Melanotan 1
Pigmentation
The selective α-MSH analog — tan without the libido and nausea side effects of MT-2.
Also sold as
Research chemical vendors can't legally label products with the real name, so Melanotan 1 often appears under coded SKUs. If you're shopping and see any of these, it's the same compound:
- MT1
- MT-1
- Afamelanotide
Codes shown are for identification only.
Your draw
What it actually is
An analog of alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone that binds the MC1R receptor in melanocytes. More selective than MT-2, so it produces pigmentation with fewer central effects.
Why people use it
- Photoprotection for fair skin types prone to sun damage
- Even, sustained tan with less sun exposure
- Studied for vitiligo and erythropoietic protoporphyria
Educational only · Not a vendor claim
How it works
Selective MC1R agonist — drives melanin production in skin without strong central effects.
Health benefits
- Photoprotective pigmentation
- Even tanning
- Vitiligo support (studied)
What you'll feel
- Gradual, sustained tan
- Less burn risk
- Mild skin darkening over weeks
Pros
- Cleaner profile than MT-2
- Selective for pigment
- Sustained UV protection
Cons
- Requires sun exposure to develop tan
- Mole darkening possible
- Long load phase
Side effects to know
- Nausea early on
- Facial flushing
- Mole darkening — monitor changes
Best suited for
Educational summary · Not medical advice · Discuss with a qualified clinician
Typical timeline
General pattern for the Pigmentation category. Individual response varies.
- Week 1No visible tan yet. Nausea and flushing after doses is common — dose in the evening.
- Weeks 2–4Base tan develops with modest sun exposure. Existing moles may darken — monitor them.
- MaintenanceOnce at desired shade, dose 1–2x per week to hold it.
The reconstitution math
- 1Reconstitute the 10 mg vial with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water. Tilt — don't shake.
- 2Concentration becomes 5,000 mcg/mL (5 mg/mL).
- 3For a 500 mcg dose, draw 0.100 mL — that's 10 units on a 1 mL insulin syringe.
- 4One vial gives you approximately 20 doses.
Reminder: 100 units on an insulin syringe = 1 mL. Always start at half the listed dose for the first week and rotate injection sites between arms, legs, abdomen, and glutes.
Dose logging is available for signed-in users. Track today's dose and notes for Melanotan 1.
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Everything on the site that connects to Melanotan 1: comparable compounds, the exact math for this vial, and the tools to run the cycle.
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Tools for this protocol
Prefilled with 10 mg, 2 mL BAC water, and a 500 mcg dose.
Printable units-to-micrograms lookup for every common vial and water volume.
Add Melanotan 1 to a protocol with schedule, dosing, and a shopping list.
Log each dose so you can tie effects and side effects to real dates.
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