Melanotan I
Also known as Afamelanotide (related)
Melanotan I is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) used primarily as a sunless tanning peptide. It stimulates melanocortin-1 receptors to boost the skin’s own melanin (eumelanin), which darkens pigmentation and adds some protection against UV. It is more selective for pigmentation than Melanotan II, with much less effect on appetite or arousal. Many people take a dose before sun or tanning so it acts as a catalyst for the tan, though this timing is not strictly required. Melanotan I was the research precursor to the approved implant afamelanotide (Scenesse); Melanotan I itself is not an approved pharmaceutical in most places and is generally sold outside regulated supply chains, so purity, dosing accuracy, and long-term safety data are limited.
Reported benefits
- Produces a sunless tan by boosting the skin’s own melanin
- More pigmentation-selective than Melanotan II, with less appetite or libido effect
- Often taken before sun or tanning to catalyze pigmentation
- Studied for photoprotection against UV-induced skin reddening
How it works
Melanotan I agonizes the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes, activating cAMP signaling that upregulates tyrosinase activity and increases eumelanin synthesis, producing skin darkening that is largely independent of UV exposure.
Dosing ranges
| Tier | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 250 mcg | daily during an initial loading phase, as described in research literature |
| Moderate | 500 mcg | daily during a loading phase |
| High | 1,000 mcg | daily, upper range reported in non-clinical use |
Estimate your dose
Dose estimator
Educational estimate for Melanotan I, scaled to body size. Not medical advice.
Read before using
This tool produces a rough, educational estimate by scaling commonly-published research ranges to lean body mass. It is not a prescription, medical advice, or a substitute for a licensed clinician. Most peptides use fixed dosing, not weight-based dosing. Individual needs vary. You are solely responsible for how you use this information.
Mixing & syringe units
Target dose follows the estimate above. Change it there, or edit it directly below.
Reconstitution calculator
How much water to add and how many insulin-syringe units to draw for Melanotan I. Educational only.
Draw to this mark
10units
= 0.1 mL for a 500 mcg dose
Concentration
5,000 mcg/mL
Doses per vial
20
A U-100 syringe reads 100 units per mL. This is a reconstitution math helper only, not a prescription or dosing advice. Verify every calculation and consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Possible side effects
Stacking notes
Sometimes discussed alongside sun-exposure practices; no established pharmacological interaction profile with other peptides.
Common protocols
Common questions
What is Melanotan I used for?
Melanotan I is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) used primarily as a sunless tanning peptide. It stimulates melanocortin-1 receptors to boost the skin’s own melanin (eumelanin), which darkens pigmentation and adds some protection against UV. It is more selective for pigmentation than Melanotan II, with much less effect on appetite or arousal. Many people take a dose before sun or tanning so it acts as a catalyst for the tan, though this timing is not strictly required. Melanotan I was the research precursor to the approved implant afamelanotide (Scenesse); Melanotan I itself is not an approved pharmaceutical in most places and is generally sold outside regulated supply chains, so purity, dosing accuracy, and long-term safety data are limited. Reported benefits include produces a sunless tan by boosting the skin’s own melanin, more pigmentation-selective than melanotan ii, with less appetite or libido effect, often taken before sun or tanning to catalyze pigmentation.
What is a typical Melanotan I dose?
Reported ranges run 250-1,000 mcg. A low protocol is 250 mcg daily during an initial loading phase, as described in research literature, and a high protocol is 1,000 mcg daily, upper range reported in non-clinical use. This is reference information, not a dosing recommendation.
What is the half life of Melanotan I?
Estimated at roughly 1 to 2 hours; formal pharmacokinetic data are limited. That is what sets the dosing frequency, and it is why the timing guidance is before sun exposure.
How is Melanotan I administered?
Subcutaneous: into fat, under the skin. Distinct from the FDA-approved implant afamelanotide; unregulated subcutaneous products carry unverified purity and dosing consistency.
How long is a Melanotan I cycle?
Loading phase of several weeks, sometimes followed by reduced maintenance frequency on, followed by Variable and not clinically standardized off. No approved prescribing protocol exists; dosing patterns come from limited research and user-reported literature rather than official labeling.
What are the side effects of Melanotan I?
Reported side effects include nausea, especially with early doses, flushing, spontaneous erections, darkening of existing moles/freckles or new nevus formation, injection site reactions. Evidence level for this compound is moderate evidence.
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Educational use only, not medical advice. This profile is provided for research and educational purposes. Melanotan I may be a research compound or a prescription medication; nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dosing figures reflect commonly-published research ranges, not a prescription. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health decision. Read the full disclaimer →