Melanotan 1
INVESTIGATIONALα-MSH analog | Tanning and photoprotection
By the INFOPEPTIDOS editorial team · content based on scientific literature.
Updated: August 2026.
Key points
- What it is: analog of the α-MSH hormone (afamelanotide).
- Main use: tanning and skin photoprotection.
- Typical dose: 0.5–1 mg subcutaneous, loading then maintenance.
- Key result: stimulates melanin production, darkening the skin.
- Common effects: nausea and darkening of moles and freckles.
- Comparison: like Melanotan 2 it tans, but without the sexual effect and with less nausea.
- Status: afamelanotide approved for a rare disease; not FDA-approved for cosmetic tanning.
Technical data: Molecular formula C78H111N21O19 · Molecular weight 1646.8 g/mol. Source: PubChem.
Overview
What is Melanotan 1?
Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is an analog of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It stimulates melanin production to tan the skin and protect it from ultraviolet radiation. Unlike Melanotan 2, it is more selective and does not produce the effect on sexual function.
Key benefits
More even tanning and photoprotection, with less nausea and without the erection/libido effect of Melanotan 2. Its pharmaceutical form (afamelanotide, Scenesse) is approved to protect the skin in a rare photosensitivity disease.
Mechanism of action
It acts as a melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) agonist on melanocytes, stimulating melanin synthesis. Its greater selectivity for MC1R explains why it tans with hardly any effect on the sexual-function pathways (MC4R).
Quick start guide
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loading | 0.5 mg | Daily | Reach pigmentation |
| Maintenance | 0.5–1 mg | 1–2 times/week | Maintain the tan |
Subcutaneous route. Monitor moles and avoid excessive sun exposure. The specific dose must be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Reconstitution: units in the syringe
Example with a 10 mg vial + 2 ml of bacteriostatic water → a 5 mg/ml solution. On a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 ml):
| Dose | Volume | Units (U-100) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 mg | 0.10 ml | 10 U |
| 1 mg | 0.20 ml | 20 U |
Is your vial or water different? Calculate the exact units below.
🧮 Calculate your exact syringe dose →Melanotan 1 vs Melanotan 2
| Melanotan 1 | Melanotan 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tanning | Yes | Yes |
| Sexual effect | No | Yes |
| Nausea | Less | More |
| Selectivity | Higher (MC1R) | Lower |
⚠️ Who should NOT use it
- People with atypical moles or a history of melanoma.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Monitor changes in moles and freckles during use.
- Always under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
What to expect
- Week 1: first signs of pigmentation with loading.
- Week 1-2: visible and more even tan.
- Maintenance: the tone is kept with spaced doses.
- Photoprotection: greater skin tolerance to the sun.
- Side effects: mild nausea and darkening of moles.
- Most effective for: tanning and photoprotection without a sexual effect.
Side effects & safety
- Mild nausea, especially at the start.
- Darkening of moles, freckles and pigmented areas.
- Transient facial flushing.
- Mild injection-site reaction.
- Occasional loss of appetite.
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching or swelling.
- Change in the size, shape or color of a mole.
- Severe nausea or vomiting.
- Any new, suspicious skin lesion.
- If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions
What is Melanotan 1?
It is an α-MSH analog (afamelanotide) that stimulates melanin to tan and protect the skin.
How does it differ from Melanotan 2?
Melanotan 1 tans without the sexual effect and with less nausea; Melanotan 2 adds a libido effect.
What is the Melanotan 1 dose?
A loading of 0.5 mg daily until pigmented, then maintenance. The regimen is set by a professional.
Does Melanotan 1 protect from the sun?
It stimulates melanin, which provides some photoprotection; its approved form is used in a photosensitivity disease.
What are the side effects?
Mild nausea and darkening of moles and freckles; moles should be monitored.
Is Melanotan 1 approved?
Afamelanotide is approved for a rare disease, but not for cosmetic tanning.
Research areas
- Tanning
- Photoprotection
- Skin pigmentation
- Photosensitivity
- Cosmetics
Related peptides
- Melanotan 2 — Tans and adds an effect on sexual function.
- PT-141 — Melanocortin agonist for sexual function.
- GHK-Cu — Copper peptide for skin.
Related articles
Related topics
- Melanotan 1 tanning
- Melanotan 1 vs Melanotan 2
- Melanotan 1 dose
- Melanotan 1 photoprotection
- Melanotan 1 moles
- Melanotan 1 side effects
Summary
What it is: α-MSH analog (afamelanotide).
How it is researched: Subcutaneous, 0.5-1 mg, loading and maintenance.
Key features: Tans without a sexual effect, with less nausea. Not approved for aesthetics.
Related peptides: Melanotan 2, PT-141 and GHK-Cu.
References
- Habbema L et al. (2017). Risks of unregulated use of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogues: a review. Int J Dermatol. PubMed · DOI
- Chawathe A et al. (2026). Investigation of the stability profile of therapeutic α-MSH analogue: Insights from liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry analysis of afamelanotide. J Pharm Biomed Anal. PubMed · DOI
- Langan EA et al. (2010). Melanotropic peptides: more than just 'Barbie drugs' and 'sun-tan jabs'?. Br J Dermatol. PubMed · DOI
Studies compiled from PubMed for informational purposes; many are preclinical or research-stage and do not constitute medical advice.