Afamelanotide · Scenesse · MT-1
FDA-approved tanning peptide — photoprotection without libido effects.
FDA
Approved
WADA
Not Listed
HALF-LIFE
~7.3 hours (implant)
ROUTE
SubQ injection or implant
SCHEDULE
Monthly (implant) or daily (injection)
In Plain English
FDA-approved tanning peptide — photoprotection without libido effects.
Status & Legality
What do these mean?Photoprotection
Skin tanning
Erythropoietic protoporphyria
Polymorphous light eruption
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria — a painful light sensitivity disorder. Unlike Melanotan II, it's a selective MC1R agonist focused purely on melanin production without the sexual arousal or appetite effects. Clinical trials show 30% reduction in sun-induced pain with significant skin darkening.
Nausea (less than MT-II)
Skin darkening/new nevi
Headache
Flushing
Fatigue
Not starting with a test dose — while less nauseating than MT-II, still start at 0.25–0.5 mg and assess tolerance
Using indefinitely without monitoring skin — new nevi and mole darkening occur with cumulative use; regular dermatological check is advisable
Expecting the libido effects of Melanotan II — MT-I is selective for MC1R (tanning only); it doesn't produce sexual arousal effects
GHK-Cu topical — generally beneficial combination for skin quality during tanning protocols
Photosensitizing medications — if already photosensitive, use caution; MT-I increases sun sensitivity as intended
Other melanocortin agonists — don't combine with MT-II; redundant and increases pigmentation risk
Melanotan I (Scenesse) is the safer, more selective tanning peptide — FDA-approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria specifically because it targets melanin production without the CNS effects of MT-II. Less nausea, no spontaneous erections, no appetite suppression. For tanning as the sole goal, this is the cleaner choice versus MT-II.
GHK-CU
Anti-aging copper peptide — skin, hair, collagen, and wound repair.
AHK-CU
Hair growth copper peptide — stimulates follicle proliferation.
ARGIRELINE
Topical botox-like peptide — reduces expression lines.
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Stats
Sources & Studies
Langendonk JG. et al., N Engl J Med, 2015