On this page
What it is
Melanotan 1 was the development name for a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The pharmaceutical form, afamelanotide, is now delivered as the prescription SCENESSE implant for adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Retail Melanotan 1 powder is not SCENESSE. It lacks the approved implant formulation, controlled release, manufacturing standards, and medical indication. It should also not be confused with Melanotan 2, a different analog with broader receptor activity.
What people research it for
Approved EPP treatment
Human studiesSCENESSE increases pain-free light exposure in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Increased pigmentation
Human studiesMelanocortin-1 receptor activation increases eumelanin and darkens skin.
Vitiligo research
Early human dataAfamelanotide plus narrowband UVB has shown repigmentation signals in selected trials.
Retail tanning vials are not approved
Preclinical / theorizedNo online MT-1 vial is interchangeable with the licensed implant.
How it works
Afamelanotide activates the melanocortin-1 receptor on melanocytes, increasing eumelanin production. Eumelanin darkens skin and helps absorb ultraviolet radiation.
The approved implant releases afamelanotide over time to increase pain-free light exposure in erythropoietic protoporphyria. More pigment does not eliminate ultraviolet damage or replace sun protection and skin-cancer screening.
What the research actually shows
Two randomized trials in erythropoietic protoporphyria compared afamelanotide implants with placebo. Participants receiving afamelanotide had more pain-free time in direct sunlight, though the absolute trial endpoints and regional studies differed.
Those studies used a sterile, controlled-release implant administered by trained professionals. They did not test loose lyophilized Melanotan 1 powder or cosmetic self-tanning use.
FDA approved SCENESSE in 2019 to increase pain-free light exposure in adults with a history of phototoxic reactions from erythropoietic protoporphyria. The label requires trained administration and skin monitoring.
Vitiligo trials have paired afamelanotide implants with narrowband ultraviolet B treatment. Some repigmentation signals were reported, but this is a separate medical research setting and not approval for cosmetic tanning.
Case reports and reviews of unlicensed melanotan products describe changing moles and concern about melanoma detection. They cannot prove causation, but they reinforce the need for skin surveillance.
There is no controlled evidence that unapproved MT-1 vials are a safe substitute for sunscreen, reduce skin-cancer risk, or match SCENESSE exposure.
Handling & storage
Storage at a glance
FDA label- Lyophilized
- -20°C
- Supplier guidance for research powder only. This is not SCENESSE.
- Reconstituted
- No validated universal window
- The approved drug is a solid implant and is not reconstituted.
- Light
- Keep any product in its original packaging and follow product-specific instructions.
- Room temperature
- SCENESSE is labeled for refrigerated storage at 2 to 8°C.
- Reconstitution
- Follow product-specific instructions
- Do not apply vial instructions to the approved implant.
Basis: FDA label. Sources: FDA SCENESSE prescribing information, American Peptides Melanotan 1 technical page
The FDA label says the sealed SCENESSE implant should be refrigerated at 2 to 8°C. It is a sterile solid implant and is not reconstituted.
A retail Melanotan 1 powder is a different product. Supplier freezer guidance for that powder must not be presented as the label for SCENESSE, and neither product should be improvised into another form.
Safety & cautions
The SCENESSE label warns about generalized pigmentation and darkening of existing nevi and freckles. It calls for full-body skin examinations before and during treatment. Common adverse reactions include implant-site reactions, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and headache.
Unapproved powders add uncertain identity, strength, sterility, and pharmacokinetics. Pigment changes can complicate mole monitoring, and tanning does not make ultraviolet exposure safe.
Watch Melanotan 1 prices
We'll email you when prices drop, a discount code changes, or new lab results come in for Melanotan 1. No spam — only real changes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Melanotan 1 the same as SCENESSE?
They share the afamelanotide lineage, but an online MT-1 vial is not the FDA-approved controlled-release SCENESSE implant.
Is Melanotan 1 FDA approved for tanning?
No. SCENESSE is approved for a rare phototoxicity disorder, not cosmetic tanning.
Is Melanotan 1 the same as Melanotan 2?
No. They are different melanocortin analogs with different receptor profiles.
Does darker skin from afamelanotide prevent sun damage?
No. Pigmentation does not replace sunscreen, protective clothing, or skin examinations.
Why are mole checks important?
Afamelanotide can darken existing nevi and freckles, and unlicensed melanotan use can complicate recognition of changing lesions.
How is SCENESSE stored?
The FDA label specifies refrigeration at 2 to 8°C for the sealed implant. Research powder is a different product with different instructions.
Sources
- FDA SCENESSE prescribing information
- Afamelanotide EPP randomized trials
- Afamelanotide EPP review
- Afamelanotide phototoxicity review
- NCBI afamelanotide monograph
- American Peptides Melanotan 1 technical page
Last reviewed September 17, 2026. This guide is educational and research-focused, not medical advice. Melanotan 1 products referenced on PeptidePub are sold by third parties as materials for laboratory research use only, not for human or animal consumption.
GO DEEPER
This guide covers one compound. We wrote the book on all 45.
The Peptide Handbook takes everything we know from testing vendors for a living and turns it into five readable books: what each compound actually does, what the evidence really says, and the honest call when the answer is "skip this one." Plus the dosing tables, calendars, and trackers that make it usable.
From the community
Ask a questionNo Melanotan 1 discussions yet — ask the first question and our team will answer.