What is “Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate” and what is it used for?

The "Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate" is a small synthetic peptide composed of two modified amino acids. It belongs to the family of peptides biomimetic, that is, laboratory-designed molecules that replicate the activity of specific sequences naturally occurring in the body. Its structure is built on a dipeptide linked to a benzylamide group and stabilized as a diacetate, which improves its solubility and stability in aqueous cosmetic formulations.

This peptide is often described 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 reproduce in a controlled manner an interaction with the superficial neuromuscular mechanisms involved in cutaneous micro-contractions. Thanks to its low molecular weight and optimized structure, "Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate" can be incorporated into serums and creams specifically targeting expression lines, particularly on the forehead and around the eyes.

“Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate” is primarily used to target dynamic wrinkles, that is, those that develop during repeated contractions of the facial muscles (forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet…).

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

"Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate" acts upstream of 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 depolarization is attenuated, which slows calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Without an intracellular rise in calcium, the actin–myosin complex is not fully activated: muscle contraction is thus modulated. The objective is not to completely block contraction but to subtly reduce it, in order to limit the repeated formation of skin folds responsible for the gradual appearance of expression lines.

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

These findings suggest that the "Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate" can modulate postsynaptic signaling involved in muscle contraction, a mechanism of interest for reducing expression wrinkles.

In a more clinical approach, a study explored the effect of this peptide on expression wrinkles in 57 women aged 50 to 65. Participants were divided between a placebo group and a group applying for four weeks a formulation containing 4% Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate. Imaging analyses and instrumental measurements showed a significant reduction in the area and length of forehead wrinkles during frowning in the peptide group compared to placebo.

The “Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate” therefore appears to have demonstrable effects on facial expression wrinkles.

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

Its mechanism of action relies on moderate post-synaptic inhibition of acetylcholine nicotinic receptors, confined to the skin’s surface. Unlike injectable treatments targeting deep muscle tissue, such as botox, this peptide has a localized, gentle effect. At cosmetic concentrations, it does not induce muscle paralysis but delivers a subtle modulation of micro-contractions.

Moreover, the fact that it is described as an analog of peptides found in certain venoms should not cause concern: it is not a venom extract but a synthetic molecule engineered to replicate a specific biological mechanism in a controlled fashion, without retaining its toxicity. The concentrations used in cosmetics are strictly regulated and very far removed from any toxic activity.

Finally, to date, the scientific literature reports no adverse effects associated with its topical use. However, it should be emphasized that the published clinical data remain limited. By analogy, other topically applied neuromuscular peptides have not demonstrated concerning side effects, but additional studies would be useful to consolidate these observations.

That said, as with any ingredient, an individual reaction can still occur, hence the importance of testing cosmetics upon first use.

• 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).