Hexapeptide-9 vs SYN-AKE
Comprehensive side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, side effects, and research
Also: Collaxyl, Collaxyl IS
Hexapeptide-9 is a collagen-inspired signaling peptide sold as Collaxyl (originally from Vincience, now Ashland) for anti-wrinkle and firming skincare. The idea is that a small repeat of a collagen sequence nudges skin cells to rebuild the junction between the outer and inner skin. It is a cosmetic ingredient, and the evidence for the original peptide is mostly old, small and company-run, although a 2025 trial on a modified cyclic version is more interesting.
Also: Dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, SYN-AKE
SYN-AKE is DSM's trade name for dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, the 'snake venom' peptide in a lot of anti-wrinkle creams. The marketing says it mimics Waglerin-1, a toxin from the temple viper. To be clear: there is no venom in it. It is a tiny synthetic molecule, and the evidence that it relaxes wrinkles comes almost entirely from the manufacturer.
Key Comparison Insights
- Both peptides belong to the Skin & Hair category, suggesting similar primary applications.
Detailed Comparison
| Attribute | Hexapeptide-9 | SYN-AKE |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Skin & Hair | Skin & Hair |
| FDA Status | Not FDA Approved | Not FDA Approved |
| Clinical Status | Pre I II III IV FDA | Pre I II III IV FDA |
| Mechanism of Action | Hexapeptide-9 is Gly-Pro-Gln-Gly-Pro-Gln, a repeat taken from collagen sequences. Ashland says the sequence is found in collagen IV and XVII and works as a matrikine, a matrix fragment that signals cells to make more matrix proteins. The claimed targets are the dermal-epidermal junction (collagen IV, laminin-5, integrins) and collagen production. The original patent describes it as designed to improve cell adhesion and possibly support matrix production. One weakness is stability: the linear peptide is easily broken down by collagen-digesting enzymes, which is why a Chinese group built a ring-shaped (cyclized) version to make it last longer in skin. | DSM describes SYN-AKE as a reversible blocker of the muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, the receptor on muscle that acetylcholine opens to make it contract. Block it, the theory goes, and facial muscles relax a little. That is the real mechanism of Waglerin-1, a 22-amino-acid viper toxin that independent research shows selectively blocks the adult form of this receptor. SYN-AKE itself is a much smaller molecule (beta-alanine, proline and diaminobutyric acid with a benzylamide end, under 500 daltons), and the claim that it does the same thing comes from the manufacturer's own cell test, where innervated muscle cells contracted less. Even DSM's older material calls the binding 'probable'. As with Argireline, there is no independent proof that a cream gets enough of it to facial muscle to matter. |
| Common Dosing | Low single-digit percent of the ingredient in a finished product Once or twice daily | 1-4% of the SYN-AKE solution in a finished product Once or twice daily |
| Administration | Topical (serums, creams) | Topical (serums, creams) |
| Typical Duration | 4-8 weeks in studies; ongoing use to maintain any effect | 28 days in the manufacturer study; ongoing use to maintain any effect |
| Best Time to Take | Morning and/or evening, on clean skin | Morning and/or evening, on clean skin |
Possible Side Effects May vary by individual |
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| Research Summary | The oldest human data is a 2004 study from Vincience, the lab behind Collaxyl: a double-blind, placebo-controlled test of a gel containing 3% of a 'collagen-like hexapeptide' plus a 1% booster ingredient, applied around the eyes of 20 women for four weeks. It reported fewer and shallower wrinkles on skin replicas, but the booster and the small size mean it cannot prove the peptide alone did the work. Supplier material cites other 28-day studies in about 20 volunteers that we could not trace to journals. The newest and best-designed study is a 2025 randomized, double-blind trial in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (96 adults aged 30-55 in China) comparing a cyclized hexapeptide-9 serum at 0.002% with 0.002% retinol and a vehicle for 56 days. The cyclized peptide beat both on wrinkle, elasticity and hydration measures, with no treatment-related side effects. Two caveats: it tested a modified molecule, not the Collaxyl peptide in most products, and several authors are affiliated with cosmetic companies. Bottom line: the concept has some support, the cyclic version looks promising, but regular hexapeptide-9 in a store-bought cream rests on thin evidence. | DSM's brochure reports two pieces of data. In vitro, 0.5 mM of the peptide cut the contraction frequency of innervated muscle cells. In vivo, a 4% SYN-AKE cream was compared with placebo in 15 volunteers per group (aged 40-60), applied twice daily for 28 days, with reductions of roughly 15-21% in skin roughness and wrinkle measures and a headline of 'up to 52%' wrinkle reduction in the best responders. A US patent also describes a double-blind study in 59 women aged 40-55 reporting smaller pores and less shine after 28 days, but that is a patent filing, not a peer-reviewed paper. A 2020 review of cosmetic peptides states plainly that there are no scientific papers describing clinical studies of this peptide, so the efficacy story rests on company data. Bottom line: a well-tolerated cosmetic ingredient with a catchy story. The venom angle is marketing, and the 'up to 52%' number is a best case from a 15-person company study, not a typical result. |
Frequently Asked Questions: Hexapeptide-9 vs SYN-AKE
What is the difference between Hexapeptide-9 and SYN-AKE?
Hexapeptide-9 is a skin & hair peptide that hexapeptide-9 is a collagen-inspired signaling peptide sold as collaxyl (originally from vincience, now ashland) for anti-wrinkle and firming skincare. the idea is that a small repeat of a collagen sequence nudges skin cells to rebuild the junction between the outer and inner skin. it is a cosmetic ingredient, and the evidence for the original peptide is mostly old, small and company-run, although a 2025 trial on a modified cyclic version is more interesting. SYN-AKE is a skin & hair peptide that syn-ake is dsm's trade name for dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, the 'snake venom' peptide in a lot of anti-wrinkle creams. the marketing says it mimics waglerin-1, a toxin from the temple viper. to be clear: there is no venom in it. it is a tiny synthetic molecule, and the evidence that it relaxes wrinkles comes almost entirely from the manufacturer. The main differences lie in their mechanisms of action and clinical applications.
Which is better, Hexapeptide-9 or SYN-AKE?
Neither is universally "better" - the choice depends on your specific goals. Hexapeptide-9 is typically used for skin & hair purposes, while SYN-AKE is used for skin & hair. Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine which may be appropriate for your situation.
Can Hexapeptide-9 and SYN-AKE be used together?
Some peptide protocols combine multiple compounds for synergistic effects. However, using Hexapeptide-9 and SYN-AKE together should only be considered under medical supervision, as both compounds have their own side effect profiles and potential interactions. Research on their combined use may be limited.