Melanotan I
Symbol M1 · MW 1647 Da
Linear α-MSH analog approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria.
- Discovered
- 1980
- Half-life
- 15 hours
- Approval
- Approved (Scenesse — rare condition)
Quick facts
- Category
- Beauty
- Route
- Injectable
- Molecular weight
- 1647 Da
- Half-life
- 15 hours
- Discovered
- 1980
- Approval status
- Approved (Scenesse — rare condition)
Reported effects
- Photoprotection
- Pigmentation
- UV tolerance
Overview
Melanotan I, also known as Afamelanotide, is a melanocortin peptide associated with melanin production and skin pigmentation. It works by activating pathways that increase melanin, the pigment responsible for darker skin tone and natural UV defense. Afamelanotide has specific medical relevance in certain light-sensitivity conditions, but it is also commonly discussed in the cosmetic peptide space because of its pigmentation effects. Its purpose is related to melanin stimulation, photoprotection research, and skin pigmentation support. As a beauty peptide, Melanotan I is best understood as a pigmentation-focused peptide rather than a standard skincare ingredient.
Evidence context
Melanotan I evidence summary
Human clinical evidence
Melanotan I has an approval context listed in the Peptidic database. Approved use still depends on the specific indication, formulation, labeling, and clinician guidance.
Animal, preclinical, or formulation evidence
Melanotan I is listed in a beauty or cosmetic context, where topical formulation data and ingredient claims should be separated from systemic medical claims.
Status and evidence strength
Peptidic lists the approval status for Melanotan I as Approved (Scenesse — rare condition). The reported effects below are reference fields from the peptide database, not medical promises. Source links are included later on the page when available so readers can continue review from primary or reputable sources.
How it's taken
- Typical Administration
- Injectable / Subcutaneous Implant
- Typical Dosage
- Approved afamelanotide implant dose is 16 mg; non-approved cosmetic use has no established dosage
- Typical Frequency
- Implant administered approximately every 2 months in approved medical use
Dosing depends on the approved indication, formulation, titration schedule, and clinician guidance. This page is educational and not a substitute for medical advice.
Research sources
Source links included from peer-reviewed literature, clinical records, and medical databases for educational research context on Melanotan I.
Internal links
Related peptides
Frequently asked questions
What category is Melanotan I in?
Melanotan I is listed in the Beauty category on Peptidic.
What route is Melanotan I associated with?
Melanotan I is associated with the injectable route in the Peptidic database. This is descriptive route context, not a use instruction.
Is Melanotan I approved?
Peptidic lists the approval status for Melanotan I as: Approved (Scenesse — rare condition). Approval details can vary by indication and jurisdiction.
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For educational purposes only. Many peptides shown are research compounds and not approved for human use in all jurisdictions. Explore the full peptide database, peptide calculator, or peptide tracker.
Last reviewed for educational accuracy: 2026-06-01