Skin, Hair & CosmeticModerate evidence

Nonapeptide-1

Peptide therapy: benefits, side effects, cost and protocols

C₆₁H₈₇N₁₅O₉S

1,206.5 g/mol / CID 10418849

Nonapeptide-1 is a biomimetic peptide that reduces melanin synthesis by antagonizing alpha-MSH at the MC1 receptor level. It is used in cosmetic formulations as a skin-brightening and tone-evening agent.

ByChris Riley(CFA)|Updated October 10, 2026

Sources: FDA / PubMed / ClinicalTrials.gov View

Spec sheet

FDA status: Research Only Not currently approved for human use in the US. Available as a research compound. Not eligible for compounding.
Evidence: Moderate Evidence

Find a provider

Who it's for

Who Nonapeptide-1 is usually considered for

Melanin inhibition
1 preclinical study
Skin brightening
Pigmentation control
UV damage protection
1 preclinical study
Limited human trials or strong preclinical

Mechanism

How Nonapeptide-1 works

Antagonizes alpha-MSH at the MC1R receptor on melanocytes, reducing cAMP-mediated activation of tyrosinase and downstream melanin synthesis pathways.

Evidence

Key studies

4 papers on PubMed

01
A randomized controlled pilot study of a proprietary combination versus sunscreen in melasma maintenance
Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol / RCT
02
Proprietary combination showed efficacy versus sunscreen in melasma maintenance
03
Optimization of Dielectric Material Improves Ionization Capability and Mass Range of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Ionization Mass Spectrometry
04
Guan X, Wei C, Yan X et al
In Vitro / J Am Soc Mass Spectrom
05
Optimized dielectric material improved ionization and mass range capabilities
06
Enhanced skin benefits of EGCG loaded in nonapeptide-1-conjugated mesoporous silica nanoparticles to reverse skin photoaging
07
Huang ZJ, Zhou XH, Wen WQ et al
In Vitro / Int J Pharm
08
EGCG-loaded nanoparticles enhanced skin benefits and reversed photoaging effects
09
Effects of tea polyphenols on UVA-induced melanogenesis via inhibition of α-MSH-MC1R signalling pathway
10
Chen J, Li H, Liang B et al
In Vitro / Postepy Dermatol Alergol

Compound

Nonapeptide-1 compound data

Formula: C61H87N15O9S
Mol. weight: 1206.5 g/mol
PubChem CID: 10418849 ↗
IUPAC: (2S)-N-[(1R)-2-[[(1S)-1-[[(1R)-2-[[(1S)-2-[[(1S)-5-amino-1-[(2S)-2-[[(1S)-1-carbamoyl-2-methyl-propyl]carbamoyl]pyrrolidine-1-carbonyl]pentyl]amino]-1-benzyl-2-oxo-ethyl]amino]-1-(1H-indol-3-ylmethyl)-2-oxo-ethyl]carbamoyl]-4-guanidino-butyl]amino]-1-benzyl-2-oxo-ethyl]-1-[(2S)-2-amino-4-methylsulfanyl-butanoyl]pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide

FAQ

Nonapeptide-1 questions

What is NONAPEPTIDE-1?

Nonapeptide-1 is a synthetic peptide that inhibits melanin synthesis by blocking alpha-MSH binding to MC1R receptors, used in cosmetic formulations for skin brightening.

How does NONAPEPTIDE-1 work?

Antagonizes alpha-MSH at the MC1R receptor on melanocytes, reducing cAMP-mediated activation of tyrosinase and downstream melanin synthesis pathways.

Is NONAPEPTIDE-1 legal to buy?

NONAPEPTIDE-1 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 NONAPEPTIDE-1?

NONAPEPTIDE-1 has mixed availability - it can be found through both compounding pharmacies (with prescription) and research suppliers.

What category does NONAPEPTIDE-1 belong to?

NONAPEPTIDE-1 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 NONAPEPTIDE-1?

NONAPEPTIDE-1 has been studied for: Melanin inhibition, Skin brightening, Pigmentation control, UV damage protection. Cosmetic peptide; MC1R antagonist for depigmentation. Also known as Melanostatine.

News

Nonapeptide-1 in the news

News aggregated via Google News. Inclusion does not imply endorsement.

Considering Nonapeptide-1?

The 2-minute quiz matches you with licensed providers who offer it. A clinician decides if it fits.

Take the quiz