Decapeptide-12
Decapeptide-12 is a cosmetic tyrosinase-inhibiting peptide. Decapeptide-12 was identified by screening for peptides that inhibit tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin synthesis. By reducing tyrosinase activity it is intended to slow melanin production over successive skin turnover cycles, which is why visible change in cosmetic studies is reported over weeks rather than days.
For research use only.
Key Facts
- CAS
- 137665-91-9
- Molecular Weight (MW)
- 1395.5 g/mol
- Half-life
- —
- FDA status
- Not Approved
- Administration Route
- topical
- Frequency
- —
- Last updated
- Aug 30, 2026
- Reviewed
- Aug 30, 2026
Research summary
Synthetic decapeptide used topically in pigmentation products as a non-hydroquinone alternative. Regulated as a cosmetic ingredient; not FDA-approved as a drug.
Peptide Library's Decapeptide-12 profile summarises 5 cited studies listed in the Science section, the compound's regulatory status, and research-protocol parameters reported for it. It is a research reference, not medical advice.
Protocol
- Dosage Range
- —
- Frequency
- —
- Cycle
- —
- Administration Route
- topical
- Reconstitution Guide
- —
Sequence & molecular data
| Molecular formula | C65H90N18O17 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 1395.5 g/mol |
| CAS number | 137665-91-9 |
| PubChem CID | 25087629 |
Identifiers link to the public PubChem, FDA Substance Registration (UNII), ChEMBL and DrugBank records for the same entity.
Science
Mechanism of Action
Decapeptide-12 was identified by screening for peptides that inhibit tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin synthesis. By reducing tyrosinase activity it is intended to slow melanin production over successive skin turnover cycles, which is why visible change in cosmetic studies is reported over weeks rather than days.
Studies
- Open-label evaluation of a novel skin brightening system containing 0.01% decapeptide-12 in combination with 20% buffered glycolic acid for the treatment of mild to moderate facial melasma
- Open-label evaluation of the skin-brightening efficacy of a skin-brightening system using decapeptide-12
- A split-face, double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled pilot evaluation of a novel oligopeptide for the treatment of recalcitrant melasma
- Combined topical delivery and dermalinfusion of decapeptide-12 accelerates resolution of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin of color
- Treatment of mild to moderate facial melasma with the Lumixyl topical brightening system
Regulatory & research status
Decapeptide-12 is not an FDA-approved product. It is sold for laboratory research and has no approved medical use.
| FDA status | Not Approved |
|---|---|
| Research status | Research-only compound; no approval pathway listed |
| Availability | OTC / Supplement |
| WADA (sport) | Unknown / Not Listed |
| Library classification | Research-Only |
Benefits
—
Potential Side Effects
No side effects listed yet for this entry.
Storage & stability
Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder is far more stable than the reconstituted solution. Keep sealed vials cold, dry and away from light; long-term storage is typically frozen, with short-term refrigeration for vials in use.
Once reconstituted in bacteriostatic water, keep the solution refrigerated, avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles and agitation, and label the vial with the reconstitution date and concentration. Discard any solution that turns cloudy or shows particulates.
Degradation rates differ by sequence: peptides containing methionine, cysteine, asparagine or glutamine are more prone to oxidation and deamidation, so shelf life after reconstitution is compound-specific rather than universal.
Cosmetic peptides in this library are formulated into topical products; follow the product label rather than the reconstitution guidance above.
Read the full guide: how to store peptides before and after reconstitution →
Source: Manning MC, Chou DK, Murphy BM, Payne RW, Katayama DS. Stability of protein pharmaceuticals: an update. Pharm Res. 2010;27(4):544–575. (PMID 20143256). General guidance for research handling; not product-specific instructions.
Decapeptide-12: frequently asked questions
What is Decapeptide-12?
Synthetic decapeptide used topically in pigmentation products as a non-hydroquinone alternative. Regulated as a cosmetic ingredient; not FDA-approved as a drug.
How does Decapeptide-12 work?
Decapeptide-12 was identified by screening for peptides that inhibit tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin synthesis. By reducing tyrosinase activity it is intended to slow melanin production over successive skin turnover cycles, which is why visible change in cosmetic studies is reported over weeks rather than days.
Is Decapeptide-12 FDA approved?
No. Decapeptide-12 is not approved by the FDA for any indication and is categorised as otc / supplement. It has not been reviewed for safety or efficacy as a medicine, and published research should be read as investigation rather than established use.
What peptides are similar to Decapeptide-12?
Compounds most often compared with Decapeptide-12 include Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 and Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12. They are grouped by shared mechanism or research area rather than by equivalence, and their regulatory status and evidence base differ.
References
- Open-label evaluation of a novel skin brightening system containing 0.01% decapeptide-12 in combination with 20% buffered glycolic acid for the treatment of mild to moderate facial melasma — J Drugs Dermatol, 2013External reference
- Open-label evaluation of the skin-brightening efficacy of a skin-brightening system using decapeptide-12 — J Cosmet Laser Ther, 2012External reference
- A split-face, double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled pilot evaluation of a novel oligopeptide for the treatment of recalcitrant melasma — J Drugs Dermatol, 2009External reference
- Combined topical delivery and dermalinfusion of decapeptide-12 accelerates resolution of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin of color — J Drugs Dermatol, 2014External reference
- Treatment of mild to moderate facial melasma with the Lumixyl topical brightening system — J Drugs Dermatol, 2012External reference
Related research, comparisons & guides
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Compiled by Peptide Library Editorial · Reviewed Aug 30, 2026 · Updated Aug 30, 2026 · Version 1
This Decapeptide-12 profile is compiled from published literature (5 cited studies linked above), public regulatory records and chemical registries. It describes what research reports; it is not medical advice, and nothing here is a dosing recommendation for humans. Peptide Library does not sell peptides. Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled · Report an error
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