Melanotan-1
Also known as: Melanotan I, MT-1, Afamelanotide, Scenesse, NDP-MSH, [Nle4,D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH
Lower numbers = closer to natural. Higher numbers = more enhanced.
Why this rating?
Melanotan-1 is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) that acts as a melanocortin receptor agonist, stimulating melanocytes to produce melanin, a tan, with little UV exposure. It has no mechanism affecting muscle, strength, fat loss or the HPTA, so its physique relevance is purely cosmetic (stage tan / photoprotection). It is chemically the same molecule as afamelanotide, an FDA- and EMA-approved prescription drug (Scenesse) for erythropoietic protoporphyria, a real drug with mild-to-moderate systemic effects, but zero anabolic effect. Rated 1: it does not move the natural muscular/physique/performance ceiling by any path. It is a cosmetic tanning agent, not a performance or body-composition enhancer.
Overview
A tridecapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), also written [Nle4,D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH or NDP-MSH. It is the tanning peptide sold grey-market as "Melanotan-1," and is chemically the same molecule as afamelanotide, the drug approved by the FDA in October 2019 (brand Scenesse) to increase pain-free light exposure in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). It is distinct from the separately developed Melanotan II.
Important Warnings
- •Grey-market "melanotan" tanning products are unapproved and unregulated - purity/sterility are unverified
- •Monitor moles and freckles - it darkens pigmented lesions and can complicate melanoma detection
- •Uncommon but serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with the approved implant (EMA label) - it is administered in a clinical setting for this reason
- •Only the prescription afamelanotide implant (Scenesse) is quality-assured
- •Not a substitute for sunscreen
Purpose & Use Cases
Photoprotection (EPP - approved use)
As afamelanotide/Scenesse it increases melanin to raise the pain-free light-exposure threshold in erythropoietic protoporphyria, its only approved indication.
Cosmetic Tanning
Grey-market use targets a deep tan with minimal UV exposure via MC1R-driven melanin production.
Some UV Protection
The increased melanin provides a degree of natural protection against UV, though this is not a substitute for sunscreen.
Benefits
- Stimulates melanin/tanning with minimal UV exposure
- FDA-approved (as afamelanotide) for erythropoietic protoporphyria
- Some natural photoprotection from increased melanin
- More pigment-focused (MC1R) than Melanotan II, so less libido/erection effect
- Not a hormone in the anabolic sense - does not affect the HPTA
Good to Know
It is the same molecule as an FDA-approved drug
The tanning peptide "Melanotan-1" is chemically afamelanotide, an alpha-MSH analogue approved by the FDA in October 2019 as Scenesse (a subcutaneous implant) for erythropoietic protoporphyria. So unlike most grey-market peptides, the underlying molecule has a genuine regulatory approval, just not for cosmetic tanning.
MC1R = pigment; that is the whole point
Melanotan-1 is an MC1R agonist. MC1R activation drives melanocytes to make melanin, which is why it tans skin and raises the light-tolerance threshold in EPP. It is more pigment-focused than the cyclic Melanotan II, which more strongly hits MC3R/MC4R and therefore also drives libido/erections and more nausea.
The mole/melanoma caution is the real risk
It darkens existing moles and freckles and can spur new naevi; changes in moles have been tied to unlicensed "sun tan jab" use. That can make pigmented lesions harder to assess, so dermatology mapping before and during use is the sensible precaution. The danger here is dermatological, not hormonal.
Not anabolic, not clearly WADA-listed
It has no effect on muscle, strength or the testosterone axis and is not specifically named on the WADA Prohibited List. Its physique use is purely a cosmetic stage tan; no PCT is involved.
Dosage Guidelines
| Experience Level | Dosage Range |
|---|---|
| Beginner | 2 – 2 mg/week |
| Intermediate | 2 – 2 mg/week |
| Advanced | 2 – 2 mg/week |
These figures describe the approved afamelanotide implant: one 16 mg implant roughly every 8 weeks, administered by a clinician, with overall treatment duration left to the prescribing specialist's discretion (EMA Summary of Product Characteristics). The "2 mg/week" shown here is a weekly-equivalent average (16 mg ÷ 8 weeks) used only so this calculator's per-week dosing model can represent an infrequent implant schedule, nobody actually self-injects a weekly 2 mg dose. Grey-market "Melanotan-1" tanning products are unapproved, dosed empirically by users with no established protocol, and carry the additional risk of unknown purity/contamination. This entry does not endorse a self-dosing regimen; the medical product is physician-directed.
Circulating half-life is ~30 minutes, but the approved afamelanotide implant releases drug over about 5 days, with no detectable plasma levels by day 10.
Side Effects
Nausea
very commonNausea is a very common adverse effect (reported in more than 10% of people).
Usually transient; more likely early in use.
Headache
very commonHeadache is a very common adverse effect (reported in more than 10% of people).
Stay hydrated; usually transient.
Mole / Freckle Changes
commonDevelopment or darkening of melanocytic naevi (moles) and freckles. Changes in moles have been linked to use of unlicensed "sun tan jab" products, which can mask or complicate detection of pigmented lesions.
Have a dermatologist map and monitor moles; report any changing lesion promptly.
Injection Site Reaction / Back Pain
commonLocal implant/injection site reactions and back pain are listed common effects.
Usually self-limiting.
Hypersensitivity Reaction (including anaphylaxis)
uncommonThe EU product label (EMA Summary of Product Characteristics) for Scenesse (afamelanotide) lists uncommon hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, following implant administration.
Administered in a clinical setting; patients are observed for about 30 minutes after implant insertion specifically to catch an immediate hypersensitivity reaction.
Sourcing / Purity Risk (grey-market)
commonUnlicensed "melanotan" tanning products are unregulated, so actual content, purity and sterility vary by source.
The only quality-assured form is the prescription implant; grey-market vials are unverified.
General Mitigation Strategies
Nausea and headache are the most common effects and are usually transient. The most important precaution is dermatological: Melanotan-1 darkens moles and freckles and can complicate spotting of pigmented lesions, so mole mapping and monitoring are advised. Uncommon but serious hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis) have been reported with the implant, which is why administration includes a post-insertion observation period. Only the prescription afamelanotide implant is quality-controlled; grey-market tanning products carry contamination risk.
Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)
Not hormonal in the anabolic sense. Does not affect the HPTA. No PCT required.
How It Works
Melanotan-1 is a melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) agonist and a synthetic analogue of alpha-MSH. Activating MC1R on melanocytes stimulates melanin (eumelanin) production, darkening the skin without UV exposure and providing some photoprotection, the basis of its approved use in EPP, where it raises the pain-free light-exposure threshold. Because it is more focused on the MC1R (pigmentary) arm of the melanocortin system, it is used primarily for tanning/photoprotection rather than the libido effect associated with the more broadly acting Melanotan II.
Fundamentals
Reference on the practices relevant to Melanotan-1: how they are done and where they go wrong. Not a recommendation to use it.
Legal Status
The same peptide is an approved prescription drug as afamelanotide/Scenesse (FDA-approved Oct 2019 for erythropoietic protoporphyria), but the "melanotan" tanning products actually sold are grey-market research material, not the licensed implant. These tanning products are not legally sold without prescription in many jurisdictions and have drawn repeated health-agency warnings.
Legal status varies by country and changes over time. This is a general summary, not legal advice.
WADA Status
Melanotan-1 / afamelanotide is not specifically listed on the WADA Prohibited List; as an MC1R-focused melanocortin agonist it has no established performance-enhancing effect. Grey-market tanning products still carry contamination risk for tested athletes.