Research-context information only. Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) is the active ingredient in an FDA-approved product for erythropoietic protoporphyria; research-peptide and compounded forms are not FDA-approved and are sold for research purposes only. Protocols, doses, and reactions reported below come from clinical trials and self-reported community sources. This article reports what has been documented, not what should be done. Consult a licensed physician for personal medical decisions.
The buying problem is straightforward: melanotan-1 is structurally distinct from melanotan-2 (different molecular weight, different receptor profile), and vendors sometimes mislabel one as the other due to the related α-MSH parentage. COA verification at 1,646 Da is what distinguishes them.
This guide covers documented per-mg pricing, how to read an MT-1 COA, vial size selection, and red flags. For dosing context, see the melanotan-1 dosing guide.
Melanotan-1 ships as a lyophilized powder in sealed glass vials. Three factors drive price: vial size, vendor markup, and whether the COA confirms 98%+ HPLC purity at 1,646 Da on mass spec.
Current Market Pricing (2026)
Vial Size
Typical Price Range
Price Per mg
Best For
5mg
$25-55
$5-11/mg
Low-dose maintenance — less waste per 28-day window
10mg
$40-95
$4-9.50/mg
Most-cited; reconstitute in portions on the low-dose protocol
20mg
$75-180
$3.75-9/mg
Multi-cycle stock (staged reconstitution)
10mg × 5 (kit)
$180-400
$3.60-8/mg
Lowest per-mg; long-term seasonal use
The pattern: 10mg vials are the most-cited size. 5mg vials carry significantly higher per-mg cost.
Cost Per Month on the Low-Dose Protocol
On the community-reported low-dose protocol, so little mass is used that cost is governed by the ~28-day stability window — a fresh vial is started roughly monthly regardless of dose, so smaller vials or staged reconstitution minimize waste rather than mass driving spend.
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How to Verify Melanotan-1 Quality
Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) is a 13-amino-acid α-MSH analog (Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2). Two structural features distinguish MT-1 from related melanocortins:
Linear, not cyclic — unlike MT-2 which is cyclized
D-Phe7 substitution — the chiral D-amino acid is critical for receptor affinity and metabolic stability
What a COA Should Include
Identity Confirmation
Mass spectrometry confirming 1,646 Da for melanotan-1
Sequence verification — 13-residue linear sequence with D-Phe at position 7
C-terminal amidation confirmed
Purity Testing
HPLC purity at 98%+
Single dominant peak; secondary peaks indicate degradation or D-Phe racemization
Melanotan-1 reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and refrigerated is documented stable for roughly 28 days in published peptide-stability data. With sterile water (no preservative), the window collapses to ~24 hours.
On the community-reported low-dose protocol (~50mcg/day loading, then 250mcg 1-2×/week), only about 1-2mg of mass is used in any 28-day window — so every common vial holds far more than the window allows, and the window, not the dose, is always the limiter:
Vial Size
Mass used per 28-day window
Fraction of vial used
5mg
~1-2 mg
~20-40%
10mg
~1-2 mg
~10-20%
20mg
~1-2 mg
~5-10%
Practical implication: because so little is used per 28-day window, a 5mg vial — or staged reconstitution of a larger vial — minimizes waste. Community-documented practice reconstitutes only what a ~4-week window will use, then starts fresh regardless of remaining powder.
Vial Size by Protocol
Tolerance testing context:
A 5mg vial is the smallest unit cited for tolerance testing
10-20 days at standard doses
Low-dose loading protocol (~50mcg/day for ~7 days):
A single 5-10mg vial covers loading plus weeks of maintenance
The ~0.35mg of loading mass is a small fraction of any vial — documented practice reconstitutes only a portion
10mg remains the most-cited size in vendor sales data
Maintenance (250mcg 1-2×/week):
5mg vial or 10mg with staged reconstitution — only ~1-2mg is used per 28-day window
A fresh vial is started roughly monthly because of the stability window, not because mass runs out
Buying Multiple Smaller vs Kit
Factor
Multiple 10mg Singles
Kit (5× 10mg)
Cost per mg
Higher ($4-9.50/mg)
Lower ($3.60-8/mg)
Freshness
Same (lyophilized storage)
Same
Flexibility
Can stop mid-supply
Committed to full kit
Storage
Easier (smaller volumes)
Requires fridge space
Shipping
More frequent orders
Single shipment
Why MT-1 Is the Conservative Melanotan Choice
A common question: why does the community split between MT-1 and MT-2?
MT-1 (afamelanotide):
Selective for MC1R (melanin production receptor)
13-residue linear peptide
FDA-approved for EPP
Side effects: typically headache, fatigue, nausea — generally mild
More expensive per dose, more conservative tanning
Side effects: nausea, flushing, libido effects (MC4R activation), potential melanoma concerns with new moles
Cheaper per dose, faster/darker tanning
For tanning users prioritizing safety profile and tolerability, MT-1 is the more documented option despite higher per-mg cost. For users prioritizing speed of pigmentation onset, MT-2 is the more aggressive choice — at the cost of broader side-effect profile.
Vendor Evaluation Methodology
When comparing MT-1 vendors:
Price Competitiveness (40%)
Normalize to cost per milligram. 10mg at $60 ($6/mg) scores higher than 5mg at $40 ($8/mg).
COA & Testing (30%)
Third-party labs (Janoshik, MZ Biolabs, Colmaric)
Recent (within 6 months)
Verifiable task number
Mass spec confirming 1,646 Da
Reputation (30%)
Community feedback, shipping reliability, customer service, multi-year track record.
Shipping and Storage
Order Arrival
Lyophilized melanotan-1 typically arrives as a white or off-white powder cake:
Vial integrity — no cracks, intact rubber seal, aluminum cap secure
Powder appearance — solid cake or loose powder, NOT liquid or discolored
Labeling — batch/lot, mg content, "for research use only"
Cold pack — most reputable vendors include cold packs in summer
Storage Guidelines
State
Temperature
Duration
Lyophilized (powder)
Room temp
Days only (shipping)
Lyophilized (powder)
Refrigerated (2-8°C)
12+ months
Lyophilized (powder)
Frozen (-20°C)
24+ months
Reconstituted (BAC water)
Refrigerated (2-8°C)
~28 days
Reconstituted (sterile water)
Refrigerated (2-8°C)
~24 hours
Reconstituted
Frozen
Not generally recommended
Where to Buy
1
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is melanotan-1 legal to buy?
Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) is the active ingredient in an FDA-approved product for erythropoietic protoporphyria. Research-grade melanotan-1 is sold by peptide vendors for laboratory use only, labeled 'not for human consumption.' Purchasing research peptides is legal in most US jurisdictions.
How much does melanotan-1 cost per month?
Community protocols now run a low-dose ramp — roughly 50mcg (1 unit) daily for about a week, then 250mcg once or twice weekly — so monthly mass is only about 1-2mg. That is far less than a 10mg vial holds, so cost is set by the ~28-day stability window (about one vial per month, $40-95) rather than by dose; smaller 5mg vials cut waste.
What's the difference between melanotan-1 and melanotan-2?
MT-1 (afamelanotide) is a 13-residue α-MSH analog at the MC1R receptor — selective for melanin production with relatively few side effects. MT-2 is a smaller cyclic peptide hitting MC1, MC3, MC4, MC5 — broader receptor activation produces darker tanning but also nausea, libido effects, and potential risks. MT-1 is more conservative and has FDA approval; MT-2 has neither.
What vial size should I buy?
At the new low-dose protocol (about 1-2mg of mass per month), a 10mg vial holds far more than the 28-day stability window allows, so 5mg vials or staged reconstitution reduce waste. 10mg remains the most-cited size and is fine if reconstituted in portions.
What purity should I look for in melanotan-1?
Third-party HPLC at 98%+ purity, plus mass spec confirming 1,646 Da. Melanotan-1 is a 13-residue peptide with N-terminal acetylation. Make sure the COA verifies the linear (not cyclic) structure — MT-2 is cyclic at ~1,024 Da, structurally different despite related receptor pharmacology.
Can I get melanotan-1 from a pharmacy?
Afamelanotide is FDA-approved only for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare photosensitivity disorder. It is administered as a 16mg subcutaneous implant, not an injectable vial. Pharmacy access is restricted to specialty distribution for EPP indications. Research vendors are the documented option for research-context buyers.
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before using any peptide.
