Melanotan-1 (Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide))
A synthetic analog of alpha-MSH that stimulates melanin production for skin tanning and photoprotection. The pharmaceutical form (afamelanotide) is approved for a rare light-sensitivity disorder; it lacks the strong libido/nausea effects of Melanotan-2.
How it works
Selectively activates the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes, increasing eumelanin production and providing UV photoprotection and skin darkening.
Key facts
- Molecular weight: 1646.85 Da
- Half-life: ~1 hour (peptide); implant form is sustained
- Bioavailability: Subcutaneous injection or sustained-release implant
- Storage: Lyophilized: refrigerate or -20°C. Reconstituted: 2-8°C, use within ~2-4 weeks.
Dosing overview
- Typical dose: ~0.5-1 mg per dose (research)
- Frequency: Daily loading then maintenance
- Duration: Loading ~1-2 weeks, then maintenance
- Route: Subcutaneous injection
Protocol notes
- Research use typically loads with small daily subcutaneous doses until desired pigmentation, then reduces to maintenance.
- The approved implant (afamelanotide) delivers a steady dose over time.
- More MC1R-selective than Melanotan-2, so fewer sexual/nausea side effects.
Reported benefits
- Skin tanning with less sun exposure
- UV photoprotection
- Fewer side effects than Melanotan-2
- Approved form for light-sensitivity disorder
Possible side effects
- Darkening of moles/freckles
- Nausea (less than MT-2)
- Facial flushing
- Injection site reactions
Research
- Afamelanotide for erythropoietic protoporphyria (2015): Increased pain-free sun exposure and quality of life in a controlled trial, leading to approval.
Community reviews of Melanotan-1
- peptide_sarah rated it 5/5 - Worth adding to the protocol: Melanotan-1 has been a worthwhile addition. I am data-driven and tracked relevant markers before, during, and after. The improvement is measurable and correlates with the intervention timeline. What sets this apart from some compounds I have tried is the consistency. Benefits did not fluctuate wildly or disappear. They built up and maintained. That gives me confidence in the mechanism. Tolerance has been excellent. Nothing in my bloodwork or subjective experience raised any flags. This is the kind of compound that does its job quietly without causing problems. Exactly what you want.
- steady_hand_jen rated it 5/5 - Genuinely effective after 6 weeks: Been using Melanotan-1 for about 6 weeks and the results are clear. Not overnight dramatic, but a steady, consistent improvement that became undeniable by the end of the first month. The mechanism makes sense based on what I have read in the literature, and my subjective experience matches the expected timeline. Benefits built gradually and plateaued at a good level. Side effects were minimal to none at the dose I used. Followed proper protocols for sourcing, storage, and administration. Would recommend to others who have done their research and have realistic expectations.
- steady_state_stan rated it 4/5 - Noticed clear benefits within weeks: Added Melanotan-1 to my protocol about 2 weeks ago and it has earned its place. The benefits became noticeable around week 2-3 and have been consistent since. What I appreciate about this compound is the predictability. It does what the research suggests it should do, at roughly the timeline you would expect. No surprises, no dramatic swings, just steady improvement. No notable side effects to report at my dose. Sourcing is always the challenge with research compounds, insist on third-party testing. Storage and reconstitution per standard protocols. Plan to continue.
Compare Melanotan-1
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.