GHK vs Decapeptide-12
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
GHKSkin & Cosmetic
Decapeptide-12- Summary
- GHK is the natural tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) released from human albumin that activates tissue remodeling, collagen synthesis, and anti-aging gene expression. The copper-free form is the biological signaling molecule; it chelates copper in tissue to form GHK-Cu but also has independent biological activity.
- 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
- Extremely short as free peptide; tissue binding extends local effects
- Not applicable (topical)
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Topical, Oral
- Topical
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 100–500 mcg
- 5 ppm (0.0005%) concentration
- Frequency
- Daily or 5x per week
- Twice daily (AM and PM)
- Key Benefits
- Stimulates collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis
- Activates tissue repair gene expression programs
- Anti-aging: reverses 57% of age-related gene changes
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- Wound healing and skin barrier repair
- Improves skin laxity, texture, and radiance
- Neuroprotective (stimulates NGF, BDNF)
- Anti-fibrotic in liver and lung 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
- Excellent safety profile (naturally occurring peptide)
- Rare: mild injection site reaction (SC)
- No significant adverse effects identified in research
- 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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