Melanotan I
The tanning peptide with an approved medical form — afamelanotide (Scenesse).
Overview
Melanotan I is a lab-made version of α-MSH, the hormone that tells skin to make melanin. Under the name afamelanotide it is approved as a slow-release implant (Scenesse) for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare condition where light causes severe skin pain. It is more selective than Melanotan II, so it mostly tans without the strong sexual and appetite effects.
How it works
Activates the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on pigment cells, increasing dark eumelanin. This darkens skin and adds some protection against light, independent of UV exposure.
Evidence
4/5
Phase 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.
Half-life
Short as a free peptide; the Scenesse implant releases it slowly and is dosed every 2 months
Known as
MT-I, Afamelanotide, Scenesse, [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH, NDP-MSH
Compound facts
- Type
- Synthetic linear peptide
- CAS Number
- 75921-69-6
- Molecular Formula
- C78H111N21O19
- Molecular Weight
- 1646.8 g/mol
- Amino Acids
- 13
- Sequence
- Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2
Reported benefits
Light tolerance in EPP
Increased pain-free time in sunlight vs placebo in Phase 3 trials.
Skin darkening
Raises skin melanin density in human studies.
Vitiligo repigmentation
Combined with narrowband UVB, sped up repigmentation in a randomized trial.
“Anecdotal” means reported by users, not shown in controlled trials.
Community-reported regimens
Not recommendations. These are commonly cited ranges, shown so you can see what real-world use looks like.
| Plan | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approved (Scenesse implant) Prescription only, for EPP. Not comparable to daily injections from a vial. | 16000 mcg | One implant every 2 months | Per prescriber | Subcutaneous implant (by a clinician) |
| Community Range 0.5–1 mg is cited. Start low to check for nausea. | 1000 mcg | Once daily | Loading 1–2 weeks, then 1–2× per week | Subcutaneous |
Reconstitution calculator
Set up for Melanotan I. Switch peptide or vial size any time.
1Mix
Add 2 mL water for 5 mg/mL
2Draw
Draw to 20 units = 0.2 mL = 1 mg
Drag the plunger to set your dose.
3Inject
Next site
Right belly, upper
Tap a site after you inject to keep a rotation.
Pinch the skin, stay 2 in. from the navel, then into a sharps bin.
- Doses per vial
- 10
- Vial lasts
- 10 days
- Good once mixed
- ~28 days
- Syringe
- 30-unit, 0.3 mL
Math only: concentration (mg/mL) = vial mg ÷ mL of water; units = dose (mg) ÷ concentration × 100. Always double-check against your own vial label and a clinician. This tool does not recommend a dose.
Reconstitution
Diluent: Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) — allows multiple draws from one vial.
- Wipe both vial tops with an alcohol swab and let dry.
- Draw the diluent, then inject it slowly down the inside wall of the vial — never straight onto the powder.
- Swirl gently or let it sit; do not shake. Foam can damage peptides.
- Solution should be clear. Cloudy, stringy or discolored = discard.
- Common mix: 10 mg + 2 mL = 5 mg/mL (1 mg = 20 units).
Storage
Powder
Freezer / fridge
Keep sealed vial in the freezer (−20 °C) for long-term storage; fridge (2–8 °C) is fine for a few weeks. Keep dry and out of light.
After mixing
~28 days
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Never freeze after mixing. Keep upright, capped, and out of light.
Travel
Keep cool
Short trips at room temperature are generally fine for powder; keep mixed vials cold.
- Light-sensitive — keep the vial in its box.
Side effects & cautions
Reported side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Facial flushing
- Implant/injection-site reactions
- Darkening of moles and freckles
- Fatigue
Cautions
- Darkens existing moles and can make skin-cancer changes harder to spot. Get a skin check before starting and watch moles closely.
- A tan from MT-I is not a reason to skip sunscreen.
- Research vials are not Scenesse — purity and dose accuracy depend entirely on the seller.
- No reliable data in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
FDA & international status
Approved as Scenesse implant (2019) for EPP only
The FDA approved afamelanotide 16 mg implant (Scenesse) in October 2019 to increase pain-free light exposure in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria. It is not approved for cosmetic tanning, and injectable research-vial Melanotan I is not an approved product.
Regulations change often — verify with the FDA, EMA, MHRA, Health Canada, TGA and WADA before acting.
Where to buy
Melanotan I vials
Shop this product ↗| Size | Price | Per mg | Stock | Latest COA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mg | $29.95 | $3.00 | In stockBuy ↗ | 99.88% pure, lot MI0002 ILS Labs, tested 2026-07-30 |
Amino Club list prices as of 2026-10-07, before promo codes. Multi-buy: 2+ units 5% off, 3+ units 7.5% off, 10+ units 40% off. Prices change; confirm on the product page. Mixing? Their bacteriostatic water is Amino H2O from $19.99.
Melanotan I at Amino Club
Check sizes, current price and the certificate of analysis (COA) on the product page. Sold for in-vitro research only.
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- Look for a batch-specific COA with HPLC purity (≥98%) and mass-spec identity.
- Typical vial sizes: 10 mg.
FAQ
How is Melanotan I different from Melanotan II?
MT-I is more selective for the pigment receptor, so it mostly tans. MT-II hits more receptors and causes more nausea, appetite loss and sexual effects. MT-I is also the only one with an approved medical form.
Do I still need sun exposure to tan?
It raises melanin without UV, but users report it works faster with some sun. That sun exposure still carries skin-cancer risk.
Can I get Scenesse for tanning?
No. It is a specialist prescription for EPP, implanted by trained clinicians.