Melanotan I Peptide

Melanotan 1 Peptide (Afamelanotide): Selective Tanning & Photoprotection

Melanotan 1 Peptide  (also known as Afamelanotide or MT-1) is a synthetic peptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone ($alpha$-MSH). As one of the original tanning peptides, Melanotan 1 selectively targets the MC1R (melanocortin 1 receptor) located on skin cells, stimulating melanogenesis to produce protective eumelanin pigment.

When researchers evaluate Melanotan 1 peptide over other compounds, its target specificity makes it the preferred subject for studies focusing strictly on photoprotection, skin pigmentation, and UV damage prevention without non-target pathway interference.

Melanotan 1 vs 2 (MT1 vs MT2): Key Differences

Understanding melanotan 1 vs 2 is critical when choosing the right compound for specific laboratory protocols:

Feature	Melanotan 1 Peptide (MT-1)	Melanotan 2 (MT-2 Peptide)
Chemical Structure	Linear tridecapeptide (13 amino acids)	Cyclic lactam heptapeptide (7 amino acids)
Receptor Profile	Highly selective for MC1R (Skin)	Non-selective (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R)
Primary Effect	Natural, gradual skin tanning & photoprotection	Rapid skin tanning & metabolic activation
Secondary Effects	Minimal to non-existent central effects	Increased libido & mild appetite suppression
Side-Effect Rate	Lower risk of nausea & central nervous system effects	Higher rate of transient nausea & facial flushing

While MT-2 peptide offers faster pigmentation along with central nervous system effects, MT1 vs MT2 evaluations consistently highlight Melanotan 1 for its predictable, skin-focused research profile.

Research Benefits of Melanotan 1

• Targeted Melanogenesis: Promotes steady synthesis of brown-black eumelanin, darkening skin pigmentation naturally over several weeks.

• Photoprotective Shielding: Helps protect epidermal cell DNA against UV radiation damage and photo-aging.

• Targeted Safety Profile: Because it does not cross the blood-brain barrier as readily as MT-2, it causes fewer systemic or neurological interactions.

Research Dosage Guidelines for Tanning Peptides

Proper calibration of dosage peptides ensures stable results while mitigating initial sensitivity:

• Melanotan 1 Dosage: Typical research protocols test 0.5mg to 1mg daily via subcutaneous injection during the initial loading phase (14–21 days), followed by maintenance dosing of 1mg to 2mg once or twice weekly.

• Melanotan 2 Dosage: Due to higher potency and non-selective binding, melanotan 2 dosage protocols start lower, typically at 0.25mg (250mcg) per day, scaling up to 0.5mg as tolerated.

• Melanotan 1 Side Effects: Generally mild, including transient skin redness at the injection site, mild facial flushing, or temporary darkening of existing freckles.

Product Specifications & Handling

• Compound: Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide / MT-1)

• Form: Freeze-dried (lyophilized) powder vial

• Purity: Premium Research Standard (>98% HPLC Verified)

• Storage Instructions: Store unopened vials frozen at -20°C. Reconstitute with sterile Bacteriostatic Water, keep refrigerated (2°C to 8°C), and use within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Melanotan 1 peptide used for?

Melanotan 1 is a selective $alpha$-MSH analog researched for its ability to stimulate melanin synthesis in skin cells, providing photoprotection against UV radiation and promoting natural skin tanning.

What is the main difference in MT1 vs MT2?

Melanotan 1 (MT-1) selectively binds to MC1R skin receptors for gradual tanning with minimal side effects. Melanotan 2 (MT-2) binds non-selectively to multiple melanocortin receptors, driving faster tanning alongside libido and appetite effects.

How is Melanotan 1 reconstituted and stored?

Reconstitute the freeze-dried powder slowly using Bacteriostatic Water. Keep the reconstituted solution refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C, and use the contents within 30 days.

Where can I buy pure Melanotan 1 peptide online?

You can buy lab-tested, high-purity Melanotan 1 peptide vials directly online from Peptide Works with guaranteed HPLC purity verification and fast shipping.