Melanotan I Overview
Melanotan I (MT-1) is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that increases melanin production in the skin. It was developed to stimulate eumelanin formation and has been investigated for pigmentation and photoprotection.
Unlike Melanotan II, MT-1 has been studied extensively in human clinical research, particularly for its effects on pigmentation and light sensitivity.
Product Information
Melanotan I, also known as NDP-α-MSH, interacts primarily with melanocortin receptors involved in melanin production. Human studies have demonstrated increased skin pigmentation and eumelanin production following MT-1 administration.
Research has also investigated MT-1 in combination with controlled UV exposure, where it produced stronger and more sustained tanning than UV exposure alone.
How Does Melanotan I Work?
MT-1 mimics α-MSH and activates melanocortin receptors on melanocytes, stimulating the production of eumelanin, the darker pigment responsible for skin tanning.
Melanotan I Benefits & Effects
Boosts Melanin Production
Melanotan I increases eumelanin production, resulting in measurable darkening of the skin. Human research has directly demonstrated increased eumelanin following MT-1 administration.
Promotes Skin Tanning
Clinical research has shown that MT-1 can produce noticeable skin pigmentation. In one human study, MT-1 produced increased tanning at several anatomical sites after a two-week dosing period.
Supports Photoprotection Research
Because eumelanin absorbs ultraviolet radiation, MT-1 has been investigated for its potential role in protecting skin against UV-related damage. Clinical research found fewer sunburn cells at irradiated sites in some MT-1-treated subjects.
Produces Longer-Lasting Pigmentation
Human research found that MT-1-enhanced tanning could persist longer than tanning produced by sunlight alone, making the compound particularly interesting in pigmentation research.
Supports Photosensitivity Research
MT-1 has also been studied in connection with disorders involving abnormal sensitivity to light. Its development eventually led to afamelanotide, a pharmaceutical melanocortin analogue used clinically for erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Melanotan I Side Effects
Human MT-1 studies have reported effects including nausea and transient facial flushing.
Other concerns associated with melanotan products include changes in pigmentation, darkening of existing moles or freckles, headache, fatigue, and injection-site reactions.
Unregulated products marketed online as Melanotan can also present additional concerns regarding purity, concentration, sterility, and product consistency. Reviews of unregulated melanotan use have highlighted these concerns.
Melanotan I Dosage
Published human research has evaluated MT-1 at specific experimental doses.
One clinical study used 0.16 mg/kg/day, Monday through Friday, for two weeks, while another Phase 1 study evaluated 0.08 mg/kg/day and 0.16 mg/kg/day under controlled research conditions.
These doses were used in controlled clinical studies and should not be interpreted as a general dosage recommendation for cosmetic tanning.
Melanotan I vs Melanotan II
Melanotan I and Melanotan II are related melanocortin peptides, but they are different compounds.
Melanotan I has a substantially larger body of clinical research focused on pigmentation and photoprotection. Melanotan II is a separate cyclic melanotropic peptide with a broader receptor profile and different clinical effects. The two should not be treated as interchangeable.
Where to Buy Melanotan I?
Melanotan products are not sold by Purerawz. Purerawz provides informational content and may include affiliate links to third-party websites where products are listed.
Disclaimer: The information on Purerawz is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Melanotan products sold outside approved pharmaceutical channels may not meet pharmaceutical standards for purity, sterility, or concentration. This content is not medical advice and should not be interpreted as a recommendation for cosmetic tanning or self-administration.
Research References
Dorr RT, et al. Effects of a superpotent melanotropic peptide in combination with solar UV radiation on tanning of the skin in human volunteers. Arch Dermatol. 2004;140(7):827-835.
PubMed: Melanotan-1 / MT-1 Human Tanning Study
Dorr RT, et al. Increased eumelanin expression and tanning is induced by a superpotent melanotropin [Nle4-D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH in humans.
PubMed: Melanotan-I / MT-I Eumelanin Study
Dorr RT, et al. Induction of skin tanning by subcutaneous administration of a potent synthetic melanotropin.
PubMed: Melanotan-I Human Tanning Study
