Melanotan I

Melanotan I (also known as afamelanotide) is a synthetic peptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is designed to mimic the activity of the naturally occurring hormone that stimulates melanocytes — the cells responsible for producing melanin in the skin.

By activating the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), Melanotan I promotes increased production of eumelanin, the darker form of melanin associated with deeper pigmentation. In research settings, this mechanism has been associated with enhanced skin pigmentation, often described as giving the skin a natural glow and bronzed appearance due to increased melanin production.

Melanotan I has been studied for its potential role in:

• Supporting increased skin pigmentation

• Enhancing bronzing response to UV exposure

• Reducing sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) radiation

• Supporting photoprotection in individuals with light-sensitive skin conditions

A pharmaceutical-grade version, afamelanotide, has been approved in certain countries under medical supervision for specific conditions such as erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), where increased melanin production may help reduce light sensitivity.

While clinical data exist for approved medical uses, broader cosmetic or aesthetic applications have not undergone the same level of regulatory evaluation. As with all melanocortin analogs, further research is ongoing to better define long-term safety, dosing parameters, and systemic effects.

For research and medically supervised use only.