Melanotan 1
Also known as: MT-1 · Afamelanotide · CUV1647
A synthetic analog of alpha-MSH that stimulates melanin production for skin tanning. The more selective of the two Melanotan variants, with FDA-orphan drug status for erythropoietic protoporphyria.
What is Melanotan 1? A synthetic analog of alpha-MSH that stimulates melanin production for skin tanning. The more selective of the two Melanotan variants, with FDA-orphan drug status for erythropoietic protoporphyria.
How does Melanotan 1 work? Melanotan 1 selectively activates MC1R on melanocytes, stimulating melanin production without activating sexual arousal pathways.
Benefits of Melanotan 1: Promotes skin tanning without UV exposure; FDA-approved form for erythropoietic protoporphyria; Reduces UV-induced skin damage; More selective than Melanotan 2; Lower sexual arousal side effects
Melanotan 1 dosage: Start with low doses to assess tolerance. Sunlight enhances tanning.
Melanotan 1 half-life: 1-1.5 hours
Research status: Prescription
Source: PeptideWiki — https://www.peptide-wiki.net/peptides/melanotan-1
Mechanism of Action
Melanotan 1 selectively activates MC1R on melanocytes, stimulating melanin production without activating sexual arousal pathways.
Benefits
- Promotes skin tanning without UV exposure
- FDA-approved form for erythropoietic protoporphyria
- Reduces UV-induced skin damage
- More selective than Melanotan 2
- Lower sexual arousal side effects
Side Effects & Risks
- Nausea
- Flushing
- Fatigue
- Mild libido changes
- Injection site reactions
- Possible new moles
Where to Buy Melanotan 1
2 options across 2 vendors · Sorted cheapest first · All include direct product link
From
$29.99
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Storage & Reconstitution Guide
Storage Temperature
-20°C (lyophilized)
24 months (lyophilized), 28 days (reconstituted)
Reconstitution Solvent
Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
Swirl gently — do not shake or vortex
Handling Notes
Protect lyophilized peptide from moisture and light. Once reconstituted, keep refrigerated. Discard if solution becomes cloudy or discolored. Use insulin syringe for precise dosing.
Step-by-Step Reconstitution
Gather supplies
BAC water, insulin syringe, alcohol swabs, vial
Disinfect tops
Swab rubber stoppers of both vials with alcohol
Draw BAC water
Pull desired mL of BAC water into syringe
Inject slowly
Inject BAC water down the side of the peptide vial, swirl gently to dissolve
Molecular Structure
- CAS Number
- 75921-69-6
- PubChem CID
- 71306
- Mol. Formula
- C78H111N21O19
- Amino Acids
- 13-AA peptide
- Wikipedia
- View article
Research Protocol
- Dose Range
- 500–1000 mcg
- Frequency
- Loading: daily; Maintenance: 2-3x per week
- Cycle
- 4-8 weeks loading, maintenance ongoing
- Half-Life
- 1-1.5 hours
- Routes
- subcutaneous injection
- Notes
- Start with low doses to assess tolerance. Sunlight enhances tanning.
Legal & Regulatory Status
Sold for research purposes only. Not for human use. Laws vary by country.
Commonly Stacked With
View all peptide stacks →External Resources
PeptideWiki Research Team
Evidence-based research data sourced from PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov · Last updated: February 25, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About Melanotan 1
What is Melanotan 1?▾
A synthetic analog of alpha-MSH that stimulates melanin production for skin tanning. The more selective of the two Melanotan variants, with FDA-orphan drug status for erythropoietic protoporphyria.
What are the benefits of Melanotan 1?▾
Promotes skin tanning without UV exposure
What are the benefits of Melanotan 1?▾
FDA-approved form for erythropoietic protoporphyria
What are the side effects of Melanotan 1?▾
Nausea
What is the recommended dosage for Melanotan 1?▾
Start with low doses to assess tolerance. Sunlight enhances tanning.
How long should a Melanotan 1 cycle last?▾
4-8 weeks loading, maintenance ongoing