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Melanotan 1

Skin protection, tanning

FDA-approved (Scenesse). Stimulates melanin for natural UV protection.

In Plain English

Tells your skin to produce more melanin. FDA-approved with real clinical safety data.

A / C

At a glance

Approved as an implant for one rare condition. Tanning use has no trials. Evidence grade A / C on an A-to-D scale.

HOW IT IS TAKEN
Under the skin
HOW OFTEN
Daily, then a few times a week
HOW LONG
1 to 2 weeks, then maintenance
TESTED SPORT
Not banned

Reported practice from trials and the community, not a recommendation for anyone.

What Researchers Have Studied It For

+FDA-approved
+Natural melanin production
+UV protection
+Skin pigmentation
+DNA repair in skin

Studied for

💫 Skin & Hair
Molecular Weight
1647 Da
Half-Life
~1 hour
Source
13 amino acid a-MSH analog
Storage
Keep frozen as powder. Refrigerate once mixed.
Category
Skin

Published Research

Afamelanotide for EPP Phase III
N Engl J Med (2015)

Common questions about Melanotan 1

What is Melanotan 1 used for?

Researchers have studied Melanotan 1 for fda-approved, natural melanin production, uv protection, and more. In plain terms: Tells your skin to produce more melanin. FDA-approved with real clinical safety data.

Is Melanotan 1 FDA-approved?

Yes, as a slow-release implant called Scenesse, for a rare genetic condition that makes sunlight painful. The injected powder sold for tanning has no approval.

How is Melanotan 1 usually taken?

The commonly reported pattern is under the skin, daily, then a few times a week, for 1 to 2 weeks, then maintenance. That describes reported practice from trials and the community. It is not a recommendation for anyone, and several of these compounds interact with common medications.

How strong is the evidence for Melanotan 1?

Grade A / C on this site's A-to-D scale. A means approved as a medicine somewhere, with large controlled trials behind that use. Approved as an implant for one rare condition. Tanning use has no trials.

Is Melanotan 1 banned in drug-tested sport?

It is not specifically listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency, but tested athletes should check the current list and their federation's rules, since related compounds and blends often are.

How long does Melanotan 1 stay in the body?

The half-life, the time for half a dose to leave the body, is about ~1 hour. A short half-life means it wears off fast and is taken more often; a long one means once a week can be enough. Stored as a dry powder it keeps for months in the fridge; once mixed with water it is used within a few weeks.

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Go deeper on Melanotan 1 in The Peptide Course
How people commonly use it, what they notice, side effects, who stays away, and how good the evidence really is. Plus how to buy a vial that is actually Melanotan 1, and how to mix it. Six lessons are free.
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Melanotan 2

Does several things: tanning, appetite reduction, and libido. Less targeted but more versatile than MT-1.

Tanning, multiple benefits
Research-use disclaimer — Melanotan 1 is referenced here for research education only. It is not approved by the FDA for human consumption, treatment, cure, or diagnosis of any condition. Nothing on this page is medical advice. Consult a licensed physician for anything related to your health.