Alpha-MSH analog
Afamelanotide is a more stable synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone.
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MC1-Receptor Peptide
Melanotan I
MT-1 • Afamelanotide • Selective Alpha-MSH Analog
Melanotan I is a synthetic alpha-MSH analog associated primarily with MC1-receptor pigmentation effects. The approved medical form, Scenesse, is a controlled-release afamelanotide implant for adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria. Unapproved injectable MT-1 sold for cosmetic tanning is not equivalent to that implant.
At a glance
Melanotan I Quick Reference
- Community loading
- 0.25–0.5mg dailyTypically 10–14 days; unapproved community use
- Maintenance
- 1–2× weeklyAfter desired pigmentation develops
- Route
- SubQ InjectionCommunity injectable form; distinct from implant
- Research target
- MC1 receptorPigmentation and light-tolerance research
Overview
What Is Melanotan I?
Melanotan I, also called MT-1 or afamelanotide, is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The native peptide activates melanocortin receptors involved in pigment production but breaks down rapidly; afamelanotide was developed as a more stable analog.
MT-1 is more focused on MC1-receptor activity in melanocytes than Melanotan II. That difference aligns with a more pigmentation-centered profile and fewer appetite and sexual effects in community reports, though nausea, flushing, headache, and skin changes still occur.
The strongest human evidence belongs to the FDA-approved 16mg controlled-release Scenesse implant for adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). The implant and an unapproved reconstituted research vial differ in formulation, dose, and oversight; the implant results cannot validate cosmetic self-injection.
Mechanism
Melanotan I Mechanism of Action
MC1-receptor activity
MC1 signaling in melanocytes promotes eumelanin production and visible pigmentation.
Pigment response
Skin darkening may occur without deliberate UV exposure; sun exposure adds its own skin-cancer and aging risks.
More focused than MT-2
Melanotan II activates a broader melanocortin profile and is more often associated with appetite and sexual effects.
Research findings
Melanotan I Benefits
Evidence differs by use: the approved implant has clinical evidence in EPP, while cosmetic injectable MT-1 and vitiligo are separate contexts.
Pigmentation
Afamelanotide can increase skin pigmentation without deliberate ultraviolet exposure. Added UV is not required and carries established risks.
Light Tolerance in EPP
The approved implant increases pain-free light exposure in adults with EPP; this does not replace sunscreen, clothing, shade, or monitoring.
Approved EPP Treatment
Scenesse is a healthcare-administered 16mg controlled-release implant, not a reconstituted vial for cosmetic use.
Vitiligo Research
Studies combining afamelanotide implants with narrowband UV-B reported repigmentation signals. It is not FDA approved for vitiligo.
MT-1 vs. MT-2
Community reports describe more gradual pigmentation and fewer appetite or sexual effects than MT-2, but this is not a controlled head-to-head comparison.
Protocol planning
Melanotan I Dosing Protocol
These injectable loading and maintenance ranges are community-derived, not an FDA-approved tanning protocol.
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Preparation
Melanotan I Reconstitution
Example concentration
10mg vial + 2mL bacteriostatic water
Result5mg/mL
Reconstitution steps
1
Prepare
Wash your hands, clean the work surface, and wipe both vial stoppers with alcohol. Allow them to dry.
2
Add diluent slowly
Use a new sterile syringe and needle to direct the selected volume of compatible diluent down the inside wall of the vial.
3
Dissolve gently
Swirl or roll the vial until the contents dissolve; do not shake.
4
Store
Store refrigerated at 2–8°C (36–46°F) and protected from light when the product instructions support this. Record the reconstitution date in your research journal.
N=1 reports
Melanotan I Community Experience
Self-reported community experiences are not controlled evidence and do not establish the identity or safety of unapproved products.
Positive Reports
- Users describe effective but slower tanning than MT-2, often with a longer timeline.
- Many report a gradual, even-looking tan.
- Fewer appetite or sexual effects are commonly cited as reasons to choose MT-1 over MT-2.
Negative & Mixed Reports
- Existing moles and freckles may darken; new or changing lesions need dermatologic evaluation.
- Some consider MT-1 less convenient or more costly because of more frequent use.
- Mild nausea and facial flushing are often reported early.
Stacking & synergy
Melanotan I Stacking & Synergy
There is no established peptide stack that improves Melanotan I safety or effect. The MT-1 versus MT-2 choice is a substitution question.
MT-1 vs. MT-2
MT-1 is the more pigmentation-focused option. MT-2 has broader melanocortin activity and a wider range of systemic effects.
Do not combine MT-1 and MT-2
Their melanocortin activity overlaps; the combination has no demonstrated advantage and may compound adverse effects.
Safety notes
Melanotan I Side Effects & Safety
The approved afamelanotide implant label identifies pigment changes, nausea, and implant-site reactions among adverse effects. Those controlled-product data do not establish the safety of unapproved injectable MT-1.
Afamelanotide may darken existing nevi and freckles. The FDA label recommends full-body skin examinations twice yearly to monitor existing and new pigmented lesions.
Commonly Reported Effects
- Nausea, headache, flushing, or fatigue.
- Injection or implant-site irritation.
- Overall skin darkening and darker moles or freckles.
Monitoring Concerns
- New, changing, asymmetric, bleeding, or irregular skin lesions require assessment.
- Unapproved vials can differ in identity, potency, purity, and sterility.
- The implant safety record does not establish long-term safety of cosmetic self-injection.
Melanotan I Precautions
Avoid or Discuss With a Clinician If
- Personal or strong family history of melanoma, or atypical/dysplastic moles.
- Known hypersensitivity to afamelanotide or a product component.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding; adequate safety data are unavailable.
Use Caution With
- Many moles or freckles, especially with fair skin.
- Liver or kidney impairment.
- Any unverified research product or uncertainty about formulation.
Scenesse is approved as a 16mg implant for adults with EPP. Injectable MT-1 is not FDA approved for tanning; sun protection remains necessary.
Final verdict
Peptide Protocols Verdict on Melanotan I
This is not medical advice. This editorial is our own opinion piece based on our experience with the product.
Our opinionated opinion
We are not ashamed to admit it — we love Melanotan-1. It works extremely well for fair-skinned people in our experience and gives a natural-looking tan with real tan lines. We describe it as normal tanning on speed dial. If we use it for three straight days in summer and spend a short time by the pool, we see a solid base tan; after a longer stretch, we can look like we just came back from a tropical vacation.
We have noticed that we burn less easily, but that does not mean anyone can stay in the sun for hours or skip sun protection. The color fades just like a regular tan. Maintenance in our experience is roughly once or twice a week. We stayed low at 250mcg and never went higher. Above 500mcg, freckles and moles are more of a concern to us.
The other drawback for us is brief, mild nausea about ten minutes after an injection. We prefer MT-1 to MT-2 because MT-2 brought a lot more side effects in our experience. Dermatologists we have spoken to strongly caution against MT-2; they are not fans of MT-1 either. We take their advice seriously and watch for changes in our skin.