Melanotan I
Melanocortin Receptor Agonist
Synthetic analog of α-MSH that selectively targets MC1 receptors for melanin stimulation. FDA-approved as SCENESSE implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Research-grade injectable form enables flexible dosing versus the implant version.
Overview
Synthetic analog of α-MSH that selectively targets MC1 receptors for melanin stimulation. FDA-approved as SCENESSE implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Research-grade injectable form enables flexible dosing versus the implant version.
Subcutaneous injection delivers peptide directly into systemic circulation. Selectively activates MC1R receptors to stimulate melanin production. Short half-life of approximately 30 minutes necessitates multiple daily dosing for sustained effect.
Research indications
What the compound has been studied for, grouped by body system. Effect size is the reported magnitude where it was measured — not a recommendation.
Stimulates melanin for deeper, longer-lasting tans with reduced UV requirements
Increased melanin density provides natural UV protection and reduces sunburn
Promotes uniform melanin distribution minimizing patchy tanning
FDA-approved indication for SCENESSE implant
A large effect in a weak study and a small effect in a strong one are different things. Effect size is never evidence of use in people.
- Class
- Synthetic peptide analog
- Molecular weight
- 1646.88 Da
- Half-life
- ~30 min
- Typical dose
- Loading: 0.25-0.5mg daily; Maintenance: 0.25-0.5mg 2-3x weekly
- Frequency
- Loading phase: 1-2x daily for 1-2 weeks, then maintenance 2-3x weekly
- Cycle length
- 2-4 week loading phase, then ongoing maintenance as needed
- Storage
- Refrigerate reconstituted solution at 2-8°C, use within 4 weeks
Molecular data
- Type
- Synthetic peptide analog
- Molecular weight
- 1646.88 Da
- Half-life
- 30 min
Dosing reference
Doses reported in the literature and by suppliers. These are a record of what has been used in research — reference, never instruction.
| Context | Route | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loading phase | Subcutaneous | 0.25-0.5mg | 1-2x daily for 1-2 weeks |
| Maintenance | Subcutaneous | 0.25-0.5mg | 2-3x weekly |
| Standard dosing | Intranasal | 0.5mg per spray | 2-3x daily |
Interactions
Overlapping mechanisms; avoid combining
Reduces required UV dose by approximately 50%
Provides additional photoprotection
Retinoids increase photosensitivity; monitor skin reactions
Enhanced monitoring recommended
Quality checklist
- ✓Third-party HPLC testing confirming >98% purity
- ✓Proper lyophilized powder storage
- ✓Clear, colorless reconstitution
- ✓Minimal side effects profile
- !Check expiration dates
- ×Pre-mixed liquid solutions (degrade rapidly)
- ×Cloudy or discolored solution
What to expect
Safety
- Mild nausea
- Facial flushing
- Reduced appetite
- Increased mole/freckle pigmentation
- Severe nausea/vomiting lasting >24 hours
- Rapid concerning mole/freckle changes
- Injection site infection signs
- Unusual skin reactions
- Allergic reaction symptoms
FAQ
Is Melanotan I more selective than Melanotan II?
Yes. Melanotan I is more selective for MC1R (melanin production) and less active on MC4R (sexual function, appetite). This means MT-I causes tanning without the strong appetite suppression or sexual side effects of MT-II, making it better if tanning is the only goal.
How fast will I see results from Melanotan I?
Initial skin darkening appears within 3-7 days with UV exposure. Peak tanning is visible by week 2-4 with consistent low-dose UV tanning. The combination of MT-I plus 50% less UV exposure than normal achieves deep tans much faster than sun exposure alone.
Can I use Melanotan I without any UV exposure?
Melanotan I stimulates melanin production, so some pigment develops without sun exposure. However, UV exposure significantly enhances the effect—ideally low-dose tanning bed or sun exposure 1-2 hours after injection maximizes the tanning response.
Does Melanotan I cause mole changes like Melanotan II?
Less commonly than MT-II, but moles and freckles can darken and potentially enlarge with MT-I use. Regular skin monitoring via self-examination is important. The risk appears lower with MT-I than MT-II due to reduced MC3R/MC4R activation.
References
- 1Melanocortin Receptor Binding StudyPubMed · 1997
Characterized MC1R selectivity
reviewPubMed 9409624 ↗ - 2Pharmacokinetics Injectable MT-IPubMed · 1997
Established half-life and bioavailability parameters
reviewPubMed 9288095 ↗ - 3MT-I Photoprotection StudyPubMed · 2004
Demonstrated significant photoprotection effects
reviewPubMed 15262693 ↗