What Is Syn-Ake Peptide? How It Works & What the Evidence Shows

Syn-Ake is a synthetic cosmetic peptide designed for the appearance of expression lines and wrinkles. Its active INCI name is Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, and its design was inspired by the activity of Waglerin-1, a peptide found in the venom of the temple viper.

Despite the name and the common “snake venom peptide” description, Syn-Ake does not contain real snake venom.

Syn-Ake has become popular in anti-aging skincare because it is marketed as a topical peptide that may help soften the appearance of expression lines. However, the evidence needs context: laboratory research is more extensive than independent human clinical evidence, and some of the most commonly cited human results come from ingredient-supplier studies or products containing several active ingredients.

This guide explains what Syn-Ake is, how it is proposed to work, what the human evidence actually shows, and where claims about “topical Botox” go too far.

Syn-Ake at a Glance

What Is Syn-Ake Peptide?

Syn-Ake is the trade name for a synthetic peptide ingredient used in topical skincare products.

Its active INCI name is Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate. The ingredient's manufacturer describes it as a small synthetic peptide with a molecular weight below 500 Da and a mechanism inspired by Waglerin-1. [1]

Waglerin-1 is a 22-amino-acid peptide found in the venom of the temple viper. Research on Waglerin-1 itself has shown that it can interact with muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors involved in neuromuscular signaling. [2]

Syn-Ake was designed to borrow from that biological concept without using the venom peptide itself.

That distinction is important:

Syn-Ake is a laboratory-made cosmetic ingredient inspired by a venom peptide. It is not purified snake venom and does not contain venom extracted from snakes.

Is Syn-Ake Real Snake Venom?

No.

The phrase “snake venom peptide” is frequently used in skincare marketing, but it can easily create the wrong impression.

Syn-Ake is synthetic.

Its connection to snake venom is that its design was inspired by Waglerin-1, a naturally occurring peptide from temple-viper venom. [1]

That is very different from putting snake venom into a face cream.

A more accurate description is:

Syn-Ake is a synthetic biomimetic peptide inspired by the biological activity of Waglerin-1.

How Does Syn-Ake Work?

The proposed wrinkle-smoothing mechanism begins with the biology of Waglerin-1.

Muscle contraction depends in part on signaling through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. Research on Waglerin-1 has shown that the natural venom peptide can inhibit certain muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. [2,3]

Syn-Ake was developed as a much smaller synthetic cosmetic peptide intended to mimic part of this functionality.

The proposed sequence is:

1. facial expression causes repeated muscle contraction;
2. repeated movement contributes to the development of dynamic expression lines;
3. Syn-Ake is proposed to influence signaling associated with muscle contraction;
4. less pronounced repetitive contraction may make expression lines appear softer.

However, this mechanism should not be overstated.

The fact that Waglerin-1 can block muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptors does not prove that a topical Syn-Ake cosmetic reproduces the same biological effect in human facial muscles.

Much of the mechanistic rationale comes from laboratory work and manufacturer research rather than large independent human clinical trials.

What Does Syn-Ake Do for the Skin?

Syn-Ake is primarily used in skincare for the appearance of expression lines.

Common target areas include:

• forehead lines;
• lines between the eyebrows;
• crow's feet around the eyes; and
• other wrinkles that become more visible during facial expression.

These are often called dynamic wrinkles because facial movement contributes to their appearance.

Over time, some dynamic lines can become visible even while the face is at rest. These are sometimes described as static wrinkles.

Syn-Ake is generally positioned more toward expression-line appearance than toward pigmentation, acne, or skin resurfacing.

Does Syn-Ake Actually Work?

The most accurate answer is:

There is preliminary and supplier-supported evidence that Syn-Ake-containing formulations can improve the appearance of wrinkles, but independent human evidence for isolated Syn-Ake remains limited.

The evidence comes from several different levels:

What Did the Early Human Syn-Ake Study Find?

A 2009 scientific review of topical peptides summarized an earlier Pentapharm study involving 45 healthy volunteers. [4]

Participants used:

• a cream containing 4% Syn-Ake;
• a cream containing 10% Argireline; or
• placebo.

The creams were applied to the forehead twice daily for 28 days.

The review reported statistically significant before-and-after changes for Syn-Ake and stated that the strongest forehead measurements favored Syn-Ake. [4]

However, there is an important limitation:

The source for that trial was an ingredient-supplier fact sheet rather than a full independently published randomized clinical trial.

The authors of the review specifically noted that a high-quality randomized controlled trial was needed to confirm the findings. [4]

What Does More Recent Syn-Ake Research Show?

2024 Laboratory Research

A peer-reviewed 2024 study investigated Syn-Ake using molecular docking, molecular-dynamics simulations, antioxidant testing, cytotoxicity testing, and genotoxicity testing. [5]

The researchers examined possible interactions between Syn-Ake and:

• matrix metalloproteinases, including MMP-1, MMP-8 and MMP-13;
• SIRT1;
• oxidative-stress pathways; and
• laboratory measures of cellular safety.

The results suggested potentially relevant anti-aging biological activity.

But these findings should be described as in silico and in vitro evidence.

They do not establish that applying a Syn-Ake cream to human skin produces the same effects in living tissue or meaningfully alters SIRT1 or MMP activity in people.

2026 Clinical Research

A 2026 study evaluated a serum containing:

• Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate;
• Acetyl Hexapeptide-8;
• gluconolactone;
• niacinamide; and
• Laminaria extract. [6]

The researchers conducted one ex-vivo study and two human clinical studies.

One clinical cohort included 50 participants and focused on static wrinkles and skin quality. A second cohort included 42 participants and evaluated dynamic wrinkles. [6]

The finished serum produced statistically significant improvements in wrinkle appearance and several measures of skin quality.

This is useful evidence for a multi-active formulation containing Syn-Ake.

It does not prove that Syn-Ake alone caused those improvements.

What Are the Potential Benefits of Syn-Ake?

Based on its intended cosmetic use and the evidence available so far, potential benefits include:

1. Softer-Looking Expression Lines

This is Syn-Ake's primary use.

Supplier testing and multi-active human studies support the possibility that Syn-Ake-containing products may improve the appearance of wrinkles associated with facial expression. [1,4,6]

2. Forehead and Frown-Line Appearance

The forehead has been a major target area in historical Syn-Ake research because repetitive muscle movement contributes strongly to visible lines in this area.

3. Crow's-Feet Appearance

Syn-Ake products are also commonly formulated for lines near the outer eye area.

Because skin around the eyes can be more sensitive, products should be used according to their specific application instructions and kept out of the eyes.

4. Additional Anti-Aging Mechanisms

The 2024 laboratory study suggested possible interactions with MMPs and SIRT1 and demonstrated antioxidant activity in laboratory assays. [5]

These are interesting mechanistic findings, but they should not yet be presented as proven human skincare benefits.

Does Syn-Ake Help Dynamic or Static Wrinkles?

Syn-Ake is conceptually most closely associated with dynamic expression lines because its proposed mechanism involves pathways related to muscle contraction.

Examples include:

• forehead lines that appear when raising the eyebrows;
• frown lines between the eyebrows; and
• crow's feet that become more visible when smiling or squinting.

Static wrinkles are lines visible even when facial muscles are relaxed.

The 2026 multi-active serum study reported improvements in both static and dynamic wrinkles, but because the formula contained several active ingredients, those results cannot be attributed specifically to Syn-Ake. [6]

How Long Does Syn-Ake Take to Work?

There is no universally established timeline for Syn-Ake results.

Historical manufacturer research commonly evaluated Syn-Ake over approximately four weeks. [1,4]

The 2026 multi-active serum study observed changes over a longer 12-week period, with some static-wrinkle changes reported earlier. [6]

Those timelines do not mean that every Syn-Ake product will produce visible results in the same number of days.

Results can depend on:

• the concentration of the ingredient;
• the complete formulation;
• how consistently the product is used;
• skin type;
• the type and depth of the wrinkles; and
• other skincare products being used.

What Do Syn-Ake Before-and-After Results Really Show?

Before-and-after images can be useful, but they should be interpreted carefully.

They may be influenced by:

• lighting;
• camera angle;
• facial expression;
• hydration;
• makeup;
• other skincare products; and
• differences in photography conditions.

The strongest evidence comes from controlled measurements rather than individual photographs.

For Syn-Ake specifically, some historical before-and-after data come from manufacturer research, while newer human evidence involves formulations containing multiple active ingredients. [1,4,6]

Is Syn-Ake Like Botox?

No. Syn-Ake is not topical Botox.

The comparison exists because both are discussed in relation to pathways involving muscle contraction and expression lines.

But they are fundamentally different.

Calling Syn-Ake “Botox in a bottle” may sound appealing, but it creates an inaccurate expectation of clinical equivalence.

Syn-Ake vs Argireline

Syn-Ake and Argireline are both cosmetic peptides commonly marketed for expression lines, but they are different compounds with different proposed mechanisms.

Argireline is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and has primarily been studied in relation to presynaptic signaling involved in neurotransmitter release.

Syn-Ake is Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate and was designed around a Waglerin-inspired nicotinic acetylcholine receptor concept.

An older supplier study summarized in the scientific literature directly compared 4% Syn-Ake with 10% Argireline and placebo, but higher-quality independent head-to-head clinical research is still needed. [4]

We will explore this comparison separately because the two peptides address similar cosmetic intent through different proposed mechanisms.

Syn-Ake vs GHK-Cu

Syn-Ake and GHK-Cu are even more different.

Syn-Ake is mainly positioned around the appearance of expression lines.

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding peptide studied in relation to tissue remodeling, extracellular-matrix biology, wound-healing pathways, collagen, and other skin processes.

They therefore should not be treated as interchangeable peptides.

For the underlying biology of copper peptides, see our guide to what GHK-Cu is and our review of GHK-Cu benefits.

Syn-Ake vs Matrixyl

Matrixyl refers to a family of cosmetic signal peptides rather than one single ingredient.

Matrixyl peptides are generally positioned around extracellular-matrix and skin-support signaling rather than a Waglerin-inspired neuromuscular concept.

That makes Matrixyl and Syn-Ake conceptually different approaches to the appearance of skin aging.

For more background on this peptide category, see our guide to Matrixyl and copper peptides.

Is Syn-Ake Safe?

Available evidence has not established a major safety signal for cosmetic Syn-Ake, but the human safety database is considerably smaller than that of long-established skincare ingredients.

The 2024 laboratory study included:

• cytotoxicity testing; and
• genotoxicity testing using an Ames assay. [5]

The results supported a favorable laboratory safety profile at the tested concentrations.

That does not establish long-term safety for every Syn-Ake concentration, product, skin type, or combination of active ingredients.

As with other skincare products:

• patch test a new formula before broader use;
• stop using it if persistent irritation develops;
• avoid getting the product directly into the eyes; and
• follow the instructions for the specific formulation.

People with significant skin conditions, known ingredient allergies, or questions about use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should discuss their skincare routine with an appropriate healthcare professional.

Does Syn-Ake Have Side Effects?

There is not a well-established list of Syn-Ake-specific adverse effects from large clinical trials.

As part of a finished skincare product, possible reactions can include common topical-product problems such as:

• redness;
• stinging;
• itching;
• dryness; or
• irritation.

However, a reaction to a finished cream or serum cannot automatically be attributed to Syn-Ake because formulations contain many ingredients.

How Do You Use Syn-Ake?

How Syn-Ake should be used depends on the finished product rather than the ingredient name alone.

For Neurogan Health's Syn-Ake Peptide Face Cream, the current directions are:

• apply one pump to clean skin in the morning and at night;
• smooth the cream over expression-line areas;
• allow it to absorb before sunscreen or makeup; and
• patch test before first use.

The formula contains 1,000 mg of Syn-Ake per 50 mL airless pump together with NMN, panthenol and a plant-oil base.

A dedicated guide will cover layering Syn-Ake with retinol, copper peptides, other peptides, and morning-versus-evening routines in more detail.

Can You Use Syn-Ake With Other Peptides?

There is no general rule stating that Syn-Ake cannot be used with other cosmetic peptides.

In fact, the 2026 clinical study evaluated a formula containing both Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. [6]

However, the tolerability of a complete skincare routine depends on the entire formulation and the other active ingredients being used.

Can You Use Syn-Ake With Copper Peptides?

There is no established biochemical incompatibility requiring consumers to universally separate topical Syn-Ake from cosmetic copper peptides.

The two ingredients are used for different skincare purposes and act through different proposed pathways.

That said, more ingredients do not automatically produce better results. Introduce complex routines gradually so it is easier to identify irritation if it occurs.

Can You Use Syn-Ake With Retinol?

There is no well-established evidence that Syn-Ake and retinol must always be separated.

The more practical concern is irritation from the overall routine.

Retinoids can be irritating for some users, so anyone combining multiple active products may benefit from introducing them one at a time rather than starting everything simultaneously.

Is Syn-Ake Legit?

Yes, Syn-Ake is a real synthetic cosmetic ingredient with a defined INCI identity and published scientific research.

But “real ingredient” and “proven equivalent to Botox” are very different claims.

The evidence supports describing Syn-Ake as:

• a legitimate synthetic cosmetic peptide;
• an ingredient with a biologically interesting Waglerin-inspired rationale;
• an ingredient with laboratory research and some human formulation data; and
• a promising option for the appearance of expression lines.

It does not justify describing Syn-Ake as:

• topical Botox;
• clinically equivalent to injectable botulinum toxin;
• proven to paralyze facial muscles;
• proven to reverse skin aging; or
• proven to permanently remove wrinkles.

How Do You Choose a Syn-Ake Product?

When comparing Syn-Ake skincare, look beyond the ingredient name alone.

Consider:

• whether Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate appears in the ingredient information;
• whether the manufacturer clearly identifies the Syn-Ake content or formulation;
• the other active ingredients in the product;
• packaging designed to preserve the formulation;
• quality-control or laboratory testing where available;
• how the product fits into the rest of your skincare routine; and
• whether claims accurately reflect the strength of the evidence.

Neurogan Health's Syn-Ake Peptide Face Cream provides 1,000 mg of Syn-Ake per 50 mL and is formulated specifically for expression-line areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Syn-Ake peptide used for?

Syn-Ake is primarily used in cosmetic skincare products intended to soften the appearance of expression lines and wrinkles, particularly around the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes.

Is Syn-Ake made from snakes?

No. Syn-Ake is synthetically manufactured. Its design was inspired by Waglerin-1, a peptide found in temple-viper venom.

What is the INCI name for Syn-Ake?

The active INCI name is Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate.

Does Syn-Ake really work?

There is preliminary human and laboratory evidence supporting its use for wrinkle appearance, but the evidence base is relatively small. Some commonly cited human data come from supplier studies, while newer clinical research has tested multi-active formulations rather than isolated Syn-Ake.

How effective is Syn-Ake?

Current evidence does not provide a reliable universal percentage improvement that should be expected from every Syn-Ake product. Results depend on formulation, concentration, duration, skin characteristics, and the other active ingredients in the product.

How long does Syn-Ake take to work?

Historical manufacturer studies commonly evaluated use over about four weeks. Newer multi-active clinical studies have followed participants for up to 12 weeks. There is no guaranteed timeline for an individual Syn-Ake product.

Is Syn-Ake the same as Botox?

No. Syn-Ake is a topical cosmetic peptide. Botulinum toxin is an injected prescription biologic with a different delivery method, mechanism, evidence base, and magnitude of effect.

Can Syn-Ake permanently remove wrinkles?

No evidence shows that topical Syn-Ake permanently removes wrinkles. Any cosmetic improvement would be expected to depend on continued skincare use and the characteristics of the complete formulation.

Where can I buy Syn-Ake peptide skincare?

Syn-Ake appears in a variety of cosmetic creams and serums. Neurogan Health offers a Syn-Ake Peptide Face Cream formulated for forehead, brow, and outer-eye expression lines.

The Bottom Line

Syn-Ake is a real synthetic cosmetic peptide, but it is not real snake venom and it is not topical Botox.

Its scientific rationale comes from Waglerin-1, a venom peptide that interacts with muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Syn-Ake was developed as a smaller synthetic ingredient inspired by that biology. [1-3]

There is evidence supporting further interest in Syn-Ake:

• historical supplier studies reported improvements in forehead-wrinkle measurements; [4]
• a 2024 peer-reviewed study identified potentially relevant anti-aging activity in laboratory and computational models; [5] and
• a 2026 human study found improvements in static and dynamic wrinkles with a multi-active serum containing Syn-Ake. [6]

But those findings do not establish Syn-Ake as equivalent to injectable neuromodulators or prove that every Syn-Ake cream will produce the same results.

The most evidence-aligned description is that Syn-Ake is a promising cosmetic peptide for the appearance of expression lines, with an interesting mechanism and a growing—but still limited—human evidence base.

Resources:

1. DSM-Firmenich. SYN-AKE® product information. INCI: Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate. Manufacturer documentation describing the synthetic peptide and Waglerin-inspired mechanism.
2. McArdle JJ, Lentz TL, Witzemann V, et al. Waglerin-1 selectively blocks the epsilon form of the muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 1999;289(1):543-550. PMID: 10087048.
3. Molles BE, Rezai P, Kline EF, et al. Identification of residues at the alpha and epsilon subunit interfaces mediating species selectivity of Waglerin-1 for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2002;277(7):5433-5440. PMID: 11724791.
4. Gorouhi F, Maibach HI. Role of topical peptides in preventing or treating aged skin. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2009;31:327-345. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2494.2009.00490.x.
5. Gok B, Budama-Kilinc Y, Kecel-Gunduz S. Anti-aging activity of Syn-Ake peptide by in silico approaches and in vitro tests. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics. 2024;42(10):5015-5029. PMID: 37349941.
6. Zhu M, He X, Zhu Z, 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. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2026. PMID: 41668671.

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Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dermatological advice. Cosmetic skincare products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Patch test new skincare products before broader use and discontinue use if persistent irritation develops.