A designed 10-mer that competes with tyrosinase — the pigment-enzyme target of skin-brightening cosmetics.
Also known as: Lumixyl
Part of the Cosmetic & skin peptides cluster
Overview
Decapeptide-12 (Lumixyl) is a synthetic 10-amino-acid peptide with the sequence YRSRKYSSWY, designed to inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme that begins melanin synthesis. It is used as a cosmetic ingredient in topical skin-brightening products and studied for the appearance of hyperpigmentation. It is presented here as a cosmetic ingredient.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Synthetic decapeptide (designed at Stanford University)
Primary research or clinical context: Cosmetic ingredient in topical brightening formulations
Tyrosinase-competition concept
Tyrosinase catalyzes the first step of melanin production. Decapeptide-12 was engineered to bind tyrosinase and compete with its natural substrate, which cosmetic-science literature links to a reduced appearance of uneven pigmentation without the irritation associated with some traditional agents.
Cosmetic-ingredient framing
Marketed as Lumixyl, decapeptide-12 appears in topical brightening systems and has been evaluated in open-label cosmetic studies. Nothing here is a claim to treat melasma or any medical condition; this page describes a cosmetic ingredient only.
Sequence
One-letter sequence commonly cited for Decapeptide-12 (educational; isoforms and modifications may differ):
YRSRKYSSWY
Residues plotted ~100° apart around an α-helix — clustering of one color reveals an amphipathic face.
FAQ about Decapeptide-12
What is Decapeptide-12?+
Decapeptide-12 (Lumixyl) is a synthetic 10-amino-acid peptide with the sequence YRSRKYSSWY, designed to inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme that begins melanin synthesis. It is used as a cosmetic ingredient in topical skin-brightening products and studied for the appearance of hyperpigmentation. It is presented here as a cosmetic ingredient.
Is Decapeptide-12 an approved medicine?+
Decapeptide-12 is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Cosmetic ingredient in topical brightening formulations. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Decapeptide-12?+
Decapeptide-12 is commonly described as approximately 10 amino acids (Cosmetic ingredient peptide).