Syn-ake

Quick Facts

Full Name: Syn-ake (Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate)
Aliases: Syn-ake, Snake venom peptide mimetic, Waglerin-1 analog
Category: Skin Health / Anti-Aging / Topical Cosmetic Peptide / Expression Lines
INCI Name: Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Molecular Weight: ~509 Da
Administration: Topical only
Typical Concentration: 4% in finished formulation (as supplied Syn-ake at 4%)
Status: Cosmetic ingredient; commercially available from DSM/Pentapharm
WADA Status: Not applicable

What It Does

Syn-ake is a synthetic tripeptide that mimics the action of waglerin-1 — a peptide found in the venom of the Temple Viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri) — which acts as a reversible antagonist at muscular nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). By blocking nAChR at the neuromuscular junction (postsynaptic), Syn-ake reduces muscle contraction in facial muscles, smoothing dynamic expression wrinkles. It complements Argireline (which acts presynaptically on SNARE complex), and together they provide comprehensive neuromuscular wrinkle inhibition.

Mechanism of Action

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonism: Mimics waglerin-1's reversible blockade of muscle-type nAChR → reduces postsynaptic response to acetylcholine → reduced facial muscle contraction
Postsynaptic mechanism: Distinct from Argireline (presynaptic SNARE) → complementary and potentially synergistic when combined
Reversible action: Non-covalent receptor binding → effects reverse with discontinued use
Wrinkle smoothing: Reduced contraction amplitude → less mechanical stress on overlying skin → softening of expression lines, particularly forehead and eye area
Receptor selectivity: Primarily targets muscle-type nAChR; limited neuronal nAChR activity at cosmetic concentrations

Dosing Protocols

Topical Formulation

Concentration: 4% Syn-ake active ingredient (supplied as 4% solution from manufacturer; used at 4% in formulation for full dose)
Practical finished product level: 2–4% Syn-ake solution (equivalent to 0.08–0.16% raw peptide)
Application: Apply to expression line areas (forehead, eyes, perioral) 1–2x daily
Onset: 4–8 weeks for visible results with regular use
Leave-on products: Serums, targeted creams; not rinse-off
Source: The Peptides Bible topical section; Pentapharm (DSM) technical data

Anti-Wrinkle Combination

Combine with Argireline (5–10%) for pre + postsynaptic neuromuscular inhibition
Add Matrixyl for collagen matrix rebuilding alongside relaxation effects

Stacks Well With

Argireline – pre + postsynaptic combination for comprehensive expression line treatment
Matrixyl – collagen stimulation to rebuild while muscles relax
GHK-Cu – tissue remodeling, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant support
GHK (Tripeptide-1) – free GHK collagen/elastin complement

Use Cases

Expression Lines (forehead lines, crow's feet, perioral wrinkles)
Dynamic Wrinkles (movement-driven facial aging)
Anti-Aging Skincare (preventive and corrective)
Eye Area rejuvenation
Botox Alternative formulations (combined with Argireline)

Contraindications & Safety

Very well-tolerated; excellent safety record as cosmetic ingredient
Sensitive skin — rare mild irritation; patch test recommended
Pregnancy — topical peptides generally considered safe; consult dermatologist
No systemic absorption at cosmetic concentrations
Completely reversible — all effects stop with discontinuation
No evidence of systemic neurotoxicity at topical cosmetic doses

Storage

Bulk solution: 2–8°C; protect from light and heat
Finished product: Room temperature in opaque packaging; per manufacturer
Stability: 18–24 months in stable formulation; pH 4.0–7.0; avoid strong oxidizing agents

PubMed Research

Research links will be added after PubMed search

Sources

The Peptides Bible – Topical cosmetic peptides
Pentapharm / DSM — original Syn-ake research and technical data
Waglerin-1 pharmacology literature

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