Research Only Cosmetic & Skin

Decorinyl

also known as: Tripeptide-10 Citrulline, T10-C, Lys-Asp-Ile-Cit-NH2, Decorin-mimetic peptide

The actual identity of the Lipotec "Decorinyl®" ingredient — a decorin-mimetic tetrapeptide (Lys-Asp-Ile-Cit-NH2) engineered to regulate collagen fibril diameter and uniformity in aged skin. Often confused with "Tridecapeptide-4"; the authoritative literature (Puig et al. 2008) classifies it as INCI Tripeptide-10 Citrulline.

A synthetic tetrapeptide modeled on the collagen-binding motif of decorin, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) that controls fibril diameter and regular spacing of type I collagen in the dermis. The INCI designation "Tripeptide-10 Citrulline" reflects three proteinogenic residues (Lys-Asp-Ile) plus a C-terminal L-citrulline; the charge pattern (+/−/0/+) reproduces the decorin motif that binds collagen fibrils. Developed by Lipotec (acquired by Lubrizol in 2012) and commercialised as Decorinyl®. A 43-subject placebo-controlled trial of a 0.01% liposomal formulation (Puig et al. 2008) reported a 54% increase in skin suppleness at 28 days; additional in-vitro evidence shows thinner, more uniform collagen fibrils. Cosmetic ingredient only; not a drug.

Mechanism of action

Mimics the collagen-binding region of decorin, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) that regulates type I collagen fibrillogenesis by binding periodically to the surface of fibrils and limiting lateral fusion. The four-residue Lys-Asp-Ile-Cit motif preserves the +/−/0/+ charge pattern of the native decorin binding sequence, enabling it to occupy the same fibril surface site. In aged skin, endogenous decorin is progressively truncated and loses its collagen-regulating C-terminal region, producing thicker and irregular fibrils; Tripeptide-10 Citrulline is proposed to partially compensate for this truncation. Ex-vivo skin equivalents and in-vitro fibrillogenesis assays show narrower, more uniform fibrils in treated samples. Commonly co-formulated with Tripeptide-1 (in Trylagen™) or Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline).

Primary uses

Topical cosmetic anti-aging formulations (collagen-quality / fibril organization)

Typical dosing

2–4 % (topical formulation) twice daily (topical)

Cosmetic concentrations. Lipotec clinical study used a 10% liposomal solution delivering 0.01% active peptide.

Regulatory status

Cosmetic ingredient; not a drug. Registered under INCI name Tripeptide-10 Citrulline.

References

[pubmed] Puig A, García Antón J, Mangues M. "A new decorin-like tetrapeptide for optimal organization of collagen fibres." Int J Cosmet Sci, 2008;30(2):97-104.
[pubmed] Raikou V, Varvaresou A, Panderi I, Papageorgiou E. "The efficacy study of the combination of tripeptide-10-citrulline and acetyl hexapeptide-3. A prospective, randomized controlled study." J Cosmet Dermatol, 2017;16(2):271-278.
[manufacturer] Lipotec / Lubrizol. "Decorinyl® (Tripeptide-10 Citrulline) technical data sheet and INCI profile."

Related peptides

Matrixyl

A palmitoylated pentapeptide derived from a collagen-I breakdown fragment (KTTKS) — widely used in cosmetic topicals with clinical data supporting modest reductions in fine-line depth over 12 weeks.

Argireline

A cosmetic-industry hexapeptide marketed as "topical Botox" — reduces muscle contraction signaling at the neuromuscular junction; modest but documented effects on expression-line depth.

GHK-Cu

A naturally occurring human tripeptide-copper complex with extensive topical cosmetic evidence and strong in-vitro data on collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory signaling.

Disclaimer

This entry is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosing information reflects published regulatory or research data and is not a recommendation. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use in the United States. Consult a licensed medical professional before considering any peptide therapy.