Melanotan I
A tanning peptide that stimulates melanin production for UV protection. Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-MSH that stimulates melanin production for skin tanning and photoprotection. FDA-approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare genetic condition causing extreme sun sensitivity. More selective than Melanotan II with a cleaner side effect profile.
Compare Prices๐งฌKey Characteristics
- Length: 13 amino acids(Linear structure.)
- Origin: ฮฑ-MSH analog(Synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist.)
- FDA Status: Approved for EPP(Treats painful sun sensitivity disorder.)
- Primary Use: Photoprotection(UV protection via melanin increase.)
Overview
Core Benefits
Key AdvantagesThese are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.
Melanotan I Results Timeline
ProgressionTimeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.
How It Works
Melanocortin Agonist โ MC1R SelectiveReceptor โ Melanocyte Activation โ Eumelanin Production โ Outcomes
MC1R (Melanocortin-1 Receptor) โ Selective
Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide) selectively activates MC1R on melanocytes โ the cells that produce melanin (skin pigment). Unlike Melanotan-2, it has minimal activity at MC3R/MC4R, avoiding the sexual and appetite side effects.
cAMP โ Tyrosinase Activation โ Eumelanin Production
MC1R activation increases cAMP in melanocytes, which activates tyrosinase โ the enzyme that produces eumelanin (brown/black protective pigment). This is the same pathway triggered by UV exposure, but Melanotan-1 activates it without requiring UV damage.
Increased Melanin โ Protective Tanning
Gradual increase in skin pigmentation (tanning) over weeks. The melanin produced is the protective eumelanin type โ offering genuine UV protection. FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a condition of extreme UV sensitivity.
Gradual Tan โ UV Protection โ Fewer Sunburns
Gradual tanning visible over 2-3 weeks of loading. Increased UV tolerance and reduced sunburn risk. Color is more natural and even compared to Melanotan-2. Minimal side effects compared to MT-2 due to receptor selectivity.
What Makes This Peptide Different
Melanotan-1 is the selective, FDA-approved melanocortin. While Melanotan-2 hits multiple melanocortin receptors (causing libido effects, nausea, appetite changes), Melanotan-1 selectively targets MC1R for tanning with minimal off-target effects. The tradeoff: slower onset and more subtle tanning compared to MT-2.
Dosing Protocol
Tanning / PhotoprotectionEducational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.
Why This Dosing Protocol
Why loading + maintenance? Melanin production takes time. Daily loading (2-3 weeks) builds initial pigmentation, then maintenance (2x/week) sustains it.
Why combine with UV? Melanotan-1 primes melanocytes to produce more melanin, but some UV exposure activates the full tanning response. Moderate sun exposure during loading accelerates results.
Diagrams
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Melanotan I Pricing
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10 mg / vial
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Reconstitution calculator
Dilution math and unit conversions. Prefilled using a common vial size for this peptide.
Open calculatorEducational Videos
Melanotan 1 vs Melanotan 2
How to Reconstitute Peptides
Handling
Educational overview on storage, labeling, and traceability considerations for lab environments. Consult primary literature and vendor documentation for specifics.
- Freezer (-20ยฐC): 1+ year โ
- Refrigerator (2-8ยฐC): 1-3 months โ
- Room temperature: 2-3 weeks (emergency only)
- MUST refrigerate at 2-8ยฐC
- 4-week maximum shelf life
- NEVER freeze after reconstitution
- Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose
Storage & Handling Guide
Learn proper storage temperatures, shelf life timelines, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.
FAQ
What is the difference between Melanotan I and II?
Melanotan I is a linear peptide that primarily stimulates melanin production for tanning. Melanotan II is cyclic, more potent, and has additional effects on sexual function and appetite. Melanotan I is FDA-approved for a rare skin condition (EPP), while Melanotan II is not approved.
What are the two types of melanin and which does Melanotan-1 stimulate?
There are two main types: eumelanin (brown/black) and pheomelanin (red/yellow). Melanotan-1 stimulates eumelanin production via MC1R receptor activation. This is important because eumelanin provides real UV protection by absorbing and dissipating UV radiation. Pheomelanin actually generates free radicals when exposed to UV, potentially increasing DNA damage.
Why is eumelanin better for UV protection than pheomelanin?
Eumelanin acts as a natural sunscreen โ it absorbs UV photons and converts the energy to harmless heat. Pheomelanin does the opposite: when exposed to UV light, it undergoes photochemical reactions that generate reactive oxygen species (free radicals), which can damage DNA and increase skin cancer risk. People with red hair and fair skin have more pheomelanin, which partly explains their higher skin cancer rates.
How does Melanotan-1 help people with fair skin?
Fair-skinned individuals often have MC1R gene variants that produce less eumelanin and more pheomelanin. Melanotan-1 strongly activates MC1R, shifting melanin production toward eumelanin regardless of genetic variants. This gives fair-skinned users actual photoprotective tanning rather than just burning. It's FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a condition causing extreme sun sensitivity.
What are the side effects of Melanotan-1?
Common side effects include nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, and injection site reactions. Unlike Melanotan-2, it does NOT typically cause sexual side effects or appetite changes because it's more selective for MC1R. Darkening of moles and freckles can occur and should be monitored. Long-term safety data is limited outside of EPP clinical use.
How long does reconstituted peptide last?
Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, peptides remain stable for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated at 2-8ยฐC (36-46ยฐF). Unopened powder can last 1+ year in the freezer. Get our complete Storage & Travel Guide.
Is this peptide legal to purchase?
Peptides sold "for research purposes only" are legal to purchase in the US, but are not FDA-approved for human use outside of specific medical applications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.
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Scientific Sources
The following peer-reviewed studies and official resources provide additional scientific context for this peptide:
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