Pentapeptide-18 vs SYN-AKE
Comprehensive side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, side effects, and research
Also: Leuphasyl, Tyr-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu
Pentapeptide-18 is Lipotec's Leuphasyl, a 'Botox-like' cosmetic peptide modeled on enkephalins, the body's own calming neuropeptides. It is mostly sold alongside Argireline, with the claim that the two relax expression lines better together. It is a cosmetic ingredient, and the evidence is small and mostly manufacturer-run.
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 | Pentapeptide-18 | 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 | Pentapeptide-18 is Tyr-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu, a close copy of Leu-enkephalin (Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu) with one amino acid swapped. The theory is that it binds enkephalin receptors on nerve endings, which dampens nerve activity and lowers acetylcholine release at the junction with facial muscles. Argireline works at a different step (the SNARE complex inside the nerve ending), which is why the two get marketed as a combo. The same big caveat as Argireline applies: it is sold on a nerve-to-muscle mechanism, but nobody has shown in living skin that a topical cream delivers enough peptide to the muscle to do this. | 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 | About 2-5% of the commercial solution 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 | 28 days to 2 months 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 most quoted numbers come from a Lipotec study: about 11% wrinkle reduction with 5% Leuphasyl alone over 28 days in a small panel, and about 25% with 5% Leuphasyl plus 5% Argireline. The company calls that synergy, but on its own figures the combination roughly equals the two effects added together, so 'synergistic' is a stretch. The one journal paper we found is Dragomirescu and colleagues (2014, Cosmetics, MDPI), which tested 0.5%, 1% and 2% emulsions around the eyebrows and eyes for efficacy and safety. Trade summaries say only the 2% cream gave a significant improvement after two months in about 20 volunteers; we could not read the full paper to confirm the numbers. A 2020 review of cosmetic peptides lists it among the neurotransmitter-inhibitor peptides and notes that much of the support comes from the manufacturer. Bottom line: safe enough as a skincare ingredient and plausible on paper, but expect subtle softening at most, not anything close to an injection. | 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: Pentapeptide-18 vs SYN-AKE
What is the difference between Pentapeptide-18 and SYN-AKE?
Pentapeptide-18 is a skin & hair peptide that pentapeptide-18 is lipotec's leuphasyl, a 'botox-like' cosmetic peptide modeled on enkephalins, the body's own calming neuropeptides. it is mostly sold alongside argireline, with the claim that the two relax expression lines better together. it is a cosmetic ingredient, and the evidence is small and mostly manufacturer-run. 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, Pentapeptide-18 or SYN-AKE?
Neither is universally "better" - the choice depends on your specific goals. Pentapeptide-18 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 Pentapeptide-18 and SYN-AKE be used together?
Some peptide protocols combine multiple compounds for synergistic effects. However, using Pentapeptide-18 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.