Melanotan I Peptide Therapy
Benefits, Side Effects, Cost & Protocols
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone developed for skin tanning. It is available as a prescription drug (Scenesse) for certain light-related skin conditions and studied as a preventative agent for skin cancer in patients with photosensitivity disorders.
Clinically Reviewed
Reviewed by Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA · Updated May 2026
Evidence-Based
Sourced from FDA, PubMed & ClinicalTrials.gov · View sources
Who Is Melanotan I Best For?
How Melanotan I Works
Selective melanocortin-1 receptor agonist that promotes melanin production without significant effects on other melanocortin pathways.
Melanotan I FAQ
What is MELANOTAN I?
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is a melanocortin peptide primarily researched for its tanning effects, with a more selective receptor profile than Melanotan II.
How does MELANOTAN I work?
Selective melanocortin-1 receptor agonist that promotes melanin production without significant effects on other melanocortin pathways.
Is MELANOTAN I legal to buy?
MELANOTAN I is sold as a research chemical for laboratory use only. It is not approved for human use by the FDA. Regulations vary by jurisdiction.
Where can I buy MELANOTAN I?
MELANOTAN I is available as a research compound from verified online vendors. Always verify third-party testing before purchasing.
What category does MELANOTAN I belong to?
MELANOTAN I is primarily classified as a skin, hair & cosmetic peptide. Peptides studied for cosmetic applications including skin rejuvenation, collagen production, tanning, hair growth, and anti-wrinkle effects.
What are the research benefits of MELANOTAN I?
MELANOTAN I has been studied for: Tanning research, Melanin production, Skin protection research. Melanotan variant; more selective than MT-II.
Key Studies
240 total on PubMed110 human trialsSkin pigmentation and pharmacokinetics of melanotan-I in humans
Ugwu SO, Blanchard J, Dorr RT et al
Biopharm Drug Dispos · Biopharm Drug DisposPhase 1
Subcutaneous melanotan-I administration achieved complete bioavailability with significant tanning effects lasting 3 weeks post-treatment.
Subcutaneous melanotan-I administration achieved complete bioavailability with significant tanning effects lasting 3 weeks post-treatment
A glimpse into the underground market of melanotan
Dermatol Online J · Dermatol Online J
Online survey of melanotan users examining motivations, barriers, and plans for continued use of illicit melanotropic peptides
Increased eumelanin expression and tanning is induced by a superpotent melanotropin [Nle4-D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH in humans
Dorr RT, Dvorakova K, Brooks C et al
Case Series · Photochem PhotobiolPhase 1
Melanotan-I induced tanning with 49-98% increase in skin eumelanin content.
Melanotan-I induced tanning with 49-98% increase in skin eumelanin content
Melanotan II injection resulting in systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis
Case Series · Clin Toxicol (Phila)
Melanotan II overdose caused sympathomimetic toxicity, rhabdomyolysis, and acute kidney injury
Melanotan I News
Inside the ‘Barbie Drug’ Tanning Trend - WWD
WWD · 13 days ago
Q&A: Should you trust trending peptide injections? - UVA Today
UVA Today · 1 month ago
Melanotan II 'Barbie drug' tanning peptide raises safety concerns - MSN
MSN · 11 days ago
Buy Melanotan II for Erectile Dysfunction: What You Need to Know - Portal CNJ
Portal CNJ · 9 days ago
Warning over Gold Coast tan trend - News.com.au
News.com.au · 3 months ago
News aggregated via Google News. Inclusion does not imply endorsement.
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