In plain English
Melanotan I is a lab-made version of α-MSH, the hormone that tells skin cells to make the pigment melanin. It darkens the skin with less sun. Its approved form, afamelanotide (Scenesse), is an FDA-approved implant for a rare condition that causes painful reactions to light.
What it's used for
- Erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare light sensitivity (approved, as an implant)
- Tanning with less sun exposure (users)
- Sun protection
Benefits
In human studies, afamelanotide increased the time people with erythropoietic protoporphyria could spend in light without pain, and darkened skin in people with fair skin. Users report an even tan with fewer side effects than Melanotan II.
How it works
In simple terms: it presses the skin’s “make pigment” button.
It activates the MC1R receptor on melanocytes, the skin’s pigment cells, which produce eumelanin, the dark, protective type of melanin. Unlike Melanotan II, it is selective for MC1R, so it has little effect on libido or appetite.
Development history
- 1980s: Developed at the University of Arizona as a “sunless tanning” agent.
- 2014: Approved in Europe as Scenesse (Clinuvel).
- 2019: FDA approves Scenesse implants for erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Typical protocols
The approved form follows its prescribing label. User ranges are what people commonly report.
| Use | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Scenesse (label) | 16 mg implant | Every 2 months, by a doctor |
| Tanning, loading (users) | 0.5–1 mg | Daily for 1–2 weeks |
| Maintenance (users) | 0.5–1 mg | 1–2 times a week |
Cycling
Loading for 1–2 weeks, then a low maintenance dose; many users stop in winter.
Administration options
The approved form is an implant placed under the skin. Users inject it subcutaneously.
Reconstitution and dosing calculator
Usually comes in 10 mg vials, mixed with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water.
Draw your syringe to
– units
- Volume to draw
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- Concentration
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- Each unit holds
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- Doses per vial
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Show the math
This tool does arithmetic only. It does not choose a dose or confirm that any substance is right for you. Double-check every result against your syringe and your clinician’s instructions.
Side effects and safety
- Nausea, flushing and fatigue, especially early on.
- New moles and darkening of existing moles and freckles; regular skin checks are wise.
- People with a history of melanoma or atypical moles should avoid it.
- Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Common stacks
Usually used alone.
Storage
Powder: refrigerate or freeze. After mixing: refrigerate at 2–8 °C and use within about 4 weeks.
Compare with
Melanotan II: stronger and faster tanning, but also affects libido and appetite, with more nausea.
Frequently asked questions
Melanotan I or Melanotan II?
Melanotan I is selective for skin pigment and gentler. Melanotan II acts on more receptors, so it also affects libido and appetite.
Do I still need sunscreen?
Yes. A darker tan offers some protection, but not enough to skip sunscreen.
References
- Langendonk JG, et al. Afamelanotide for erythropoietic protoporphyria. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(1):48-59.
- Scenesse (afamelanotide) prescribing information. Clinuvel.