Skin, Hair & CosmeticModerate Evidence

Nonapeptide-1 Peptide Therapy

Benefits, Side Effects, Cost & Protocols

Nonapeptide-1 peptide molecular structure diagram from PubChem

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)&Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA(PharmD, MBA)|Updated May 19, 2026

Clinically Reviewed

Reviewed by Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA · Updated May 2026

Evidence-Based

Sourced from FDA, PubMed & ClinicalTrials.gov · View sources

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

Who Is Nonapeptide-1 Best For?

Melanin inhibition1 preclinical studySkin brighteningPigmentation controlUV damage protection1 preclinical studyLimited human trials or strong preclinical

How Nonapeptide-1 Works

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

Nonapeptide-1 FAQ

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.

Key Studies

4 total on PubMed2 human trials

A randomized controlled pilot study of a proprietary combination versus sunscreen in melasma maintenance

Indian J Dermatol Venereol LeprolRCT

Proprietary combination showed efficacy versus sunscreen in melasma maintenance

Optimization of Dielectric Material Improves Ionization Capability and Mass Range of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Guan X, Wei C, Yan X et al

In Vitro · J Am Soc Mass Spectrom

Optimized dielectric material improved ionization and mass range capabilities

Enhanced skin benefits of EGCG loaded in nonapeptide-1-conjugated mesoporous silica nanoparticles to reverse skin photoaging

Huang ZJ, Zhou XH, Wen WQ et al

In Vitro · Int J Pharm

EGCG-loaded nanoparticles enhanced skin benefits and reversed photoaging effects

Effects of tea polyphenols on UVA-induced melanogenesis via inhibition of α-MSH-MC1R signalling pathway

Chen J, Li H, Liang B et al

In Vitro · Postepy Dermatol Alergol

Nonapeptide-1 Compound Data

Molecular Formula

C61H87N15O9S

Molecular Weight

1206.5 g/mol

IUPAC Name

(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

View full compound on PubChem

Nonapeptide-1 News

The Vegan Peptide Serum That Creates an Instant Glass Skin Effect - vogue.com

vogue.com · 7 days ago

[WATCH] Trending ingredients to watch: Nonapeptide-1 - Mintel

Mintel · 27 months ago

I'm Wary of Buzzy Skincare Devices, But the Solawave Officially Changed My Tune (and My Skin) - Who What Wear

Who What Wear · 4 months ago

Cryo-EM structure of the human chemerin receptor 1–Gi protein complex bound to the C-terminal nonapeptide of chemerin - PNAS

PNAS · 38 months ago

Structures of peptide-free and partially loaded MHC class I molecules reveal mechanisms of peptide selection - Nature

Nature · 75 months ago

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

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Peptide therapies have not been evaluated by the FDA for most listed indications.All prices shown are estimates based on publicly available data and may not reflect current pricing — providers and brands set their own prices and can change them at any time. Always verify pricing directly with the provider before purchasing. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.

Ready to explore Nonapeptide-1 with a provider?

Take our 2-minute quiz to get matched with a board-certified provider specializing in Nonapeptide-1.

Take the Quiz →