Educational Wellness Information Only
This platform provides peer-reviewed research summaries and educational content about peptides for wellness and optimization purposes. Nothing on this site is intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not claim any peptide can diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before beginning any wellness protocol.
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Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) vs Melanotan II
An educational, source-based comparison of Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) and Melanotan II — how each peptide works, what it's researched for, and what to know before going deeper.
Selective MC1R agonist FDA-approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria.
A selective melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) agonist that stimulates eumelanin production in melanocytes. FDA-approved (Scenesse) as an implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare light-sensitive disorder.
- Erythropoietic protoporphyria (FDA-approved)
- UV-independent tanning (research)
- Photoprotection in photosensitivity disorders
- • FDA-approved for EPP via implant formulation only.
- • Not approved for cosmetic tanning.
- • Monitoring for new/changing moles recommended.
Melanocortin agonist researched for tanning response and libido.
A non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist that stimulates eumelanin production via MC1R and influences appetite, libido, and erectile function via MC3R/MC4R.
- UV-independent pigmentation
- Erythropoietic protoporphyria (related compound, afamelanotide)
- Sexual function (overlap with PT-141)
- • Not FDA-approved.
- • Risk of new or changing nevi — dermatologic monitoring is essential.
- • Common side effects: nausea, flushing, spontaneous erections, appetite suppression.
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) vs Melanotan II — Key differences
- Class: Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is classified as Pigmentation · Melanocortin, while Melanotan II is Pigmentation · Melanocortin.
- Primary research focus: Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) — erythropoietic protoporphyria (fda-approved); Melanotan II — uv-independent pigmentation.
- Tag: Skin · Pigmentation vs Skin · Pigmentation.