Educational information only — not medical advice. Most peptides here are not FDA-approved.
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Melanotan I vs Melanotan II

Melanotan I is approved in another form or use and rated 4/5 for evidence; Melanotan II is not FDA-approved and rated 3/5. Melanotan I has more human evidence behind it. Both are used for longevity & skin goals.

CompareMelanotan I

The tanning peptide with an approved medical form — afamelanotide (Scenesse).

Melanotan II

A powerful but unapproved tanning peptide — with real safety warnings from regulators.

CategoryLongevity & SkinLongevity & Skin
Evidence 4/5Phase 3 RCTs of the afamelanotide implant in EPP led to approval; also studied in vitiligo with light therapy. Self-injected research vials are not the studied product. 3/5Small, older human pilot studies (tanning; erectile function) plus a long list of case reports of harms. No modern trials and no approval.
FDA statusApproved as Scenesse implant (2019) for EPP onlyNot FDA-approved; FDA has acted against sellers
WADA (sport)Not prohibitedNot prohibited
Also known asMT-I, Afamelanotide, Scenesse, [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH, NDP-MSHMT-II, MT2, 'Barbie drug'
How it worksActivates the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on pigment cells, increasing dark eumelanin. This darkens skin and adds some protection against light, independent of UV exposure.A non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist. MC1R activation drives tanning; MC3R/MC4R activation in the brain affects appetite and sexual function. That lack of selectivity is why side effects are common.
Half-lifeShort as a free peptide; the Scenesse implant releases it slowly and is dosed every 2 monthsRoughly 1 hour or less (short); tan builds over repeated doses
Commonly reported doses
  • Approved (Scenesse implant): 16 mg, one implant every 2 months
  • Community: 1 mg, once daily
  • Community (test dose): 100 mcg, once
  • Community (loading): 250 mcg, once daily or every other day
  • Community (maintenance): 250 mcg, 1–2× per week
RouteSubcutaneous implant (by a clinician)Subcutaneous
Good once mixed~28 days in the fridge~28 days in the fridge
Top side effects
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Facial flushing
  • Nausea and vomiting (very common, especially early)
  • Facial flushing
  • Spontaneous erections; priapism (prolonged painful erection) has been reported
Lowest price per mg$1.80 (10 mg vial, 40% off)$1.80 (10 mg vial, 40% off)
Latest lab purity99.88% (lot MI0002)99.83% (lot MII0002)
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Want a third? Add another peptide. Doses are commonly reported ranges, not recommendations.