Peptide Comparison
SYN-AKEvsSnap-8
Synthetic snake venom-mimetic tripeptide that competitively antagonizes nicotinic acetylcholine receptors for rapid expression wrinkle reduction.
An advanced 8-amino-acid peptide that relaxes facial muscles from the outside in—think of it as 'Botox in a bottle' that you apply to your skin to smooth expression lines without needles or injections.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
SYN-AKE
1%–4% %
Snap-8
3–10 %
Frequency
SYN-AKE
Once daily
Snap-8
Once daily
Administration
SYN-AKE
Topical
Snap-8
Topical application
Cycle Length
SYN-AKE
Ongoing/indefinite
Snap-8
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset Speed
SYN-AKE
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Snap-8
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
SYN-AKE
Limited human trials
Snap-8
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Rapid Wrinkle Reduction
Neuromuscular Specificity
Multi-Target Anti-Aging
Wrinkle Reduction
Muscle Relaxation
Skin Smoothing
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
SYN-AKE
Molecular Formula
C23H37N5O7
Molecular Weight
495.58 Da
Half-Life
Topical application; immediate nAChR antagonism with effects persisting up to 24 hours per application
Bioavailability
Topical dermal penetration sufficient for neuromuscular junction modulation; supplied pre-formulated in glycerin/aqua vehicle
CAS Number
823202-99-9
Snap-8
Molecular Formula
C41H70N16O16S
Molecular Weight
1075.16 g/mol
Half-Life
Topical activity persists 12-24 hours on skin
Bioavailability
Penetrates stratum corneum; reaches viable epidermis with appropriate formulation
CAS Number
868844-74-0
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
SYN-AKE
Snap-8
Applications
Best
suited for
SYN-AKE
Individuals seeking rapid-acting topical wrinkle reduction for expression lines
SYN-AKE is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on individuals seeking rapid-acting topical wrinkle reduction for expression lines. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Those wanting to extend or complement botulinum toxin injection results
SYN-AKE is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on those wanting to extend or complement botulinum toxin injection results. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
People with crow's feet, forehead lines, and glabellar wrinkles from muscle movement
SYN-AKE is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on people with crow's feet, forehead lines, and glabellar wrinkles from muscle movement. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Users preferring a well-characterized peptide with defined receptor pharmacology
SYN-AKE is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on users preferring a well-characterized peptide with defined receptor pharmacology. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Snap-8
Expression Line Fighters
If you've noticed those lines that form when you smile, frown, or squint are starting to stick around even when your face is relaxed, Snap-8 is designed exactly for this. It works on the muscle-skin connection that creates these dynamic wrinkles.
Botox-Curious but Needle-Shy
Love the idea of smoother skin but not ready for injections? Snap-8 offers a topical alternative that works through a similar mechanism as Botox—just gentler and without the commitment. Perfect for testing the waters of muscle-relaxing anti-aging.
Prevention-Focused Millennials
Starting in your late 20s or early 30s with preventive skincare? Snap-8 can help keep expression lines from becoming permanent fixtures by calming the repetitive muscle movements that eventually etch wrinkles into your skin.
Sensitive Skin Types
Unlike some anti-aging actives that can be harsh, Snap-8 is remarkably well-tolerated. If retinoids make your skin angry or acids cause irritation, peptides like Snap-8 offer effective anti-aging without the drama.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
SYN-AKE
Common
- Mild Tingling Sensation
- Temporary Tightening Sensation
- Mild Skin Dryness
- Transient Redness
Uncommon
- Contact Irritation (rare)
Serious
- Allergic Reaction (not reported)
- Anaphylactic Reaction to Snake Peptide Derivative
Snap-8
Common
- Mild tingling sensation
- Temporary redness
- Skin dryness
Uncommon
- Contact irritation
- Skin tightness
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
SYN-AKE
Evidence Level
Limited human trials
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
SYN-AKE demonstrates excellent topical tolerability with no serious adverse events reported in cosmetic use spanning 15+ years. Adverse testing including Ames test (genotoxicity) and cytotoxicity assays show negative results at therapeutic concentrations, confirming absence of mutagenic or cellular toxicity potential. Occasional mild tingling or slight dryness represents expected local skin responses rather than true adverse effects; systemic absorption is negligible due to peptide topical application mechanism.
Contraindications
- xKnown hypersensitivity to Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate or excipients
- xActive skin infections or significant dermatitis at intended application sites
- xSevere compromised skin barrier in the treatment area
- xConcurrent use with products at pH above 7.5 that may destabilize the peptide
Snap-8
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
Not FDA approved
Safety Overview
Snap-8 has an excellent safety profile backed by extensive cosmetic industry testing. As a topical peptide, it works locally on the skin without systemic absorption, making it much safer than injectable alternatives. Clinical studies show it's well-tolerated even with long-term daily use, with adverse events limited to occasional mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals. It's considered safe for most skin types and has been used in cosmetic formulations worldwide since the mid-2000s.
Contraindications
- xKnown allergy to peptide ingredients
- xActive skin infections at application site
- xOpen wounds or severe skin irritation
- xPregnancy (as a precaution due to limited data)
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose SYN-AKE if...
- Individuals seeking rapid-acting topical wrinkle reduction for expression lines
- Those wanting to extend or complement botulinum toxin injection results
- People with crow's feet, forehead lines, and glabellar wrinkles from muscle movement
- Users preferring a well-characterized peptide with defined receptor pharmacology
Choose Snap-8 if...
- Wrinkle reduction
- Expression line smoothing
- Preventive anti-aging
- Non-invasive cosmetic enhancement