Ingredient Profile: SYN®-AKE

For a product to be a true “Botox® alternative,” it has to have more advanced, specialized ingredients than most wrinkle creams on the market. It has to have a relaxing agent that helps inhibit the muscle contractions that ultimately cause wrinkles.

This is the mechanism by which Botox® works: it paralyzes various facial muscles to help smooth out expression lines.

That’s why some skincare manufacturers are beginning to offer products that contain topical relaxing agents, allowing them to have an effect similar to that of the well-known injection, without the controversy of the injection process.

One of the most effective products in this category is known as SYN®-AKE (Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate). This peptide is actually made to mimic Waglerin-1, a novel peptide found in the venom of the Temple Viper. Waglerin-1 is a paralytic that, when absorbed into skin, helps to reduce muscle contractions. When utilized in skincare products, this process lends itself to a softening effect on lines and wrinkles, and a smoother overall facial appearance.

SYN®-AKE’s chemical structure is unique in that it helps to keep the ion channels involved in muscle contraction closed, lending itself to a longer-lasting anti-aging effect than many other active ingredients.

Despite its name and concept, SYN-AKE® is remarkably gentle. It should not cause any irritation, stinging, burning, or itching. (Of course, it may be included in products that contain other harsh ingredients, so always read your ingredients label carefully.)

For results that best mimic those obtained with Botox®, make sure that any product you use containing SYN-AKE® is a serum. Serums are made up of “thinner” molecules that absorb more easily into the skin, ultimately penetrating the dermis layer where its action is useful. Heavy creams that sit on top of skin and do not absorb, will not provide the same “relaxing” effect that you’re looking for.

One example of an anti-wrinkle serum that contains SYN®-AKE is our very own Venox. So-named for its similarities to Botox, it contains SYN-AKE® plus with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 to help stimulate collagen production. It can help smooth away the appearance of wrinkles while giving skin an overall plumper, younger look.

While few (if any) topical anti-wrinkle solutions can truly provide the same dramatic effects as an injection like Botox®, choosing a serum containing SYN-AKE (Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate) can help delay the need for an injection, maintain the effects of a prior injection, or possibly prevent the need for an injection in less severe cases.