Melanotan I
Specifically boosts tanning; as a drug it protects very light-sensitive skin from pain.
What it does in the body
Findings, each with its evidence level — animal data kept visibly apart from what's unproven in humans.
Specifically boosts tanning; as a drug it protects very light-sensitive skin from pain.
PROVEN IN HUMANSApproved as afamelanotide (Scenesse) in the EU & US for a rare light disorder — an implant given under medical supervision.
PROVEN IN HUMANSThe Melanotan I sold freely as a tanning agent is a separate thing and is not approved as a medicine.
UNPROVEN IN HUMANSMechanism of action
What Melanotan I does in the body — step by step.
Melanotan I is a linear analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with increased stability through the Nle4 and D-Phe7 substitutions.
It binds predominantly to the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes and stimulates the formation of eumelanin.
This enhances skin pigmentation, which is used for photoprotection in a medical context.
Research status
How far along is the evidence?
Known risks
Without human data, safety statements are limited. What is known:
Cited studies
Chronological — links lead to the source.
Frequently asked questions
What is Melanotan I?+
Melanotan I is a linear analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with increased stability through the Nle4 and D-Phe7 substitutions.
What type of peptide is Melanotan I?+
Melanotan I belongs to the Melanocortin class.
What is Melanotan I used for?+
In research, Melanotan I has primarily been investigated in the context of: Skin & hair. These are research findings (evidence: clinically established), not proven benefits in humans and not a usage recommendation.
Is Melanotan I legal in Germany?+
Melanotan I is prescription-only in Germany and may only be obtained with a medical prescription.
Is Melanotan I FDA-approved / legal in the US?+
Melanotan I is a prescription, FDA-approved medication in the US.
Is Melanotan I legal in Canada?+
No. Melanotan I is not authorized by Health Canada and not intended for human consumption.
Where can I buy Melanotan I?+
Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. Melanotan I is "prescription-only" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.
What is the dosage of Melanotan I?+
Peptica publishes no dosing. Melanotan I is a prescription medicine — any dosing is determined individually by a physician. This is not medical advice.
Is Melanotan I banned in sport (WADA)?+
Melanotan I is currently not on the WADA Prohibited List.
What are the known risks of Melanotan I?+
Documented risks include: Nausea, flushing, headache (melanocortin class effect); Increased/atypical pigmentation of moles — dermatological monitoring needed. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.
How well researched is Melanotan I?+
The evidence is classified as “clinically established”. 2 studies are cited on this page.
What is the molecular weight of Melanotan I?+
Melanotan I has a molar mass of about 1646.8 Da, with a plasma half-life of ~30 minutes (peptide).
Which peptides are related to Melanotan I?+
Closely related entries: PT-141, Melanotan II. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.
Dossier
Legal · Structure · Sources.
Afamelanotide (Scenesse) is approved as a medicine for the rare disease EPP and is strictly prescription-only (specialist centres). Freely traded „Melanotan I“ for tanning purposes is not approved; obtaining it that way is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.
Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.
Methodology: Peptica compiles publicly available studies and regulatory information and assigns each statement an evidence level. Not medical advice. No warranty.