|All Peptides

Read the full guides

DosingBenefitsResultsBuying GuideReconstitutionSide Effects

Melanotan I

Last reviewed: April 18, 2026 by The Peptide Catalog Team

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.

CategoryTanning Peptides
Classmelanocortin agonist
GoalSkin & Hair
Overview

Core Benefits

Key Advantages
Selective MC1R action
Targets MC1R for tanning — skips MC3R/MC4R side effects.
FDA-approved indication
Approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Gradual, even tan
Produces a slower, more even tan over 4–8 weeks.
Fewer side effects
No nausea, libido, or appetite shifts seen with MT-II.
UV protection adjunct
Eumelanin absorbs UV and dissipates it as heat.
Longer half-life
~30 minute half-life — less frequent dosing than MT-II.

These are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.

Melanotan I Results Timeline

Progression
1
Week 1–2
Physical Changes
Mild facial flushing possible; minimal side effects due to selective action
Performance & Recovery
No performance effects
Other Benefits
No appetite or libido changes (MC1R-selective)
2
Week 2–4
Physical Changes
Subtle skin tone changes begin; freckles/moles may darken first
Performance & Recovery
N/A
Other Benefits
Gradual melanin accumulation — patience required
3
Week 4–6
Physical Changes
Visible tan developing; more even than MT-II
Performance & Recovery
N/A
Other Benefits
Natural-looking color progression
4
Week 6–8+
Physical Changes
Full tan achieved; FDA protocol uses implants every 2 months
Performance & Recovery
N/A
Other Benefits
Maintenance: reduced frequency maintains color

Timeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.

Best Kit Deal30-VialCOASave 37%

Glacier Aminos — 10mg × 30 (300mg) — $714 $642 with code thepeptidecatalog (10% off) ($2.14/mg)

Evidence at a glance

Two parallel grades per outcome — clinical RCT depth and real-world community adoption. See the Research Overview below for citations and detail.

OutcomeClinical EvidenceCommunity Evidence
Erythropoietic protoporphyria photoprotectionStrongWeak
Vitiligo repigmentation (with NB-UVB)ModerateWeak
Cosmetic tanningModerateWeak
How It WorksMelanocortin Agonist — MC1R Selective

Receptor → Melanocyte Activation → Eumelanin Production → Outcomes

1
Target

MC1R (Melanocortin-1 Receptor) — Selective

Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide) selectively activates MC1R on melanocytes — the cells that produce melanin (skin pigment). Unlike Melanotan-2, it has minimal activity at MC3R/MC4R, avoiding the sexual and appetite side effects.

2
Cellular Signal

cAMP → Tyrosinase Activation → Eumelanin Production

MC1R activation increases cAMP in melanocytes, which activates tyrosinase — 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.

3
Systemic Effect

Increased Melanin → Protective Tanning

Gradual increase in skin pigmentation (tanning) over weeks. The melanin produced is the protective eumelanin type — offering genuine UV protection. FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a condition of extreme UV sensitivity.

4
What You Notice

Gradual Tan → UV Protection → 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.

Research overview

Outcome-by-outcome look at what the evidence actually supports for Melanotan I, including human vs. animal study counts and our editorial take on each.

Erythropoietic protoporphyria photoprotection

Clinical:StrongCommunity:Weak

Langendonk 2015 (NEJM, n=168) randomized EPP patients to subcutaneous afamelanotide implants vs placebo across two multicenter trials and showed significantly increased duration of sun exposure without pain and improved quality of life. This led to EMA approval (2014) and FDA approval (2019) — the only melanocortin agonist with a fully approved adult indication.

4 human studies · 6 animal studies

Key findings & citations
  • Langendonk 2015: significant increase in pain-free sun exposure time vs placebo over 270 days.
  • Quality of life improvements consistent across European and US populations.
  • EMA and FDA approved (Scenesse, Clinuvel) for adult EPP.

Our take

Real, niche indication. Approved drug with clean evidence — but EPP affects fewer than 1 in 75,000, so this isn't relevant to most users.

Vitiligo repigmentation

Clinical:ModerateCommunity:Weak

Lim 2015 (n=55) randomized adults with non-segmental vitiligo (skin types III-VI) to NB-UVB plus afamelanotide implants vs NB-UVB monotherapy and showed 48.6% repigmentation in the combination arm vs 33.3% in monotherapy at day 168. Smaller incremental benefit, but clinically meaningful in dark-skinned patients where repigmentation is otherwise slow.

1 human study · 0 animal studies

Key findings & citations
  • Lim 2015: 48.6% repigmentation with NB-UVB + afamelanotide vs 33.3% NB-UVB alone.
  • Effect most pronounced in darker skin phototypes (III-VI).
  • Off-label combination — not FDA-approved for vitiligo as of 2026.

Our take

Real adjunctive benefit; not a standalone vitiligo treatment. Most relevant for skin types III-VI patients on NB-UVB therapy already.

What Melanotan I doesn't do

Claims that current evidence does not support. Worth knowing before you set expectations.

Top Melanotan I Vendors

#1 VendorAscension PeptidesAscension Peptides50% OFFCOA Verified

$25.00 for 10mg ($2.50/mg) · Score: 10/10

Compare 4 vendors
Calculate your cycle cost →
Dosing ProtocolTanning / Photoprotection

Educational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.

Vial Size
10 mg
Reconstitution
2 ml BAC water
Dose
250 mcg (5 units on 1ml syringe)
Timing
AM
Frequency
2 days per week
Duration
8 weeks on, 8 weeks off
Protocol Notes
FDA-approved for EPP. More selective than MT-II with fewer side effects. Combine with UV exposure.

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.
Full Dosing GuideReconstitution CalculatorCycle Cost Calculator

Reconstitution Calculator

Dilution math and unit conversions. Prefilled using a common vial size for this peptide.

Open calculator

Storage & Handling

Storage at a glance

Proper storage temperatures, shelf life, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.

Powder: Freezer
1+ year at -20°C
Reconstituted: Fridge
4 weeks max at 2-8°C
View Complete Storage Guide

Handling specifics

Educational overview on storage, labeling, and traceability considerations for lab environments. Consult primary literature and vendor documentation for specifics.

Powder storage (very stable)
  • Freezer (-20°C): 1+ year
  • Refrigerator (2-8°C): 1-3 months
  • Room temperature: 2-3 weeks (emergency only)
Reconstituted storage (fragile)
  • MUST refrigerate at 2-8°C
  • 4-week maximum shelf life
  • NEVER freeze after reconstitution
  • Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose
Molecular Structure

Melanotan I sequence

Click any residue to see its properties.

HydrophobicPolarAcidic (−)Basic (+)Special

Sequence-derived properties

Length
13 residues
Molecular weight
1623.8 Da
backbone only
Avg hydrophobicity
-0.92
Kyte–Doolittle scale

Residue classes

Hydrophobic: 4 (31%)Polar: 3 (23%)Acidic (−): 1 (8%)Basic (+): 3 (23%)Special: 2 (15%)

Net charge distribution

Positive3 (23%)
Neutral9 (69%)
Negative1 (8%)

Amino acid frequency

S×2E×1F×1G×1H×1K×1M×1P×1R×1V×1

Modifications

  • D-Phe at position 7
  • C-terminal amidation
  • α-MSH superanalog

Sequence and properties provided for educational reference. Not for clinical dosing decisions.

  • Length: 13 amino acids
    (Linear structure.)
  • Origin: α-MSH analog
    (Synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist.)
  • FDA Status: Approved for EPP
    (Treats painful sun sensitivity disorder.)
  • Primary Use: Photoprotection
    (UV protection via melanin increase.)
Peptide sequence
Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂
The linear structure provides selective MC1R activation for tanning without significant effects on other melanocortin receptors.
Key takeaway: Melanotan I selectively activates MC1R for tanning and is FDA-approved for a rare skin condition. More selective than Melanotan II with fewer side effects.

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 — 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 2-8°C (36-46°F). 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.

New to peptides?

Take our Peptide Match tool to find the best peptide for your goals. You can also read our Complete Guide to Peptides to learn the basics.

Scientific Sources

The following peer-reviewed studies and official resources provide additional scientific context for this peptide:

Melanotan I Research Articles

guides

Melanotan-1 Dosage Chart: Loading + Maintenance

Melanotan-1 dosing: community protocols now ramp from 1 unit (~50mcg) daily to 250mcg 1-2x/week maintenance. Reconstitution math, units, UV timing.

guides

Melanotan-1 Reconstitution: 10mg + 2mL Chart

Adding BAC water straight onto the powder is the #1 mistake. Dilution chart, syringe math (250mcg = 5 units), and 28-day storage.

results

Melanotan-1 Results: Tanning Timeline

Clinical data shows melanin density climbing by day 7 and peaking near day 15. Full timeline from first dose through month 6, with what affects it.

benefits

Melanotan-1: FDA-Backed Photoprotection + 5 More

The strongest melanotan-1 benefit has Phase III data behind it. 6 effects ranked by evidence, from EPP trials to preclinical skin cancer research.

Compare Melanotan I to alternatives

Side-by-side mechanism, dose, half-life, and vendor pricing.

Open compare →

Disclosure: we may earn affiliate commission from qualifying purchases. Educational information only — not medical advice.