Melanotan I is a linear analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that binds selectively to the MC1 receptor, stimulating eumelanin production in the skin. Compared with Melanotan II it is far more receptor-selective, so nausea, flushing and libido effects are reported far less often. A 10 mg vial reconstituted with 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water gives 3.33 mg/mL, and typical research doses run 0.5-1 mg daily during a loading phase before dropping to a maintenance dose once or twice weekly.
- Selective MC1 receptor agonist, so far fewer systemic effects than Melanotan II.
- Loading phase of 0.5-1 mg daily for roughly 10-14 days.
- Maintenance dosing is typically once or twice weekly.
- Reconstitute the 10 mg vial with 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water for 3.33 mg/mL.
- At 3.33 mg/mL a 1 mg dose is 30 units on a U-100 syringe.
Reconstitution
Vial strength
10 mg
Bacteriostatic water
3 mL
Concentration
3.33 mg/mL
1 unit = 0.01 mL = 33.3 mcg (U-100 syringe)
- 1Allow the vial to reach room temperature for 15-20 minutes before reconstituting.
- 2Draw 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water using a sterile syringe.
- 3Inject the water slowly down the inner wall of the vial, avoiding foaming.
- 4Gently swirl or roll until the powder is fully dissolved; the solution should be clear. Do not shake.
- 5Label the vial with the date and refrigerate at 2-8 °C (35.6-46.4 °F), protected from light.
Dosing schedule
| Phase | Dose | On a U-100 syringe |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-3 (Tolerance) | 0.5 mg | 15 units (0.15 mL) |
| Days 4-14 (Loading) | 1 mg | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
| Maintenance | 1 mg 1-2x weekly | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
Protocol detail
| Start | 0.5 mg daily for the first three days to assess tolerance. |
|---|---|
| Loading | 1 mg daily until the desired pigmentation response is reached, usually 10-14 days. |
| Maintenance | 1 mg once or twice weekly to hold the response. |
| Frequency | Subcutaneous injection; rotate sites between abdomen and thigh. |
| Timing | Evening dosing is generally better tolerated. |
Overview at a glance
| Goal | Stimulate eumelanin synthesis through selective MC1 receptor activation. |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Daily loading for 10-14 days, then 1-2 maintenance doses per week. |
| Dose Range | 0.5-1 mg per administration. |
| Reconstitution | 10 mg vial reconstituted with 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water, yielding approximately 3.33 mg/mL. |
| Storage | Lyophilized frozen; reconstituted refrigerated and used within 4-6 weeks. |
How it works
Melanotan I mimics endogenous alpha-MSH and binds the melanocortin-1 receptor on melanocytes. Receptor activation raises intracellular cAMP, which upregulates tyrosinase and drives conversion of tyrosine into eumelanin. Because MT-1 is markedly more MC1-selective than Melanotan II, it produces less MC3/MC4 receptor cross-talk, which is why appetite suppression, nausea and libido effects are reported far less frequently.
Reported effects
- Increased eumelanin production
- Greater MC1 receptor selectivity than MT-2
- Lower incidence of nausea and flushing
- No reported libido effects at standard research doses
Reported side effects
- Transient facial flushing
- Mild nausea during loading
- Injection-site irritation
- Darkening of existing moles and freckles
Storage
Lyophilised (unmixed)
Store at -20 °C (-4 °F) in dry, dark conditions; stable for up to 24 months.
After reconstitution
Refrigerate at 2-8 °C (35.6-46.4 °F), protected from light. Use within 4-6 weeks. Do not freeze.
Supplies
| Peptide vials (10 mg each) | Approximately 1-2 vials for a loading plus maintenance cycle. |
|---|---|
| Insulin Syringes (U-100, 1 mL) | Approx. 20-30 syringes per cycle. |
| Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles) | 1 bottle per cycle (3.0 mL per vial). |
| Alcohol Swabs | Recommend 1 x 100-count box per cycle. |
Important notes
- Existing naevi and freckles darken first; any changing lesion warrants dermatological review.
- MT-1 is not a sunscreen — photoprotection is still required.
- Use a fresh sterile syringe for every administration and dispose of sharps safely.
- Rotate injection sites to reduce local irritation.
- Research use only; not for human administration.
Frequently asked questions
How is Melanotan I different from Melanotan II?
MT-1 is a linear alpha-MSH analogue that is selective for the MC1 receptor, while MT-2 is a cyclic analogue that also hits MC3 and MC4. That extra receptor activity is what produces MT-2's nausea, flushing and libido effects, so MT-1 is generally reported as the better-tolerated of the two.
How much water should the 10 mg vial be reconstituted with?
3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water gives a 3.33 mg/mL solution, so a 1 mg dose is 30 units on a U-100 insulin syringe and a 0.5 mg dose is 15 units.
How long does the loading phase take?
Most protocols run 10-14 days of daily dosing before the response plateaus, after which one or two maintenance doses per week are used to hold it.
How long is the reconstituted vial stable?
Refrigerated at 2-8 °C and protected from light, the reconstituted solution is typically used within 4-6 weeks. Do not freeze it after reconstitution.
Educational reference only. These figures summarise how Melanotan I is commonly described in research literature and supplier documentation, including the Melanotan I listing at peptidesuk4u.co.uk. They are not a prescription, not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-administer anything.
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