What is Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate and what is its purpose?

The "Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate" is a small synthetic peptide made up of two modified amino acids. It belongs to the family of peptides biomimetic, i.e. molecules designed in the laboratory to emulate the activity of certain sequences naturally present in the body. Its structure is based on a dipeptide linked to a benzylamide moiety and stabilised as a diacetate, enhancing its solubility and stability in aqueous cosmetic formulations.

This peptide is often marketed as a synthetic analogue of peptide fragments found in certain venoms, although it is entirely devoid of toxicity at cosmetic concentrations. Its design aims to replicate in a controlled manner an interaction with the superficial neuromuscular mechanisms involved in micro-contractions of the skin. Thanks to its small molecular size and optimised structure, the "Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate" can be incorporated into serums and creams specifically targeting the expression wrinkles, specifically around the forehead and eye contour.

"Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate" is primarily used to target dynamic wrinkles, namely those that appear during repeated contractions of the facial muscles (forehead lines, glabellar lines, crow’s feet...).

Unlike static wrinkles, primarily related to the loss of collagen and elasticity, expression lines originate at the neuromuscular junction. When a nerve impulse reaches this area, it triggers the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. This binds to muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (mnAChR), causing ion channels to open and a massive influx of sodium (Na⁺) into the muscle cell. This depolarisation then induces the release of intracellular calcium, essential for triggering contraction.

The 'Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate' acts upstream in this cascade. In vitro, it is described as a reversible antagonist of muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. By binding to these receptors, it limits their activation and keeps the ion channel closed. In the absence of sufficient sodium influx, membrane depolarisation is attenuated, which slows the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Without an intracellular rise in calcium, the actin–myosin complex does not fully activate: muscle contraction is thus modulated. The aim is not to completely block contraction, but to subtly reduce it, in order to limit the repeated formation of skin folds responsible for the progressive appearance of expression lines.

To concretely illustrate this mechanism, an experimental study evaluated the effect of "Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate" on muscle contraction. Initially, myocytes were pretreated for one hour with varying peptide concentrations (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/mL), then stimulated with 20 mM acetylcholine. At all concentrations tested, the peptide significantly reduced intracellular calcium transients, that is the signal triggering contraction. In a second, more complex model reproducing a human neuromuscular junction (co-culture of neurons and myocytes beneath a reconstructed epidermis), topical application of a solution containing this peptide reduced the frequency of contractions.

These results suggest that “Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate” can modulate post-synaptic signalling involved in muscle contraction, a mechanism of interest for attenuating expression lines.

In a more clinical approach, a study investigated the impact of this peptide on expression lines in 57 women aged 50 to 65 years. Participants were allocated to either a placebo group or a group applying a formulation containing 4% Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate for four weeks. Imaging and instrumental analyses revealed a significant reduction in the area and length of forehead wrinkles during frowning in the peptide group compared with placebo.

The ‘Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate’ thus appears to have genuine effects on expression lines.

Currently available data suggest that Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate is safe for topical application.

Its mechanism of action is based on moderate post-synaptic inhibition of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, confined to the skin surface. In contrast to injectable procedures acting directly on the deep muscle layer, such as botox, this peptide delivers a gentle, localized effect. At the concentrations used in cosmetic formulations, it does not cause muscle paralysis but induces a subtle modulation of micro-contractions.

Moreover, the fact that it is presented as an analogue of peptides found in certain venoms should not cause concern: it is not a venom extract, but a synthetic molecule designed to reproduce a precise biological mechanism in a controlled manner, without retaining any toxicity. The concentrations used in cosmetics are strictly regulated and very far removed from any toxic activity.

At present, the scientific literature reports no adverse effects associated with its topical use. However, it should be emphasised that the published clinical data remain limited. By analogy, other topically applied neuromuscular peptides have not shown any concerning side effects, but further studies would be useful to consolidate these observations.

That said, as with any ingredient, an individual reaction may still occur, underscoring the importance of testing your cosmetics upon first application.

• GEMPELER M. & al. Facial expression wrinkles and their relaxation by a synthetic peptide. International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics (2020).

• GREEN B. & al. A novel acetyl dipeptide demonstrates pleiotropic gene expression, optimized bioavailability, and perceived anti-aging benefits. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2020).

• MAMMONE T. & al. Dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate postsynaptically inhibits muscle contraction. Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2021).

• YI T.-H. & al. Sustainable dynamic wrinkle efficacy: Non-invasive peptides as the future of botox alternatives. Cosmetics (2024).

• GLIGOR F. G. & al. Viper venom and synthetic peptides: Emerging active ingredients in anti-ageing cosmeceuticals. Applied Sciences (2025).