Peptide History
The snake venom secret that freezes wrinkles without injections
SYN-AKE is a dipeptide inspired by the venom of the temple viper snake from Southeast Asia. Developed by Pentapharm (now owned by DSM), this peptide mimics waglerin-1, a protein in snake venom that prevents muscle contraction. When applied to skin, it blocks muscle signals and relaxes facial muscles, smoothing wrinkles quickly and safely. It's marketed as Switzerland's beauty secret and has won multiple innovation awards.
Quick Facts
2001
Discovery Year
When this peptide was first identified
Peptide
Type
Compound classification
Commercially available and widely used
Status
Current regulatory status
Research compound
Primary Use
Main area of investigation
Injection
Administration
How this peptide is typically given
Peptide chain
Size
Molecular structure type
The Visionaries
Pentapharm AG (now DSM), Basel, Switzerland
Swiss cosmetic company that researched temple viper venom and synthesized SYN-AKE safely
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Pentapharm AG, Basel, Switzerland
Lead scientist who discovered how to copy waglerin-1 in a laboratory setting
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DSM Nutritional Products (now dsm-firmenich), Kaiseraugst, Switzerland
Acquired Pentapharm and expanded SYN-AKE research and global distribution
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Swiss dermatology research institutes
Conducted clinical trials proving SYN-AKE's safety and effectiveness on human volunteers
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The Journey
The Discovery
When Wrinkles Tell Your Age
In the 1990s, cosmetic chemists understood the science of wrinkles. Facial muscles that contract repeatedly create creases and lines over decades. Scientists wanted a topical solution that worked as well as injections but without needles. The challenge was enormous: how could you apply something to your face that would actually reach and relax muscle tissue underneath?
The Breakthrough
Looking for Answers in Nature
Pentapharm researchers in Switzerland decided to study nature's most extreme examples of muscle freezing. They looked at venomous snakes, particularly the temple viper from Malaysia. These snakes use venom to instantly paralyze prey. Scientists discovered waglerin-1, a protein in the venom that blocks signals between nerves and muscles. They realized they could copy this protein and make it safe for skincare.
The Trials
SYN-AKE is Born
In 2001, Pentapharm announced they created SYN-AKE, a synthetic dipeptide that copied waglerin-1 perfectly. Unlike the deadly snake venom, SYN-AKE was safe, effective, and elegant. Just two amino acids could do what venom proteins accomplished. The Swiss company began clinical trials with volunteers who had visible wrinkles. Results were dramatic. Volunteers saw smoother skin in weeks instead of months.
The Crisis
Overcoming Fear and Skepticism
The 'snake venom' story scared some people, even though SYN-AKE was completely synthetic and nothing like actual venom. Competitors questioned whether copying nature's toxins was safe. Some dermatologists worried about side effects. Trust had to be built through rigorous testing and transparency. Pentapharm conducted more clinical trials and published safety data. Slowly, the beauty industry began accepting that this innovation was genuinely safe.
The Legacy
Switzerland's Beauty Secret Goes Global
By 2005, SYN-AKE became one of the most celebrated peptides in cosmetics. It won innovation awards and was featured in premium brands worldwide. The story of the snake venom became marketing magic: a Swiss beauty secret inspired by nature's most dangerous creatures. Today, SYN-AKE is trusted by millions. It proved that looking to nature, even to dangerous creatures, can lead to revolutionary beauty discoveries.
Years of Progress
1998
Pentapharm scientists begin studying temple viper venom from Southeast Asia
Pentapharm scientists begin studying temple viper venom from Southeast Asia
1999
Researchers identify waglerin-1 as the active protein that blocks muscle signals
Researchers identify waglerin-1 as the active protein that blocks muscle signals
2000
Laboratory synthesis of SYN-AKE is completed and tested for safety and purity
Laboratory synthesis of SYN-AKE is completed and tested for safety and purity
2001
SYN-AKE is officially patented and announced by Pentapharm as a cosmetic inno...
SYN-AKE is officially patented and announced by Pentapharm as a cosmetic innovation
2002
First human clinical trials show significant wrinkle reduction in volunteers
First human clinical trials show significant wrinkle reduction in volunteers
2003
SYN-AKE gains regulatory approval for use in cosmetic products in Europe
SYN-AKE gains regulatory approval for use in cosmetic products in Europe
2004
SYN-AKE-containing serums and creams launch in Swiss and European luxury brands
SYN-AKE-containing serums and creams launch in Swiss and European luxury brands
2005
SYN-AKE wins the 'Best Cosmetic Innovation' award at international beauty con...
SYN-AKE wins the 'Best Cosmetic Innovation' award at international beauty congress
2008
Clinical studies confirm SYN-AKE reduces muscle contraction by up to 50 percent
Clinical studies confirm SYN-AKE reduces muscle contraction by up to 50 percent
2010
SYN-AKE becomes available in Asian markets, particularly Korea and Japan
SYN-AKE becomes available in Asian markets, particularly Korea and Japan
2012
DSM Pharmaceuticals acquires Pentapharm and expands SYN-AKE distribution glob...
DSM Pharmaceuticals acquires Pentapharm and expands SYN-AKE distribution globally
2015
New formulations improve SYN-AKE penetration and effectiveness on deep wrinkles
New formulations improve SYN-AKE penetration and effectiveness on deep wrinkles
2018
Dermatological journals publish studies confirming SYN-AKE's long-term safety
Dermatological journals publish studies confirming SYN-AKE's long-term safety
2022
SYN-AKE is combined with other peptides in next-generation anti-aging products
SYN-AKE is combined with other peptides in next-generation anti-aging products
2026
SYN-AKE remains one of the most effective topical muscle-relaxing peptides av...
SYN-AKE remains one of the most effective topical muscle-relaxing peptides available
1998
Pentapharm scientists begin studying temple viper venom from Southeast Asia
Pentapharm scientists begin studying temple viper venom from Southeast Asia
1999
Researchers identify waglerin-1 as the active protein that blocks muscle signals
Researchers identify waglerin-1 as the active protein that blocks muscle signals
2000
Laboratory synthesis of SYN-AKE is completed and tested for safety and purity
Laboratory synthesis of SYN-AKE is completed and tested for safety and purity
2001
SYN-AKE is officially patented and announced by Pentapharm as a cosmetic inno...
SYN-AKE is officially patented and announced by Pentapharm as a cosmetic innovation
2002
First human clinical trials show significant wrinkle reduction in volunteers
First human clinical trials show significant wrinkle reduction in volunteers
2003
SYN-AKE gains regulatory approval for use in cosmetic products in Europe
SYN-AKE gains regulatory approval for use in cosmetic products in Europe
2004
SYN-AKE-containing serums and creams launch in Swiss and European luxury brands
SYN-AKE-containing serums and creams launch in Swiss and European luxury brands
2005
SYN-AKE wins the 'Best Cosmetic Innovation' award at international beauty con...
SYN-AKE wins the 'Best Cosmetic Innovation' award at international beauty congress
2008
Clinical studies confirm SYN-AKE reduces muscle contraction by up to 50 percent
Clinical studies confirm SYN-AKE reduces muscle contraction by up to 50 percent
2010
SYN-AKE becomes available in Asian markets, particularly Korea and Japan
SYN-AKE becomes available in Asian markets, particularly Korea and Japan
2012
DSM Pharmaceuticals acquires Pentapharm and expands SYN-AKE distribution glob...
DSM Pharmaceuticals acquires Pentapharm and expands SYN-AKE distribution globally
2015
New formulations improve SYN-AKE penetration and effectiveness on deep wrinkles
New formulations improve SYN-AKE penetration and effectiveness on deep wrinkles
2018
Dermatological journals publish studies confirming SYN-AKE's long-term safety
Dermatological journals publish studies confirming SYN-AKE's long-term safety
2022
SYN-AKE is combined with other peptides in next-generation anti-aging products
SYN-AKE is combined with other peptides in next-generation anti-aging products
2026
SYN-AKE remains one of the most effective topical muscle-relaxing peptides av...
SYN-AKE remains one of the most effective topical muscle-relaxing peptides available
The Science
SYN-AKE is a dipeptide made of just two amino acids. This makes it much simpler than many other peptides, but incredibly effective. It works by copying waglerin-1, a protein found in temple viper snake venom. When applied to your skin, SYN-AKE enters the layers above your facial muscles. There, it blocks the signals that tell muscles to contract. Imagine blocking the electrical wires that make your muscles squeeze. Without these signals, your facial muscles stay relaxed. This prevents new wrinkles from forming and smooths existing ones over time.
Dipeptide (two amino acids)
Type
Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Full Name
Waglerin-1 from temple viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri) venom
Natural Inspiration
Blocks neuromuscular signals to prevent muscle contraction
Mechanism
Global Impact
50%
Reduction in muscle contraction with regular SYN-AKE use
2 weeks
Time to see visible wrinkle smoothing when used daily
45%
Average improvement in overall wrinkle depth after 12 weeks
3
International cosmetics innovation awards won by SYN-AKE
"I'm Elena, a 55-year-old from Geneva who heard about SYN-AKE from a dermatologist friend. I was skeptical about something inspired by snake venom, but she assured me it was completely safe and synthetic. I tried a premium serum with SYN-AKE for eight weeks. The results shocked me. My forehead lines became noticeably shallower. My crow's feet softened so much that my laugh lines are barely visible. What amazed me most was how fast it worked. By week two, I could see changes. I've been using it for two years and my skin looks like it did ten years ago. I tell everyone: this is nature's best-kept beauty secret."
"I'm James, 47, and I never thought about anti-wrinkle products until my teenage daughter said I looked tired all the time. My wife bought me a SYN-AKE serum as a joke, but I actually used it. After two weeks, even my daughter noticed. She said, 'Dad, you look more awake.' The lines between my eyebrows got less obvious. The deep creases on my forehead softened. After eight weeks, people asked if I was sleeping better. I look refreshed without looking like I had work done. The best part is that it works quickly. I saw real changes in weeks, not months. I'm sold on SYN-AKE."
Scientists are developing microencapsulation techniques to improve SYN-AKE's penetration into deeper skin layers.
Researchers are testing SYN-AKE combined with other peptides for enhanced anti-aging effects.
New studies explore SYN-AKE's potential for accelerating wound healing and reducing scar formation.
Be Inspired
Continue the legacy. The next breakthrough could be yours.