What does Decapeptide-12 do for skin?

It is researched as a topical tyrosinase inhibitor that reduces melanin production, with the goal of lightening hyperpigmentation such as melasma and dark spots.

Is Decapeptide-12 injected?

No. It is a cosmetic peptide intended for topical application to the skin, where it acts locally with minimal systemic exposure.

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Collagen & Skin

Research Chemical

Decapeptide-12

Also known as: Decapeptide-12

A synthetic ten-amino-acid cosmetic peptide studied as a topical tyrosinase inhibitor to reduce hyperpigmentation and even skin tone.

Mechanism of Action

Decapeptide-12 acts primarily as a competitive inhibitor of tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin biosynthesis, thereby reducing conversion of tyrosine to DOPA and downstream eumelanin. By lowering melanocyte melanin output it is researched for fading melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. As a topical cosmetic peptide it is intended to act locally within the epidermis with negligible systemic absorption.

Half-life: Not well characterized; topical peptide with local epidermal action
Administration Routes: topical
Research Status: Research Chemical