Syn-Ake vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Syn-AkeAnti-Aging & Longevity
SS-31 (Elamipretide)- Summary
- Syn-Ake is a synthetic tripeptide that mimics waglerin-1, a peptide found in the venom of the Temple viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri). It acts as a reversible antagonist of muscular nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, temporarily reducing facial muscle contraction and smoothing dynamic wrinkles. Often called a 'synthetic Botox' in cosmetic marketing.
- SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and protects cardiolipin from oxidative damage. It is one of the most promising mitochondrial longevity compounds, studied in clinical trials for heart failure, renal disease, and age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Half-Life
- Not applicable (topical; effect duration hours)
- ~2–5 hours
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.01–0.1% (4–8 mg/g in clinical studies)
- 5–10 mg
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Daily to several times per week
- Key Benefits
- Reduces depth of dynamic wrinkles and expression lines
- Reversible muscle-relaxing effect on facial muscles
- Smooths forehead lines, crow's feet, and frown lines
- Non-invasive alternative to injectable neurotoxins
- Rapid onset relative to collagen-stimulating peptides
- Well-studied in in vitro and clinical cosmetic trials
- Restores mitochondrial function and ATP production
- Protects inner mitochondrial membrane cardiolipin
- Reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)
- Improves exercise capacity and reduces fatigue
- Cardioprotective — studied in heart failure trials
- Renoprotective — reduces ischemic kidney injury
- Anti-aging via mitochondrial preservation
- Potential in neurodegenerative disease prevention
- Side Effects
- Generally very well-tolerated topically
- Rare skin sensitivity or contact dermatitis
- Theoretical neuromuscular effects at systemic doses (not relevant topically)
- Injection site irritation
- Nausea (rare)
- Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
- Stacks With
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