Decapeptide-12 vs AOD-9604
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & Cosmetic
Decapeptide-12Fat Loss & Metabolic
AOD-9604- Summary
- Decapeptide-12 is a synthetic 10-amino acid peptide developed for skin brightening and depigmentation. It selectively inhibits tyrosinase activity and downstream melanogenesis pathways, reducing hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone without the irritation associated with hydroquinone.
- AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (residues 177-191) with an additional tyrosine residue that significantly enhances bioavailability. Originally developed as an anti-obesity drug by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals, it stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis without the diabetogenic effects of full GH.
- Half-Life
- Not applicable (topical)
- 30-45 minutes injectable; longer with nasal spray formulation
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ, Intranasal, Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 5 ppm (0.0005%) concentration
- 300-600 mcg
- Frequency
- Twice daily (AM and PM)
- Once daily
- Key Benefits
- Reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots
- Evens skin tone and improves radiance
- Inhibits post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Well-tolerated alternative to hydroquinone
- Effective for melasma and age spots
- Non-cytotoxic to melanocytes
- Selective fat loss without anabolic side effects
- No effect on blood glucose or insulin resistance
- Improved bioavailability over Fragment 176-191
- GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status in Australia
- Potential cartilage repair and anti-inflammatory properties
- Does not suppress natural GH production
- Side Effects
- Generally very well-tolerated
- Rare mild irritation or sensitivity in some skin types
- Results may take several weeks to become visible
- Localized injection site reactions
- Headache (rare)
- Hypoglycemia risk in combination with insulin (very rare)
- Stacks With
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