Epithalon vs Decapeptide-12
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Anti-Aging & Longevity
EpithalonSkin & Cosmetic
Decapeptide-12- Summary
- Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide developed from the pineal gland extract Epithalamin by Russian scientist Dr. Vladimir Khavinson. It is one of the most researched longevity peptides, known for activating telomerase and extending telomere length — the molecular hallmarks of cellular aging.
- 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.
- Half-Life
- 2–4 hours
- Not applicable (topical)
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Sublingual
- Topical
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 5–10 mg total per cycle
- 5 ppm (0.0005%) concentration
- Frequency
- 0.5–1 mg daily
- Twice daily (AM and PM)
- Key Benefits
- Activates telomerase enzyme, extending telomere length
- May slow cellular and biological aging
- Regulates melatonin production and circadian rhythms
- Improves sleep quality
- Powerful antioxidant properties
- May reduce incidence of age-related diseases
- Supports immune system function
- Studied for cancer prevention properties in animal models
- 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
- Side Effects
- Injection site irritation (mild)
- Temporary sleep changes during cycle (usually improves)
- Rare: fatigue
- Generally very well-tolerated
- Rare mild irritation or sensitivity in some skin types
- Results may take several weeks to become visible
- Stacks With
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