Decapeptide-12 (Topical)

Decapeptide-12 is an oligopeptide with well-known anti-tyrosinase activity. It is under active investigation for its ability to help improve both skin tone and skin texture. Tyrosinase is a copper-containing enzyme found widely in plant and animal tissues. It catalyzes the production of melanin and other pigments. By interfering with tyrosinase, decapeptide-12 is able to lighten skin tone in animal models.

Sequence (Three-Letter Code): Tyr-Arg-Ser-Aar-Lysd-Tyr-Ser-Ser-Trp-Tyr
Molecular formula: C65H90N18O17
Molecular weight: 1311.46 g/mol

Tyrosinase is an enzyme essential to the production of melanin and other pigments. A deficiency of tyrosinase results in type I oculocutaneous albinism while any mutation that causes tyrosinase to be overactive will lead to hyperpigmentation of the skin secondary to melanin production [1]. Both the medical and cosmetics industries are interested in tyrosinase inhibitors, like decapeptide-12, as both therapeutics and to help better clarify how the enzyme cascade of pigment production works.

The food industry has also investigated decapeptide-12 as a potential preservative and flavor enhancer. Tyrosinase catalyzes the oxidation of phenolic compounds found in fruits and vegetables (it is what turns potatoes black after they are cut) to quinones. This conversion gives food an unpleasant taste and color. It also makes it harder for certain proteins to be digested and thus decreases the nutritional value of food.

Tyrosinase has a number of unique roles in the insect world. It can affect wound healing, parasite encapsulation, and the formation of an insect's hard exosekleton. Inhibitors of tyrosinase, like decapeptide-12, have been studied as potential insecticides.

Decapeptide-12 is a small oligopeptide made of just twelve amino acids (Tyr-Arg-Ser-Aar-Lysd-Tyr-Ser-Ser-Trp-Tyr). It is primarily known for its ability to inhibit activity of the tyrosinase enzyme responsible for producing melanin.

Decapeptide-12 reversibly binds to tyrosinase, an enzyme found in a number of different pigment-producing cells. It prevents tyrosinase from catalyzing the oxidation of phenols, the first step in melanin production. In mammals, tyrosinase is found only in melanosomes, special compartments within pigment-producing cells. Tyrosinase is not preserved across species and, in fact, can differ drastically in structure even among closely-related species. In humans, differences in the efficiency of tyrosinase determine skin color and are the result of slight modifications in the TYR gene found on chromosome 11 [2].

A prospective animal study study looking at the safety and efficacy of topical decapeptide-12 in photodamage found that decapeptide-12 reduces skin pigmentation dramatically. In fact, nearly 40% of subjects in the study achieved baseline skin tone (100% reduction in hyperpigmentation) and 15% moved from grade 3 photodamage to grade 1 photodamage. Those with the most severe photodamage (grade 4) experienced only moderate improvement to grade 3 after twelve weeks of use [3].

In a split-face (one side of the face is given one product and the other side is given another product), randomized, double-blind and placebo controlled pilot study, statistically significant changes in skin tone were seen in 100% of subjects suffering from melasma (photdamage) [4].

Decapeptide-12 is approximately 17 times more potent than previous treatments for hyperpigmentation, including hydroquinone [5]. Studies in cultured melanocytes over 7 days demonstrated a 27%-43% reduction in melanin content [6]. Decapeptide-12 has undergone multiple animal trials and may eventually be included in commercial products for treating hyperpigmentation.

1. Iozumi, K., Hoganson, G. E., Pennella, R., Everett, M. A. & Fuller, B. B. Role of tyrosinase as the determinant of pigmentation in cultured human melanocytes. J. Invest. Dermatol. 100, 806–811 (1993).
2. TYR tyrosinase [Homo sapiens (human)] - Gene - NCBI. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/7299. (Accessed: 25th July 2016)
3. Kassim, A. T., Hussain, M. & Goldberg, D. J. Open-label evaluation of the skin-brightening efficacy of a skin-brightening system using decapeptide-12. J. Cosmet. Laser Ther. Off. Publ. Eur. Soc. Laser Dermatol. 14, 117–121 (2012).
4. Hantash, B. M. & Jimenez, F. A split-face, double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled pilot evaluation of a novel oligopeptide for the treatment of recalcitrant melasma. J. Drugs Dermatol. JDD 8, 732–735 (2009).
5. Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Surgical Care, Prevention. (2016).
6. Abu Ubeid, A., Zhao, L., Wang, Y. & Hantash, B. M. Short-sequence oligopeptides with inhibitory activity against mushroom and human tyrosinase. J. Invest. Dermatol. 129, 2242–2249 (2009).

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The products offered on this website are furnished for in-vitro studies only. In-vitro studies (Latin: in glass) are performed outside of the body.  These products are not medicines or drugs and have not been approved by the FDA to prevent, treat or cure any medical condition, ailment or disease.  Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law.