Melanotan I
Melanocortin Receptor Agonist | Afamelanotide
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What is Melanotan I?
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a lab-made analog of a natural pituitary hormone that activates melanocyte receptors involved in skin pigmentation. Its FDA-approved implant form (SCENESSE) is used for a rare light-sensitivity condition, and researchers separately study injectable formulations for their effects on pigmentation and photoprotection in animal and human studies. Research-grade material discussed here is intended for laboratory study only — it is not approved for general human use, and any tanning-related effects remain a subject of research, not a marketed cosmetic outcome.
Key terms:
Melanotan I is a synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist.
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a lab-made version of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, a natural hormone. It acts mainly on MC1 receptors, the cell switches that prompt skin to make melanin (its natural pigment). An implant version, SCENESSE®, is FDA-approved for rare medical conditions. Research-grade injectable Melanotan I is studied for photoprotection (shielding skin from UV light) and tanning effects, given as repeated injections under the skin in study protocols.
Key research areas
- Research-grade injectable provides precise dosing control and rapid onset of tanning effects
- Unlike the FDA-approved SCENESSE® implant, injectable form allows flexible dosing and can be administered at home
- Produces visible tanning within 1-2 weeks with proper UV exposure
- Increased melanin density provides natural protection against UV damage
- Promotes uniform melanin distribution reducing patchy tanning
Researched dosing
This table reflects the dose ranges and schedules reported in Melanotan I research protocols, presented as research-methodology reference, not personal usage instructions.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pigmentation studies (light skin) | 0.25mg | 2x daily | Subcutaneous injection |
| Pigmentation maintenance studies | 0.5mg | 1x daily | Subcutaneous injection |
| Higher-dose pigmentation studies | 0.5mg | 2x daily | Subcutaneous injection |
| Photoprotection studies | 0.25mg | 1x daily | Subcutaneous injection |
Commonly cycled 4 weeks on, 4+ weeks off.
How it works
At the cell level, Melanotan I research looks at how the peptide activates MC1 melanocortin receptors on skin cells to trigger melanin production — the same receptor pathway targeted by its FDA-approved implant form.
Subcutaneous injection delivers Melanotan I directly into systemic circulation with 100% bioavailability. 30-minute half-life requires multiple daily injections for sustained MC1R activation and melanin production.
Pharmacokinetics
This chart shows how quickly a research dose of Melanotan I is absorbed and cleared in the reported data — its short half-life is part of why multi-dose daily protocols appear in the literature.
- Peak
- 0.5 hr
- Half-life
- 0.5 hrs
- Cleared
- ~0 hrs
Based on pharmacokinetic studies
Research applications
This section lists the research areas — pigmentation and photoprotection — that scientists have studied for Melanotan I; it's a summary of the research literature, not a promise of cosmetic tanning results, and injectable Melanotan I is not approved for general human use.
Skin Health
Stimulates melanin production allowing deeper, longer-lasting tan with reduced UV exposure requirements. Increased melanin density provides natural protection against UV damage and reduces sunburn susceptibility. Promotes uniform melanin distribution reducing patchy tanning and providing consistent skin tone.
Longevity
Enhanced melanin production may offer longevity photoprotective benefits by reducing cumulative UV damage to skin.
Research
Ongoing research into broader melanocortin receptor applications beyond tanning and photoprotection.
Dosage reference
- Doses used in research
- 0.25–0.5 mg per dose
- Frequency in studies
- 1-2x daily during loading phase
- Handling
- Reconstituted solution — research use only; not for administration
- Timeline reported in studies
- Initial darkening in 3-5 days, significant tanning in 1-2 weeks with UV exposure
- Storage
- Powder: room temperature or refrigerated; Reconstituted: 2-8°C for up to 4 weeks
- Cycle length
- 2-4 weeks loading, then maintenance or break
- Break between cycles
- 4-8 weeks between cycles recommended
Interactions
This list shows which other compounds and exposures — including UV light — are studied alongside Melanotan I, and why.
Reconstitution & storage
This is the standard laboratory method for turning freeze-dried Melanotan I powder into a research solution — the same basic water-based mixing process used for most peptide research.
- Allow vial to reach room temperature (15-20 minutes)
- Clean vial top with alcohol swab and allow to dry
- Calculate required bacteriostatic water volume using the calculator below
- Draw calculated volume of bacteriostatic water into syringe
- Inject water slowly down the inside wall of the vial (never directly onto powder)
- Gently swirl until powder completely dissolves (never shake)
- Solution should be clear - discard if cloudy or contains particles
Lyophilized: Room temperature or refrigerated, use within Per manufacturer expiration
Reconstituted: 2-6°C, use within Up to 4 weeks
Open the Melanotan I reconstitution calculatorQuality indicators
These are the checks researchers use to confirm a Melanotan I sample is pure and hasn't degraded before it's used in a study — a quick reference against third-party lab testing.
Third-party laboratory testing - Reputable vendors provide HPLC purity testing and amino acid analysis confirming >98% purity
Proper peptide storage - Lyophilized powder stable at room temperature during shipping, refrigerate upon arrival
Clear reconstitution - Properly reconstituted Melanotan I should be completely clear and colorless without particles
Premixed solutions - Avoid pre-mixed liquid Melanotan I as peptides degrade rapidly in solution without proper preservation
Minimal side effects - High-quality Melanotan I should cause only mild nausea and flushing, not severe reactions
What to expect
This timeline summarizes what the research literature reports at each study stage — research context for comparing studies, not a personal-results promise.
Possible mild nausea, facial flushing, reduced appetite
Initial skin darkening, increased pigmentation of moles and freckles
Noticeable tanning with minimal UV exposure, enhanced tanning response
Peak tanning effects, maintained pigmentation with reduced injection frequency
Safety notes
This section covers handling cautions and regulatory notes for Melanotan I — its FDA-approved form is limited to a specific rare condition, and injectable research-grade material is not approved for general human use.
- Research peptide - not approved for human consumption, sold for research purposes only
- Start with lower doses to assess individual tolerance and response
- Monitor moles and skin changes - perform regular self-examinations
- Use proper sterile injection technique to prevent infections
- Maintain UV protection despite enhanced tanning - still risk of overexposure
- FDA-approved implant version (SCENESSE®/afamelanotide) exists for erythropoietic protoporphyria; injectable research-grade form is not FDA-approved for human use
Regulatory status
- Approved by the FDA for at least one indication. That approval applies to regulated pharmaceutical products, not to research-grade material.
- Supplied and described for laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use.
Community data
Community Insights
Based on data the community reported. Not clinical proof.
References
Comprehensive safety evaluation showing excellent tolerability profile with transient nausea and flushing as primary side effects. No serious adverse events reported.
Clinical study demonstrating Melanotan I ability to induce protective tanning with reduced UV exposure requirements. Subjects showed enhanced melanin production and decreased sunburn susceptibility.
Study demonstrating Melanotan I ability to produce visible tanning without UV exposure, though enhanced effects observed when combined with minimal UV exposure.