Compare peptides
Put two entries side by side — evidence, mechanism, risks, and community claims.
Melanotan I
Clinical
FDA-approved (specific use)
Summary
Melanocortin analog; afamelanotide is approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria photoprotection — distinct from MT-II tan use.
Categories
Skin & Aesthetic
Mechanism
MC1R agonism increasing eumelanin without the same nonselective profile as MT-II.
Half-life
Implant formulation provides prolonged exposure
Routes
Subcutaneous injection
Legal / access
Afamelanotide (Scenesse) is approved for EPP. Research Melanotan I sold for tanning is not the same as legitimate specialty care.
Key risks
- Nausea
- Flushing
- Implant-site reactions
- Pigment changes
Common claims
- Safer tan than MT-II (still not a cosmetic green light)
- UV protection narratives
Select peptide B