Melanotan I
Shop Melanotan I
Shop Melanotan ICode ths10 applied at checkout
Also called: Afamelanotide, MT-1, Melanotan 1
By The Health Stacks Research TeamUpdated September 12, 2026
Melanotan I is a man-made chemical that acts like a hormone in the body. It is a copy of a substance found in humans that controls skin color. It is often used by researchers to study how the skin gets darker. It is not a medicine or a vitamin. It is usually sold as a powder for lab work only.
This chemical works by turning on certain switches in the body. These switches tell the skin to make more color. This can make the skin darker without needing to sit in the sun. It is studied because it might help protect the skin from sun damage. It is also looked at for other health issues, but skin color is the main effect.
We do not know if it is safe for people to use. The research on humans is not very strong yet. It is not approved by food and drug groups. Because it is not checked for safety, it could be risky. It is important to know that it is only for research in a lab, not for use in living things.
ApprovedApproved by a regulator (e.g. FDA) for a specific medical use — the highest research-status tier. High confidence60–79 — backed by solid sources with good corroboration across multiple citations.
Benefits
What Melanotan I Helps With
The benefits people report — backed by research.
Skin, hair & cosmetic (16)
Induces remission in Hailey-Hailey disease 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 2 srcInduces eumelanin production 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Reduces phototoxic reactions in Erythropoietic Protoporphyria 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Recovery 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Enhances repigmentation in Vitiligo when combined with UVB 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Induces production of eumelanin 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Enhances repigmentation in Vitiligo when used with UVB phototherapy 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Treatment of Actinic Keratosis 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Afamelanotide for Polymorphic Light Eruption 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Nicotinamide prophylaxis for PMLE 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Skin health 65/100Rated 65/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Protection from ultraviolet radiation and sunlight 65/100Rated 65/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Reduces severity of phototoxic reaction in EPP 65/100Rated 65/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Protects against outbreaks of Polymorphous Light Eruption 65/100Rated 65/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Reduces or mitigates effects of UV exposure in Actinic Keratosis 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Photoprotection via Eumelanin Production 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Cytoprotection / cellular defense (3)
Recovery 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Enhances DNA repair processes 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Prevents phototoxicity associated with Photodynamic Therapy 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Anti-inflammatory (2)
Reduces weal formation in Solar Urticaria 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 2 srcAnti-inflammatory 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Cancer / tumor (2)
Treatment of Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Prevention of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in transplant recipients 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Antioxidant / oxidative stress (2)
Antioxidant activity 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Induces antioxidant activities and enhances DNA repair processes 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Tissue & wound healing (2)
Collagen production 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Angiogenesis 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
More reported benefits (3)
Improves quality of life in EPP patients 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 2 srcTreatment of Protoporphyria, Erythropoietic 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Muscle recovery 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Free: The Peptide Stack Cheat-Sheet
You just read the research on Melanotan I. The cheat-sheet maps the most-used peptide stacks — doses, timing, and what to check before buying — on one page.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Safety
Known Side Effects
Adverse effects reported in the research and by community use.
- Hyperpigmentation at the implant siteMild 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org
- General malaiseMild 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org
- FeverModerate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org
- Hyperpigmentation at implant siteMild 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org
- Darkening of molesMildReported in 2 sources 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org
- TirednessMildReported in 2 sources 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org
- HeadacheMildReported in 3 sources 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org
- DizzinessMildReported in 2 sources 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org
- NauseaMildReported in 3 sources 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org
- Bruising or bleeding at implantation siteMildReported in 2 sources 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org
Reported in research and community sources — not exhaustive. Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if side effects occur.
Get Melanotan I
Compare research-grade suppliers with third-party COAs and published purity data. For in-vitro and laboratory research use only — not for human consumption, diagnosis, or treatment.
Shop Melanotan I
Also available at PSPeptides — code ths10 works there tooCode ths10 applied at checkout
Evidence
Research Citations (5)
Every claim above traces back to a source you can check — here are 5 of them.
- Source
PubChem - Compound - Afamelanotide
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Afamelanotide for prevention of phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria.
2021 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Label: SCENESSE- afamelanotide implant
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Advances in the management of erythropoietic protoporphyria - role of afamelanotide.
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Afamelanotide (CUV1647) in dermal phototoxicity of erythropoietic protoporphyria
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Timeline
History & Milestones
Key moments in Melanotan I’s research and regulatory timeline — sourced and dated.
- Afamelanotide: an orphan drug with potential for broad dermatologic applicationsPublicationDec 1, 2021Related:Melanotan I
- Association of afamelanotide with improved outcomes in EPP in clinical practicePublicationMay 14, 2020Related:Melanotan I
- Afamelanotide for Erythropoietic ProtoporphyriaPublicationNov 1, 2015Related:Melanotan I
- Afamelanotide and narrowband UV-B phototherapy for the treatment of vitiligoPublicationJan 22, 2015Related:Melanotan I
- Systemic photoprotection in solar urticaria with α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analoguePublicationAug 1, 2011Related:Melanotan I
Wondering how Melanotan I pricing compares across suppliers? Our original market data shows the full picture.
See the State of the Peptide Market 2026 →