Decapeptide-12 vs MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & Cosmetic
Decapeptide-12Anabolic & IGF
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)- 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.
- MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is a splice variant of IGF-1 that is locally produced in muscle tissue in response to mechanical damage from exercise. It activates muscle satellite cells (stem cells) to proliferate and repair damaged fibers, making it specifically targeted at exercise-induced hypertrophy.
- Half-Life
- Not applicable (topical)
- Native MGF: minutes. PEG-MGF: ~3 days
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ, IM
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 5 ppm (0.0005%) concentration
- 200–400 mcg
- Frequency
- Twice daily (AM and PM)
- 1–2 times per week
- 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
- Activates muscle satellite cells for repair and growth
- Accelerates recovery from muscle damage
- Synergistic with IGF-1 LR3 (different mechanisms)
- Promotes muscle hypertrophy specifically at exercised muscles
- Faster recovery between training sessions
- Potential for injury repair in connective tissue
- Side Effects
- Generally very well-tolerated
- Rare mild irritation or sensitivity in some skin types
- Results may take several weeks to become visible
- Muscle soreness (satellite cell activation)
- Injection site irritation
- Hypoglycemia risk (modest, less than IGF-1 LR3)
- Stacks With
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