In recent years, with the deep integration of biotechnology and the skincare field, a biomimetic peptide ingredient derived from snake venom – snake venom peptide – has rapidly gained popularity, becoming a star ingredient in high-end anti-aging skincare products.
Is snake venom peptide safe for skin?
To answer this question, we first need to clarify a key concept: the snake venom peptide added to skincare products is not real snake venom, but a synthetic tripeptide. It mimics the mechanism of action of a certain polypeptide in snake venom, achieving a muscle-relaxing effect similar to botulinum toxin, but without any toxic components. This biomimetic peptide undergoes rigorous laboratory synthesis and purification processes, and its safety has been verified by numerous clinical studies.
From a toxicological perspective, snake venom peptide has a small molecular weight, usually below 500 Daltons, meaning it cannot penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, only acting on the skin's surface and shallow muscle tissue. In 2010, research data published by the Swiss chemical company Pentapharm (the original developer of snake venom peptide) showed that within the specified concentration range (generally 1%-4%), snake venom peptide is non-irritating, non-sensitizing to the skin, and does not cause systemic toxic reactions. Furthermore, both the European Union's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have listed this type of biomimetic peptide as an acceptable ingredient in cosmetics, further supporting its safety.
What is the core component of snake venom peptide?
The INCI name for snake venom peptide is Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, a small synthetic peptide composed of three amino acids. Its design was inspired by the venom of the Temple Viper, specifically a polypeptide component called Waglerin-1.
Waglerin-1 is a natural polypeptide found in Temple Viper venom that specifically binds to muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (mnAChR), blocking the transmission of nerve signals to the muscles, thereby causing muscle relaxation. Scientists, by analyzing the active domain of Waglerin-1, artificially synthesized a simpler tripeptide with a smaller molecular weight—this is the snake venom peptide. It retains the ability to bind to mnAChR but removes the complex proteins and other potentially harmful components found in natural snake venom.
From a chemical structure perspective, the snake venom peptide consists of the following parts:Dipeptide backbone: Provides the basic structure for receptor bindingDiaminobutyric acid: Enhances molecular stability and permeabilityBenzylamide: Imparts lipophilicity to the molecule, helping it penetrate the skin barrierDiacetate: Improves water solubility and formulation compatibility
This precise molecular design gives the snake venom peptide three key characteristics: high stability, high permeability, and high targeting ability. Compared to traditional botulinum toxin, snake venom peptide does not require injection; it works through topical application, avoiding the pain, infection risks, and facial stiffness associated with injections. Furthermore, its effects are reversible; muscle function fully recovers after discontinuation, without causing permanent damage.
In addition, modern snake venom peptide raw materials often include protective excipients and stability enhancers, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin (moisturizing ingredients), and antioxidants, ensuring the peptide chain remains active during storage and use. High-quality snake venom peptide powder is usually white or off-white, easily soluble in water, and the aqueous solution is clear and transparent with no odor, and a purity of over 99%.
How is snake venom peptide used on the skin? What are its amazing effects?
Mechanism of action: From nerve signal blockade to wrinkle smoothingThe anti-wrinkle mechanism of snake venom peptide can be metaphorically described as "sending false signals to the muscles." Our facial expression lines (such as crow's feet, forehead lines, and nasolabial folds) are mainly caused by repeated contraction of facial muscles. When nerve endings release acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter), muscle cells receive the signal and contract; long-term repeated contraction leads to dynamic wrinkles.
Snake venom peptide blocks signal transmission at the neuromuscular junction by competitively inhibiting the binding of acetylcholine to its receptor. Specifically, it mimics the action of Waglerin-1 found in natural snake venom, binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on the surface of muscle cells. However, it does not activate the receptors; instead, it occupies the binding sites, preventing acetylcholine from exerting its effect. As a result, the muscles do not receive contraction signals and enter a relaxed state, leading to a reduction in dynamic wrinkles.
This process is similar to the mechanism of action of botulinum toxin, but there are key differences:Level of action: Botulinum toxin needs to be injected into the deep layers of the muscle, while snake venom peptide works by topical application and penetration into the superficial layers of the skin.Intensity of action: Botulinum toxin has a strong and long-lasting effect, potentially leading to facial stiffness; snake venom peptide has a gentle and reversible effect, preserving natural facial expressions.
Safety: Botulinum toxin is a highly toxic protein with a high risk of side effects; snake venom peptide is a synthetic peptide with no toxicity risk.
What are the main skincare benefits?
1. Instant reduction of dynamic wrinklesClinical studies have shown that lotions containing 2% snake venom peptide can reduce wrinkle depth within 2 hours of application. After 28 days of continuous use, wrinkle volume can be reduced by 20%-50%. This immediate effect makes it an ideal ingredient for "emergency" skincare products, suitable for use before important occasions.
2. Prevention of new wrinkle formationBy long-term inhibition of excessive facial muscle contraction, snake venom peptide can effectively prevent the formation of new dynamic wrinkles. For people aged 25-35 who are beginning to experience signs of aging, early use of products containing snake venom peptide can delay the appearance of aging signs.
3. Improvement of skin texture and smoothnessAfter muscle relaxation, the surface tension of the skin is reduced. Combined with other moisturizing ingredients, it can make the skin feel softer and smoother, and pores will appear visually finer.
4. Synergistic enhancement of other anti-aging ingredientsSnake venom peptide has a good synergistic effect with other anti-aging ingredients such as retinol (vitamin A), vitamin C, and peptides. It is responsible for relaxing muscles, while other ingredients promote collagen production or provide antioxidant effects, working together through multiple pathways to combat aging.
Applications of Snake Venom Peptides in Skincare Products
Serum products: High-concentration snake venom peptide serums (usually containing 2%-4%) are highly targeted and suitable for localized application to areas with noticeable wrinkles, such as around the eyes, forehead, and corners of the mouth.Eye cream products: The skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most prone to fine lines. The gentle nature of snake venom peptides makes them an ideal ingredient for eye creams, effectively improving crow's feet and under-eye fine lines.Face creams/lotions: Adding 1%-2% snake venom peptides to anti-aging face creams for full-face use can prevent dynamic wrinkles across the entire face while providing moisturizing and nourishing benefits.Mask products: Snake venom peptide masks are usually used as intensive treatment products, 1-2 times a week, to improve skin condition in a short period.Medical aesthetic products: Some professional beauty institutions use high-purity snake venom peptides in combination with microneedling, radiofrequency, and other instruments to enhance penetration and achieve effects similar to Botox injections.
Precautions for UseAlthough snake venom peptides are generally safe, proper use can maximize their effectiveness:Frequency of use: It is recommended to use daily, morning and evening, for at least 4 weeks to observe noticeable results.
Combination restrictions: Avoid using with strong acidic products (such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid) to prevent affecting the stability of the peptide chain.
Storage method: Products containing snake venom peptides should be stored away from light and at low temperatures, and used as soon as possible after opening.
Special populations: Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and those with severe skin diseases are advised to consult a doctor before use.
How to choose a high-quality snake venom peptide raw material supplier?
The following aspects should be considered:Purity and Content: High-quality snake venom peptides should have a purity of over 98%, with clearly stated active ingredient content. Low-purity raw materials may contain incompletely reacted impurities, affecting product stability.Production Process: Snake venom peptides produced using solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) technology have higher purity and less batch-to-batch variation. The supplier should have a complete quality control system.Testing Capabilities: The supplier should be able to provide complete test reports, including HPLC purity analysis, mass spectrometry molecular weight confirmation, microbial limit testing, and heavy metal testing.Qualifications and Certifications: ISO9001 quality management system certification, cosmetic raw material production license, HALAL/KOSHER certification, etc., are all indicators of the supplier's professionalism.R&D Support: Excellent suppliers not only provide raw materials but also offer technical support such as formulation suggestions and stability testing, helping customers develop products quickly.
What choose Xi'an Sost Biotech's snake venom peptide products?
Strict Quality Control System: The company has established a full-process quality monitoring system from raw material procurement to finished product delivery. Every batch of snake venom peptide undergoes multiple tests including HPLC, MS, and NMR to ensure a purity of ≥99%, meeting international cosmetic raw material standards.Advanced Synthesis Technology: Using internationally leading solid-phase peptide synthesis technology (SPPS), the company ensures accurate peptide chain sequences, high biological activity, and excellent batch stability.Customized Service Capabilities: In addition to standard specifications (such as 1g, 10g, 100g, 1kg packaging), the company can provide customized services with different purity levels (98%, 99%, 99.5%) and special formulations (such as liposome-encapsulated snake venom peptides) according to customer needs.Comprehensive Certifications: The company holds multiple international certifications including ISO9001, ISO22000, HALAL, and KOSHER. Its products are exported to more than 50 countries and regions in Europe, America, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, and are trusted by internationally renowned cosmetic brands.Professional Technical Support Team: The company has a team of experienced cosmetic R&D engineers who can provide customers with one-stop solutions including formulation development, stability testing, and regulatory consulting, helping customers quickly launch their products.
Stable Supply Chain Guarantee: We possess standardized cGMP workshops and ample raw material reserves, ensuring long-term stable supply to meet customers' large-volume purchasing needs.Compliant Export Experience: We are familiar with the import regulations for cosmetic raw materials in various countries and can provide complete COA, MSDS, certificate of origin, and other documents to assist customers in smooth customs clearance.
Whether you are a startup skincare brand looking for cost-effective raw materials or a mature company developing a high-end anti-wrinkle product line, Xi'an Sost Biotech can provide the most suitable snake venom peptide solutions. Adhering to the philosophy of "Technology extracts from nature, quality creates the future," the company is committed to providing safe, effective, and sustainable innovative raw materials for the global cosmetics industry.
If you are looking for a reliable snake venom peptide supplier, please contact Xi'an Sost Biotech: Email: ericyang@xasost.com
Our professional team will wholeheartedly provide you with product consultation, sample requests, quotations, and technical support. Choosing Xi'an Sost Biotech means choosing quality and trust. Let's work together to create a new future for skincare!
References
Pentapharm Ltd.: A Synthetic Tripeptide with Anti-Wrinkle Activity. Technical Documentation, 2010.Schagen, S. K., et al. (2017). Topical Peptide Treatments with Effective Anti-Aging Results. Cosmetics, 4(2), 16.National Medical Products Administration. Cosmetic Safety Technical Specifications (2022 Edition).SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety). Opinion on Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, 2014.China Association of Fragrance, Flavor and Cosmetic Industries. Cosmetic Raw Material Catalog (2021 Edition).Zhang, L., et al. (2018). Synthetic Peptides in Cosmetics: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(5), 789-796.
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