Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 vs SYN-AKE
Comprehensive side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, side effects, and research
Also: Matrixyl synthe'6, Matrixyl Synthe 6
Palmitoyl tripeptide-38 is the active in Sederma's Matrixyl synthe'6, a newer member of the Matrixyl family launched around 2011. It is a three-amino-acid fragment with a fatty acid tail, sold as a wrinkle 'filler from the inside' for forehead lines and crow's feet. It is a cosmetic ingredient, not a drug, and the honest picture is simple: the efficacy claims come almost entirely from the company that makes it.
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 | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 | 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 | The peptide is Pal-Lys-Met(O2)-Lys: lysine, an oxidized methionine (methionine sulfone) and lysine, with a palmitic acid chain attached so it can get into the outer skin more easily. The sequence is taken from connective tissue proteins (collagen VI and laminin), and the idea is the classic 'matrikine' story: small fragments of broken-down matrix proteins act as a signal telling skin cells to make more matrix. Sederma claims it boosts six components in lab tests, which is where the 'synthe'6' name comes from: collagen I, III and IV, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid and laminin-5. That is a plausible signaling mechanism, but it rests on cell culture work by the manufacturer. Whether enough peptide reaches the dermis in real skin to make a measurable difference has not been independently shown. | 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 | 2% of the commercial 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 | About 2 months in the manufacturer's study before changes were measured; ongoing use to keep 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 before moisturizer | Morning and/or evening, on clean skin |
Possible Side Effects May vary by individual |
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| Research Summary | There is no independent, peer-reviewed clinical trial of palmitoyl tripeptide-38 on its own that we could find. The main human data is the manufacturer's: a placebo-controlled study in 25 women aged 42 to 70 with forehead lines and crow's feet, using 2% of the Matrixyl synthe'6 ingredient for two months, with reported reductions in wrinkle measures that ranged widely between people. Sederma's launch material in 2011 described visibly smoother forehead and crow's feet wrinkles after two months but gave no published sample sizes or numbers. Where the peptide shows up in published journals, it is usually as one ingredient in a multi-ingredient serum, which cannot isolate its effect. Broader reviews of cosmetic peptides make the same point about this whole category: results are often small, short and unpublished outside company brochures. A 2026 meta-analysis of randomized peptide trials found that topical peptides overall did not produce a significant wrinkle improvement in pooled data. Bottom line: a reasonable, well-tolerated ingredient with a plausible mechanism, but expect mild changes at best and treat the percentage claims as marketing until someone outside the company repeats them. | 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: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 vs SYN-AKE
What is the difference between Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 and SYN-AKE?
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 is a skin & hair peptide that palmitoyl tripeptide-38 is the active in sederma's matrixyl synthe'6, a newer member of the matrixyl family launched around 2011. it is a three-amino-acid fragment with a fatty acid tail, sold as a wrinkle 'filler from the inside' for forehead lines and crow's feet. it is a cosmetic ingredient, not a drug, and the honest picture is simple: the efficacy claims come almost entirely from the company that makes it. 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, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 or SYN-AKE?
Neither is universally "better" - the choice depends on your specific goals. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 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 Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 and SYN-AKE be used together?
Some peptide protocols combine multiple compounds for synergistic effects. However, using Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 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.