Melanotan I
MT-1 · Afamelanotide (analogue) · Melanotan-1
A more selective melanocortin agonist for tanning, with fewer of Melanotan II's off-target effects.
Class
Melanocortin-1 receptor selective agonist
Half-life
~1 hour
Evidence
Limited human data
Limited human data
Small open-label studies, case series, or trials in a narrow population. Directionally informative, not conclusive.
Overview
Melanotan I is a linear α-MSH analogue that is more selective for the MC1R (pigmentation) receptor than Melanotan II. Its regulated cousin, afamelanotide (Scenesse), is FDA-approved as an implant to reduce phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria — so the pathway has genuine clinical validation, even though the research-peptide MT-1 is not the approved product.
Because it is more MC1R-selective, MT-1 produces skin darkening with much less of the nausea, appetite suppression, and spontaneous-erection effects that make Melanotan II troublesome. The mole and melanoma concerns of melanocortin tanning still apply, so skin surveillance remains essential.
How it works
- Selectively agonises MC1R, stimulating melanogenesis (increased eumelanin/tanning).
- Greater MC1R selectivity means fewer MC4R-mediated effects (nausea, libido, appetite) than Melanotan II.
- Provides photoprotection by increasing skin pigment density.
What the research shows
Researched effects
- Skin darkening with less UV exposure needed
- Photoprotection (the basis of afamelanotide's approval in EPP)
- Milder side-effect profile than Melanotan II
Limitations & what it won't do
- The research-peptide MT-1 is not the FDA-approved afamelanotide product.
- Melanocortin tanning still raises mole/melanoma surveillance concerns.
- Human data on the research peptide specifically is limited.
Dosing protocols
These ranges reflect published trials and community protocols. They are reference information, not a prescription. Doses are per injection unless noted.
Community protocol
500 mcg – 1 mgA full skin/mole check before and during use is strongly advised, as with any melanocortin agonist.
Reconstitution & measuring your dose
Handling
- Typical vial sizes
- 10 mg
- Suggested BAC water
- 2 mL
- Storage
- Lyophilised powder refrigerated at 2–8 °C, protected from light.
- After reconstitution
- Reconstituted: approximately 30 days refrigerated.
Why 2 mL? A 10 mg vial in 2 mL yields 5000 mcg/mL — 500 mcg lands on 10 units of a U-100 syringe.
Dose calculator
Draw to
10units
= 0.1 mL · 50 mcg per unit
Concentration
5000 mcg/mL
Doses per vial
20
Side effects
Common
- Facial flushing
- Mild nausea (less than MT-2)
- Darkening of moles and freckles
- Injection-site reactions
Serious / rare
- Changes to existing moles / melanoma surveillance concern
- Blood pressure changes
Contraindications & interactions
Do not use if you have
- Melanoma, atypical moles, or high skin-cancer risk
Melanocortin agonism drives melanocyte activity. A history of melanoma or atypical moles is a contraindication.
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
No pregnancy safety data.
Use caution if you have
- Active cancer or current oncology treatment
Avoid during active malignancy.
- High blood pressure
Can affect blood pressure.
Don't stack with
- Melanotan II — Redundant melanocortin agonism.
What to monitor
- Full skin and mole examination before and during use
- Blood pressure
References
Research & educational information only — not medical advice.
You must be 18 or older to use this site. The peptides described are presented as research chemicals intended for research purposes only. Most are not approved by the FDA for human use. Dosing ranges reflect what has appeared in the scientific literature or community protocols and are not prescriptions. Nothing here replaces evaluation by a licensed physician who knows your full medical history.
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