A small open‑label study found that a skin‑brightening system containing decapeptide‑12, used together with a cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, noticeably reduced facial hyperpigmentation over 24 weeks. About two‑thirds of participants saw their skin tone improve from moderate or severe damage to mild or clear, and the treatment was well tolerated with few side effects.

This prospective study evaluated the safety and efficacy of decapeptide-12 in conjunction with an antioxidant cleanser, glycolic-acid containing facial moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen in the treatment of facial hyperpigmentation associated with chronic photodamage. Fifteen female subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types I through IV and documented photodamage were entered into the study, of whom 13 completed the study. Results were obtained at weeks 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 and were assessed by both volunteers and investigators based on standardised digital photography using the Global Assessment of Photodamage Severity Scale. At the conclusion of the study at 24 weeks, 38.5% of the volunteers achieved complete clearance from a moderate (grade 3) degree of photodamage at baseline to completely cleared (grade 1). Another 30.7% improved from a moderate (grade 3) degree of photodamage at baseline to a mild (grade 2) degree of photodamage. An additional 15.4% improved from a severe (grade 4) degree of photodamage at baseline to a moderate (grade 3) degree of photodamage while an equal 15.4% improved from a severe (grade 4) degree of photodamage at baseline to a designation of mild (grade 2) at 24 weeks. All study-related treatments were well tolerated. The mechanism of action of decapeptide-12 includes inhibition of melanin synthesis via inhibition of the tyrosinase enzyme. Advantages of decapeptide-12 over other skin-brightening agents include its low incidence of side effects, lack of cytotoxicity and safe use in ethnic skin as well as in patients who have failed other treatment regimens.