Melanotan 1 vs Melanotan 2 Compared (2026)

Two Peptides, Same Hormone, Very Different Results

Melanotan-1 (MT-1, afamelanotide) and Melanotan-2 (MT-2) are both synthetic analogs of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) — the hormone that triggers melanin production and skin darkening. Both were developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s and 1990s.

But that's where the similarities end.

MT-1 is a linear peptide that selectively activates the MC1R receptor — the primary switch for melanin production. MT-2 is a cyclic peptide that hits MC1R plus MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R — which is why it affects sexual function, appetite, and more beyond just tanning.

Understanding these differences is critical for choosing the right peptide for your research goals.

Quick Comparison Table

Mechanism of Action: Why They're So Different

Melanotan-1: The Selective Approach

MT-1 binds primarily to the MC1R receptor on melanocytes (pigment-producing cells in your skin). When activated, MC1R triggers a signaling cascade:

1. MC1R activation → cAMP increase
2. cAMP activates MITF (master melanocyte transcription factor)
3. MITF upregulates tyrosinase and related enzymes
4. Pheomelanin production shifts to eumelanin production

This last point is the key insight. MT-1 doesn't just make more melanin — it changes which type of melanin you produce. It shifts production from pheomelanin (yellow-red, UV-damaging) to eumelanin (brown-black, UV-protective) (Barnetson et al., 2006).

This is why MT-1 is considered genuinely photoprotective, not just cosmetic. For more on this mechanism, see Why Melanotan-1 Is the Best Peptide You Aren't Using.

Melanotan-2: The Shotgun Approach

MT-2 hits the same MC1R receptor but also activates MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R:

• MC1R → Melanin production (tanning)
• MC3R → Energy homeostasis, cardiovascular function
• MC4R → Sexual arousal, appetite regulation, erectile function
• MC5R → Exocrine gland function, sebaceous secretion

This non-selective binding is why MT-2 causes the "side effects" that many users actually seek out — particularly the libido and appetite suppression effects. MT-2 was actually studied as a treatment for erectile dysfunction before tanning became its primary use case (Wessells et al., 1998).

Tanning Results Compared

MT-1: Slow Build, Natural Finish

• Timeline: Visible darkening in 2–4 weeks
• Quality: Even, natural-looking tan
• UV requirement: Essential — MT-1 primarily enhances your response to UV light
• Best for: Gradual seasonal tanning, photoprotection, fair skin types
• Maintenance: Easy — once base is built, 1–2 injections per week holds color

MT-1 produces a tan that looks like "you spent two weeks at the beach." It builds slowly but evenly, and the eumelanin shift provides actual UV protection — not just pigment.

MT-2: Fast Results, More Variables

• Timeline: Noticeable darkening in 1–2 weeks
• Quality: Deep tan, but can be uneven (especially moles/freckles)
• UV requirement: Helps but some darkening occurs without UV at higher doses
• Best for: Fast results, users who want additional libido/appetite effects
• Maintenance: Requires ongoing dosing; fades faster than MT-1 when stopped

MT-2 produces a darker result faster, but the tan can appear "dirty" or uneven in early stages. Moles, freckles, and skin folds tend to darken disproportionately. This normalizes somewhat over time but is a common complaint.

Side Effects: The Critical Difference

Melanotan-1 Side Effects

MT-1's selective MC1R binding means a very clean side effect profile:

• Mild facial flushing (most common, transient)
• Slight nausea (rare at standard doses)
• Injection site redness (minor, fades quickly)
• Headache (uncommon)

In clinical trials for EPP, serious adverse events were rare and MT-1 was generally well tolerated over extended use periods (Langendonk et al., 2015).

Melanotan-2 Side Effects

MT-2's multi-receptor activation causes significantly more side effects:

• Nausea (very common, especially during loading — the #1 complaint)
• Facial flushing (common, more intense than MT-1)
• Spontaneous erections (common in men, MC4R-mediated)
• Increased libido (both sexes, MC4R-mediated)
• Appetite suppression (common, MC4R-mediated)
• Fatigue/drowsiness (common post-injection)
• Mole/freckle darkening (more pronounced than MT-1)
• Injection site pain (variable)

The nausea during MT-2 loading is significant enough that many users inject before bedtime to sleep through the worst of it. Starting at low doses (100–250 mcg) and titrating up helps manage this.

Mole Safety: Both Require Monitoring

Both peptides stimulate melanocytes — including those in existing moles. Dermatological monitoring is important with either peptide:

• MT-2 carries higher risk of mole darkening and new nevi formation due to more potent melanocyte stimulation
• MT-1's eumelanin shift may actually be somewhat protective, but vigilance is still warranted
• Anyone with a history of melanoma or atypical moles should exercise extreme caution with either peptide

Dosing Protocols Compared

Melanotan-1 Protocol

UV exposure: 15–30 minutes daily during loading, regular exposure during maintenance.

For the complete protocol, see our Melanotan-1 Dosage Chart.

Melanotan-2 Protocol

UV exposure: 10–15 minutes daily during loading.

For the complete protocol, see our Melanotan 2 Dosage Chart.

Key Dosing Differences

• MT-1 doesn't need a titration phase — side effects are mild enough to start at full dose
• MT-2 loading is daily; MT-1 loading is 2x/week — MT-2 requires more frequent injections during the build-up
• MT-2 needs nausea management planning; MT-1 typically does not

Cost Comparison

MT-1 is generally 2–3x more expensive per vial than MT-2. However, MT-1's lower dosing frequency (2x/week vs daily during loading) partially offsets this.

For current vendor pricing, see our Melanotan-1 and Melanotan-2 peptide pages with live price comparisons.

Which Should You Choose?

The Bottom Line

Melanotan-1 is the better peptide for pure tanning and photoprotection — it's FDA-approved, has a cleaner side effect profile, produces a more natural tan, and actually shifts your melanin type toward UV protection. The downside is slower results and higher cost.

Melanotan-2 is the better peptide if you want fast results and don't mind (or actively want) the sexual and appetite side effects. It's cheaper and produces a deeper tan faster, but with significantly more side effects and a less natural appearance.

For fair-skinned individuals specifically concerned about UV protection, MT-1 is the clear winner — it addresses the fundamental biological issue (pheomelanin dominance) rather than just adding more pigment.

Related Guides & Comparisons

• Melanotan-1 Dosage Chart — Complete MT-1 protocol with FDA data
• Melanotan 2 Dosage Chart — Complete MT-2 loading and maintenance protocol
• Why Melanotan-1 Is the Best Peptide You Aren't Using — Deep dive into the eumelanin vs pheomelanin science
• Melanotan 2 Side Effects — Every MT-2 side effect with management protocols
• PT-141 vs Melanotan 2 — Sexual function comparison
• PT-141 — If you want sexual function benefits without MT-2's tanning effects
• Reconstitution Calculator — Calculate exact dosing for any vial size

This article is for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice. Neither Melanotan-1 nor Melanotan-2 is approved for cosmetic tanning.