Melanotan I
Melanocortin agonist for gradual, even skin pigmentation.
For research purposes only. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. By purchasing, you confirm these products will be used for legitimate research purposes.
About Melanotan I
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that stimulates melanin production for a protective, sun-independent tan. Compared with Melanotan II it is more selective, producing pigmentation with fewer off-target effects such as libido changes. It is researched for photoprotection and even skin pigmentation.
Key Benefits
- Stimulates protective melanin production
- More selective than Melanotan II
- Supports even, gradual pigmentation
- Researched for photoprotection
Set a goal (top of the page) to see how Melanotan I scores against it, and what the better-evidenced alternatives are.
Category Ratings
How to Take
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Skin hyperpigmentation / darkening
- Injection or implant site reactions
- Dizziness
Legal & Regulatory Status
The compound (afamelanotide, brand Scenesse) is FDA-approved only to increase pain-free light exposure in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) — not for cosmetic tanning. Cosmetic and other uses are research use only.
Safety and regulatory details for FDA-approved compounds are drawn from the official product label via openFDA; clinical development status reflects ClinicalTrials.gov. This information is provided for research reference, is not endorsed by the FDA, and may not be complete or current.
Research & Sources
- FDA prescribing information — Scenesse (afamelanotide, EPP only), via DailyMed
- Phase 3 trial: afamelanotide for erythropoietic protoporphyria, NEJM (PMID 26132941)
Sources are selected for reliability (peer-reviewed literature, openFDA, ClinicalTrials.gov) but this is a research summary, not medical advice, and may not be exhaustive.