Melanotan I
Also known as: Afamelanotide, Scenesse
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a melanocortin peptide. As Scenesse it is approved for a rare condition (erythropoietic protoporphyria), but cosmetic tanning use is not approved.
- Category
- Tanning / Melanocortin
- Reported half-life
- Reported short for the free peptide; delivered as a slow-release implant in approved use
- Common forms
- Approved slow-release implant (Scenesse) in specific indication, Unregulated preparations described online
- Research status
- Afamelanotide (Scenesse) is approved for a rare condition (erythropoietic protoporphyria). Cosmetic tanning use is not approved, including in Australia.
- Last updated
- 21 June 2026
Claimed effects
The following effects are reported or claimed by users and in early research. They are not established medical facts and many are not supported by large human trials.
- Reported to increase melanin production via melanocortin-1 receptor activity
- Approved (as Scenesse) to help manage a rare light-sensitivity condition
- Studied in research relating to photoprotection
How it is reported to work
Melanotan I is described as a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that selectively activates the melanocortin-1 receptor, promoting eumelanin production. In its approved form (afamelanotide) this is used in a specific clinical context. These descriptions come from clinical research and approved labelling for a narrow indication.
Background
Melanotan I, known clinically as afamelanotide, is a melanocortin-1 receptor agonist. In its approved form, Scenesse, it is used for a rare light-sensitivity condition (erythropoietic protoporphyria). Cosmetic tanning use is not approved. This page is educational information, not medical advice, and does not recommend use.
What the research shows
Clinical research and approved labelling support afamelanotide’s role in a specific, narrow indication. Broader cosmetic claims are not established and fall outside its approved use.
| Feature | Reported status |
|---|---|
| Mechanism | Selective MC1R agonist |
| Approved indication | Rare condition (EPP) |
| Cosmetic tanning approval | None |
What people use it for (reported)
Some online discussion reports interest in pigmentation effects. These are anecdotal reports only, not validated cosmetic outcomes, and this page does not endorse or recommend such use.
Things to be aware of
Outside its narrow approved indication, melanotan I is not approved for cosmetic or general use. Melanocortin agonists can affect moles and pigmented lesions, and unregulated product purity cannot be verified.
If you have a relevant medical condition, the appropriate step is to consult a qualified healthcare professional. This article does not endorse obtaining or using melanotan I for tanning.
Reported positives & side effects
Compiled from research and community reports. These are reported outcomes, not guarantees or medical advice, individual experiences vary widely.
Reported positives
- Reported to increase melanin production via melanocortin-1 receptor activity
- Approved (as afamelanotide) for a rare light-sensitivity condition
- Reported interest in photoprotection in research
- Reported as more receptor-selective than Melanotan II
Common side effects
- Reported nausea
- Reported facial flushing
- Reported headache or fatigue
- Reported darkening of existing moles and freckles
Rare / serious side effects
- Reported new or rapidly changing moles, raising melanoma concerns
- Reported allergic or hypersensitivity-type reactions
- Reported implant-site reactions in approved use
- Reported unpredictable reactions from unregulated product
Reported misuse & overdose risks
What has been reported to happen with overuse, excessive dosing, or long-term misuse of Melanotan I. Listed so you can make an informed decision, not to suggest any use is safe.
- Reported cosmetic tanning use of unregulated product outside its narrow approved indication
- Reported new or changing moles and melanoma concerns from repeated use
- Reported nausea and flushing with dosing
- Reported skin darkening and pigmented-lesion changes without skin monitoring
- Reported use of unregulated, potentially contaminated product of unverifiable purity
Reported results timeline
Roughly how long people report it takes to notice effects. A general guide from reports, not a promise, and not advice. Reported onset of pigment change is described as building up over days to weeks, framed strictly as reported and not encouraged for cosmetic use.
First effects
reported nausea or flushing within hours; pigment change builds over days
Noticeable change
reported skin darkening building up over weeks
Clear results
reported cumulative darkening over an extended period; cosmetic use is not approved
Commonly reported dosing & protocol
Reported figures only, NOT a recommendation or dosing advice. These are numbers people report using, compiled for education so you can make an informed decision. We do not advise anyone to take Melanotan I. Many peptides are not approved for human use in Australia. Speak to a qualified healthcare professional.
| Route | Clinician implant (approved) / reported injection (unapproved) |
|---|---|
| Typical reported dose | Approved form is a 16 mg clinician-implanted controlled-release implant (afamelanotide); reported unapproved cosmetic injection use is around 500 mcg-1 mg per day |
| Frequency | Approved implant is administered by a clinician at set intervals for the approved indication; reported unapproved injectable use is described as daily in anecdotal accounts |
| Cycle length | Approved implant follows a clinician-directed schedule; no established cycle for unapproved cosmetic use |
In its approved form it is given as a clinician-administered slow-release implant; cosmetic dosing patterns reported online are unapproved and shared here as reported information only, not advice.
Best used with / commonly stacked with
Combinations people report using together. Reported, not recommended, stacking can increase risks.
Reported together as related melanocortin agonists
Reported alongside it as a related melanocortin compound
Reported alongside it anecdotally for interest in related pathways
Safety notes
Outside its narrow approved indication, melanotan I is not approved for cosmetic or general use, including in Australia. Melanocortin agonists can affect pigmented lesions and warrant skin monitoring. Anyone with a relevant condition should consult a qualified healthcare professional.