Melanotan I
Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) is a synthetic linear analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) that selectively activates the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes. It is studied for its ability to stimulate eumelanin production, producing skin darkening and increased UV photoprotection. It differs from Melanotan-2 in being highly MC1R-selective, so it lacks MT-2's pronounced appetite and libido effects.
Research contexts focused on melanogenesis, UV photoprotection, and fair (Fitzpatrick I-II) skin phototype pigmentation studies.
Melanotan-1 is the research designation for afamelanotide, a synthetic 13-amino-acid analog of the natural hormone alpha-MSH, modified at positions 4 and 7 ([Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH) to resist enzymatic breakdown and prolong receptor activity relative to native alpha-MSH. It acts as a potent agonist at the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) expressed on epidermal melanocytes; MC1R activation raises intracellular cyclic AMP, upregulating tyrosinase and shifting melanin synthesis toward eumelanin, the darker, more photoprotective pigment. Clinical pharmacology studies of the free peptide report short plasma exposure after subcutaneous dosing, whereas the approved clinical product uses a slow-release subcutaneous implant to sustain levels.
Controlled research has shown meaningful increases in skin eumelanin content in fair-skinned subjects, and afamelanotide as a sustained-release implant (Scenesse) is approved in some jurisdictions specifically for erythropoietic protoporphyria to reduce phototoxic reactions. It is important to be clear that the injectable research peptide sold as 'Melanotan-1' is NOT the same as an approved medicine, is not FDA-approved for tanning or cosmetic use, and is offered for research use only. Long-term safety of unregulated injectable use has not been established, and because melanocortin agonists can affect pre-existing pigmented lesions, dermatologic monitoring of moles and skin is prudent.
Anyone considering it should do so only under qualified physician guidance; nothing here is medical advice.
In human research the free peptide is given subcutaneously, most commonly 0.25-1 mg once daily, with a conservative starting point of 0.25 mg/day. Doses are individualized to skin type, and a loading period of daily injections is typically followed by reduced maintenance dosing.
Visible pigment changes generally develop gradually over 1-2 weeks of daily dosing, deepening with continued exposure to UV or the peptide.
Typically run standalone; a photoprotective/pigment agent rather than a stack component.
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This page is educational reference material about compounds studied in research settings. It is not medical advice, and nothing here is a recommendation to buy, possess, or use any compound. Research findings described are from published literature; individual compounds may not be approved for human use. Talk to a licensed clinician about anything that affects your health.