Melanotan I

Alpha-MSH analogue that stimulates melanin production for a natural, gradual tan. Without libido or erection side effects of MT-II.

Last updated: May 2026

What is Melanotan I?

Melanotan I (MT-1), also known as afamelanotide, is a synthetic analogue of the naturally occurring hormone alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It selectively activates MC1 receptors (melanocortin-1 receptors) on melanocytes in the skin, stimulating production of eumelanin, the dark brown/black pigment responsible for tanning. Browse the full peptide library for related compounds.

Afamelanotide (the pharmaceutical version of Melanotan I) has received regulatory approval in Europe and the USA for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a condition that causes extreme sun sensitivity. This makes MT-1 the only melanocortin peptide with an approved clinical version.

Compared to Melanotan II, MT-1 is considered more selective and safer because it primarily activates MC1 receptors rather than MC3/MC4/MC5 receptors, meaning it produces gradual tanning without the sexual side effects, appetite changes, or spontaneous erections associated with MT-II.

How It Works

MC1 Receptor Activation: MT-1 binds selectively to melanocortin-1 (MC1) receptors on melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis. This activates intracellular signaling that upregulates tyrosinase activity.

Melanin Synthesis: Increased tyrosinase activity accelerates the conversion of tyrosine to DOPA and then to eumelanin, the protective dark pigment. This creates a base tan that provides some UV protection.

Photoprotective Effect: Eumelanin physically absorbs and scatters UV radiation, reducing DNA damage from sun exposure. This is the same mechanism as natural tanning but achieved faster and at lower UV exposure levels.

Benefits

Natural-looking, gradual tan without excessive UV exposure
More selective than MT-II: no libido or sexual side effects
Photoprotective eumelanin production
Clinically validated (afamelanotide approved for EPP)
Maintains tan with lower maintenance doses
Popular among fair-skinned individuals for safe tanning
No significant appetite or weight changes

Dosing Protocol

Phase	Dose	Frequency	Duration
Loading	500mcg–1mg	Daily	2–3 weeks
Maintenance	500mcg	Every 3–5 days	Ongoing (with UV exposure)

Always start at the lowest effective dose and titrate up gradually.

Side Effects

Common

⚠Flushing (warmth/redness 30–60 min post-injection)
⚠Nausea (especially at first, take with food)
⚠Fatigue or yawning shortly after injection
⚠Increased existing moles (pigmentation)
⚠Mild headache

Rare

•New moles or changes to existing moles (monitor with dermatologist)
•Dizziness
•Spontaneous erections (much rarer than with MT-II)

Who Should NOT Use Melanotan I

✕History of melanoma or atypical moles (dysplastic nevi)
✕Personal or family history of skin cancer
✕Pregnancy or breastfeeding
✕Under 18 years old
✕Immunosuppressed individuals (monitor moles carefully)

What to Expect

Day 1–7

Mild flushing and nausea as body adjusts. Minimal visible tanning yet. Start at lower dose (500mcg) to assess tolerance.

Week 2–3

Noticeable tan developing, particularly with some UV exposure (10–20 min sun or light tanning bed). Skin tone deepens gradually.

Week 4+

Full tan established. Transition to maintenance doses every 3–5 days to maintain color. Many users use seasonal loading cycles.

Notes from Ho Chi Minh City

Melanotan-1 is the tanning peptide that makes sense for fair-skinned expats in HCMC who refuse to spend an hour at An Vien beach in Phu My Hung accumulating UV damage just to look less translucent at District 1 rooftop bars. The 500mcg daily loading dose for 14 days followed by twice-weekly maintenance produces a base tan that holds with 15 minutes of incidental sun on the District 7 walking commute, which is the goal. The receptor selectivity is the practical difference from MT-II; no spontaneous erection issues, no appetite suppression, just the tan. Research-grade MT-1 in Vietnam runs 1.5 to 2.2 million VND per 10mg vial through cold-chain importers, and the annual dermatologist mole check is non-negotiable since any melanocortin agonist can darken existing nevi.

Sourcing in Vietnam

Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) brand Scenesse is approved in EU and US for erythropoietic protoporphyria but is not registered with the DAV in Vietnam and is not stocked at Long Châu, Pharmacity, FV Hospital, or Vinmec. Sourcing is research-grade only through cold-chain importers (1.5 to 2.2 million VND per 10mg vial). Annual dermatologist mole check is recommended given melanocortin pathway activation. See the supplier list and COA guide before purchasing.

FAQ

Q: Do I need UV exposure to tan with Melanotan I?

A: Some UV exposure accelerates the tan significantly, but MT-1 can produce tanning even with minimal sun. Even 10–20 minutes of daily outdoor activity is usually sufficient during the loading phase.

Q: Melanotan I vs Melanotan II: which should I choose?

A: MT-1 if you want gradual, natural-looking tan without sexual side effects. MT-II if you want faster, darker tan and do not mind the libido-enhancing effects. MT-1 is generally considered safer for long-term use due to its receptor selectivity.

Q: Are new moles dangerous?

A: New mole formation or darkening of existing moles can occur. This requires annual dermatologist check and monitoring. If any mole changes shape, bleeds, or develops irregular borders, consult a dermatologist immediately. Source from the community-verified supplier list.

Where to Get Melanotan I in Vietnam

See our community-verified supplier list with COA verification and cold-chain shipping to Vietnam.

View Supply Index

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Research & Sources

Afamelanotide for prevention of phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria · Langendonk JG, Balwani M, Anderson KE, et al. · New England Journal of Medicine (2015) PMID: 26132938
Pivotal trial supporting EMA and FDA approval of afamelanotide for EPP photoprotection.
Photoprotection by melanin: a comparison of black and Caucasian skin · Kollias N, Sayre RM, Zeise L, Chedekel MR · Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology (1991) PMID: 1791475
Foundational research on eumelanin photoprotective properties supporting the rationale for MC1R agonist tanning peptides.
Melanocortin 1 receptor function: a review of the role of MC1R in determining skin pigmentation · Garcia-Borron JC, Sanchez-Laorden BL, Jimenez-Cervantes C · Pigment Cell and Melanoma Research (2014) PMID: 24528170
Mechanistic review of MC1R activation pathways underlying selective afamelanotide effects.
Long-term safety of afamelanotide in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria · Wensink D, Wagenmakers MAEM, Langendonk JG · British Journal of Dermatology (2020) PMID: 32562574
Long-term observational safety data including dermatological monitoring recommendations.

Important Disclaimer

Educational content only. Not medical advice. Peptides discussed on this page are not approved by Vietnam’s Ministry of Health (Bộ Y Tế) or the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) for the indications described. Research peptides are not stocked at Long Châu, Pharmacity, or any retail pharmacy in Vietnam. Consult a licensed physician before any use.