Description
Decapeptide-12
Decapeptide-12 is a synthetic peptide composed of 10 amino acids, specifically designed to target melanin production in the skin. Research indicates that it may inhibit tyrosinase, a key enzyme responsible for catalyzing the initial steps of melanin synthesis, potentially reducing hyperpigmentation.
Unlike naturally occurring peptides, Decapeptide-12 is engineered in the laboratory to exert targeted effects on melanogenesis, cellular signaling, and potentially cell aging, making it a useful compound for scientific research in dermatology and anti-aging studies.
Chemical Properties
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Molecular Formula: C₆₅H₉₀N₁₈O₁₇
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Molecular Weight: 1311.46 g/mol
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Peptide Type: Synthetic decapeptide
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Purity: Typically >99% (research grade)
Mechanism of Action
Decapeptide-12 primarily works by modulating melanogenesis in melanocytes:
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Tyrosinase inhibition: Tyrosinase catalyzes the conversion of tyrosine to DOPA and DOPA to DOPAquinone, essential steps in melanin synthesis.
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Enzyme interaction: Decapeptide-12 may bind to tyrosinase or its mRNA, reducing enzymatic activity and/or protein expression, thereby suppressing melanin production.
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Indirect pathways: Early studies suggest Decapeptide-12 may also influence sirtuin gene expression and cellular stress response, which are associated with cellular longevity and antioxidant defenses.
Research and Clinical Studies
1. Melasma
Decapeptide-12 has been investigated for its ability to improve moderate to severe melasma:
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A 24-week clinical study with 25 participants reported significant improvements in melasma, solar lentigines, periocular lines, and wrinkles.
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A 16-week trial involving 33 participants demonstrated visible reduction in melasma severity.
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One study reported complete melasma clearance in 25% of subjects after six weeks.
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Effects were observed in Fitzpatrick skin type IV, commonly affected by recalcitrant melasma.
2. Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Decapeptide-12 may accelerate the resolution of PIH, potentially due to tyrosinase inhibition, improving pigmentation after inflammation or injury.
3. Solar Lentigines
Clinical studies indicate:
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38.5% of subjects achieved complete clearance of photodamage-induced hyperpigmentation.
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Remaining subjects showed partial improvements, with reductions in severity from severe to mild or moderate.
4. Cellular Aging and Sirtuin Regulation
Decapeptide-12 has been shown to influence sirtuin gene expression in keratinocyte progenitors:
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SIRT1: +141 ± 11%
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SIRT3: +121 ± 13%
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SIRT6: +147 ± 8%
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SIRT7: +95 ± 14%
Upregulation of these genes may enhance cellular resilience, mitochondrial efficiency, DNA repair, and oxidative stress defense, suggesting a potential role in delaying cellular aging.
Key Applications
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Research on melanin synthesis and pigmentation
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Studies of melasma, solar lentigines, and PIH
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Investigation of cell aging and sirtuin modulation
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Dermatology and cosmetic research focusing on skin brightening and anti-aging mechanisms
Important Notice
Decapeptide-12 is intended for laboratory and research purposes only.
It is not approved for human consumption, medical, or cosmetic use. Always follow institutional safety and handling protocols when using this peptide.
References
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Jiang, L., et al. Efficacy of Trifecting® Night Cream: A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(12):21–25.
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Ramírez, S. P., et al. Open-label evaluation of a novel skin brightening system containing 0.01% decapeptide-12 in combination with 20% buffered glycolic acid. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013;12(6):e106–e110.
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Hantash, B. M., & Jimenez, F. Treatment of mild to moderate facial melasma with the Lumixyl brightening system. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012;11(5):660–662.
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Hantash, B. M., & Jimenez, F. A split-face, double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled pilot evaluation of a novel oligopeptide for recalcitrant melasma. J Drugs Dermatol. 2009;8(8):732–735.





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