Melanotan 1
Also known as Afamelanotide, MT-1, Scenesse, [Nle4-D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH
A synthetic version of the hormone that tells skin cells to make pigment. Used to darken skin and reduce sun sensitivity, and approved in some countries as an implant for a rare light-intolerance condition.
Medical status: Approved as the afamelanotide implant (Scenesse) to reduce painful light sensitivity in erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Also commonly used for (off-label)
- Building a tan with less sun exposure
- Reducing burning and sun sensitivity
- More even skin tone for very fair skin
Off-label and research uses are what people report, not approved indications. Talk to a clinician before using any of them.
How it's taken (route)
a small shot into the fat just under the skin (belly, thigh, or love handle)
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- Documented dose
- 500–1000 mcg
- Typical frequency
- Once daily during the loading phase, then 1–2 times per week to maintain
- Cycle
- 4 weeks on, 4 off
- Half-life
- About 1 hour for the injected peptide; the medical implant releases over roughly 2 months
- Common vial sizes
- 10 mg
- Regulatory status
- Approved as the implant afamelanotide (Scenesse) for erythropoietic protoporphyria. Injectable research-grade Melanotan 1 is not approved for cosmetic use and is sold as a research chemical.
Dose on a U-100 syringe (500–1000 mcg)
| Vial | BAC water | Draw |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mg | 2.5 mL | 13–25 units |
| 10 mg | 3 mL | 15–30 units |
On a U-100 syringe, 100 units = 1 mL, and the syringe holds 100 units total. Most people keep a single subcutaneous injection under about 50 units — bigger volumes are usually mixed stronger (less water) or split into two shots. Only mixes that fit in one syringe are shown. Always double-check with the reconstitution calculator.
What it does
Melanotan 1 pushes the skin to produce more eumelanin — the brown-black pigment that gives skin its colour and absorbs UV light. People use it to build a tan with less sun exposure, to get a more even colour, and to reduce burning and sun sensitivity. Because it is highly selective for the pigment receptor, it tends to cause far fewer of the flushing, arousal and nausea effects that Melanotan 2 is known for. The medical version (afamelanotide, sold as Scenesse) is a slow-release implant approved to reduce painful light reactions in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare inherited condition. Tanning takes time: pigment usually starts showing after a week or two of consistent use, and a little UV exposure speeds up the process. Important caveat — a darker tan is not the same thing as protection from skin cancer. It does not stop UV damage, and it does not make moles safe to ignore.
Mechanism
A synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) that binds the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes. Activating MC1R raises cyclic AMP, switches on the pigment-making machinery (tyrosinase and MITF), and shifts production toward eumelanin. Its selectivity for MC1R over the other melanocortin receptors is why it has a narrower side-effect profile than the less selective Melanotan 2.
Storage — lyophilisedwhat's this?
Keep the sealed vial of dry powder in the fridge, away from light. It stays stable for months, and can handle short periods at room temperature during shipping.
Storage — reconstitutedwhat's this?
After mixing with bacteriostatic water, keep it refrigerated at 2–8 C, protected from light, and use within about 4 weeks.
Reconstitution noteswhat's this?
A 10 mg vial with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water gives 5,000 mcg per mL, so a 500 mcg dose is 10 units on a U-100 syringe and a 1,000 mcg dose is 20 units. Add water slowly down the side of the vial and swirl — never shake.
Stacks well with
Popular combinations reported in the community and research literature — not a recommendation. Adding peptides multiplies side-effect risk; check with a clinician.
Commonly reported side effects
- Nausea, especially with the first few doses
- Facial flushing
- Reduced appetite
- Tiredness or a heavy feeling for an hour after dosing
- Darkening of existing moles and freckles
- Redness or itching at the injection site
Contraindications noted
- History of melanoma or other skin cancer
- Lots of atypical moles or a strong family history of skin cancer
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Liver disease
- Unexplained changing skin lesions
- Using Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2 at the same time — they act on the same pigment pathway, so people use one or the other, never both
Research notes
The medical form (afamelanotide implant) has been studied in controlled trials for EPP and is approved in the US, EU and Australia for that use. Injected research-grade Melanotan 1 for cosmetic tanning has not been through that kind of testing, and unregulated vials vary widely in purity. Anyone using it should keep up regular skin checks with a dermatologist, since increased pigment can hide changes in moles.
Track this properly
Work out syringe units with the calculator, or set up a full schedule in about a minute.
Reference information only, not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.