-target expression wrinkle reduction (different mechanisms). Stable at pH 5.0–7.0. Not affected by most common cosmetic ingredients.

Medical disclaimer

Dosage information is provided for educational reference only. Always follow your prescriber's instructions and consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.

Side Effects

  • Mild skin tingling or temporary tightness at the application sitecommon
  • Transient redness or irritation, particularly in sensitive skin typesrare
  • No systemic neuromuscular effects at cosmetic concentrations due to minimal dermal absorptionrare

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Syn-Ake actually made from snake venom?
No. Syn-Ake is a fully synthetic tripeptide created in a laboratory. It mimics the mechanism of waglerin-1, a peptide found in Temple Viper venom, but contains no actual snake venom. The peptide was designed by DSM (now dsm-firmenich) to reproduce the muscle-relaxing effect of the natural toxin in a safe, controlled cosmetic form.
How does Syn-Ake compare to Argireline for wrinkle reduction?
Syn-Ake and Argireline both reduce muscle contraction to smooth expression wrinkles, but they work through completely different mechanisms. Argireline acts pre-synaptically by inhibiting SNARE complex formation (preventing neurotransmitter release), while Syn-Ake acts post-synaptically by blocking the acetylcholine receptor. Because they target different steps in the neuromuscular pathway, they can be combined for enhanced wrinkle reduction without competing for the same molecular target.
Can Syn-Ake replace Botox injections?
Syn-Ake should be viewed as a complement to, not a replacement for, Botox. While both ultimately reduce muscle contraction, injectable Botox produces far more dramatic and consistent results because it is delivered directly into the muscle. Topical Syn-Ake is limited by skin penetration and can only affect the most superficial muscle fibers. It is best suited for fine expression lines, maintenance between Botox appointments, or individuals who prefer non-invasive options.

References

  1. 1
    Syn-Ake (Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate): a peptide mimicking waglerin-1 for anti-wrinkle efficacy(2009)
  2. 2
    Anti-wrinkle efficacy of a synthetic peptide mimicking snake venom: clinical evaluation in a double-blind study(2013)
  3. 3
    Cosmeceutical peptides in dermatology: mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications(2015)PubMed ↗

Latest Research

Last updated: 2026-02-19