Melanotan I vs Melanotan II
Compare Melanotan I and Melanotan II, two melanocortin peptides with different receptor selectivity profiles. Understand how structural differences translate to distinct research applications.
Melanotan I
Sexual Health / Hormonal
Melanotan II
Sexual Health / Hormonal
Side-by-Side Comparison
Linear alpha-MSH analog with Nle4/D-Phe7 substitutions; selectively activates MC1R on melanocytes via cAMP/PKA pathway to upregulate tyrosinase and increase eumelanin production
Non-selective cyclic melanocortin receptor agonist activating MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R; produces simultaneous tanning, sexual arousal, appetite suppression, and fat mobilization
Primarily MC1R (melanocortin 1 receptor) — selective for pigmentation
MC1R + MC3R + MC4R + MC5R — broad melanocortin activation
~30 minutes to 2 hours
~33 minutes
Typically studied daily during loading, then maintenance
Typically studied daily during loading, then as needed
\u226599% (HPLC verified at 99.8%)
\u226599% (HPLC verified at 99.7%)
Photoprotection and UV damage prevention, melanogenesis and tanning mechanisms, erythropoietic protoporphyria (approved in EU as Scenesse), skin cancer prevention, melanocortin receptor selectivity
Skin pigmentation and tanning, sexual function and arousal (MC4R), appetite suppression and feeding behavior, melanocortin receptor pharmacology, body composition effects
1646.87 Da (13 amino acids, linear)
1024.18 Da (7 amino acids, cyclic)
$34.95/vial (10mg)
$34.95/vial (10mg)
Linear alpha-MSH analog with Nle4/D-Phe7 substitutions; selectively activates MC1R on melanocytes via cAMP/PKA pathway to upregulate tyrosinase and increase eumelanin production
Non-selective cyclic melanocortin receptor agonist activating MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R; produces simultaneous tanning, sexual arousal, appetite suppression, and fat mobilization
Primarily MC1R (melanocortin 1 receptor) — selective for pigmentation
MC1R + MC3R + MC4R + MC5R — broad melanocortin activation
~30 minutes to 2 hours
~33 minutes
Typically studied daily during loading, then maintenance
Typically studied daily during loading, then as needed
\u226599% (HPLC verified at 99.8%)
\u226599% (HPLC verified at 99.7%)
Photoprotection and UV damage prevention, melanogenesis and tanning mechanisms, erythropoietic protoporphyria (approved in EU as Scenesse), skin cancer prevention, melanocortin receptor selectivity
Skin pigmentation and tanning, sexual function and arousal (MC4R), appetite suppression and feeding behavior, melanocortin receptor pharmacology, body composition effects
1646.87 Da (13 amino acids, linear)
1024.18 Da (7 amino acids, cyclic)
$34.95/vial (10mg)
$34.95/vial (10mg)
Detailed Breakdown
Mechanism
Linear alpha-MSH analog with Nle4/D-Phe7 substitutions; selectively activates MC1R on melanocytes via cAMP/PKA pathway to upregulate tyrosinase and increase eumelanin production
Non-selective cyclic melanocortin receptor agonist activating MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R; produces simultaneous tanning, sexual arousal, appetite suppression, and fat mobilization
Receptor Targets
Primarily MC1R (melanocortin 1 receptor) — selective for pigmentation
MC1R + MC3R + MC4R + MC5R — broad melanocortin activation
Half-Life
~30 minutes to 2 hours
~33 minutes
Dosing Frequency
Typically studied daily during loading, then maintenance
Typically studied daily during loading, then as needed
Purity
\u226599% (HPLC verified at 99.8%)
\u226599% (HPLC verified at 99.7%)
Research Applications
Photoprotection and UV damage prevention, melanogenesis and tanning mechanisms, erythropoietic protoporphyria (approved in EU as Scenesse), skin cancer prevention, melanocortin receptor selectivity
Skin pigmentation and tanning, sexual function and arousal (MC4R), appetite suppression and feeding behavior, melanocortin receptor pharmacology, body composition effects
Molecular Weight
1646.87 Da (13 amino acids, linear)
1024.18 Da (7 amino acids, cyclic)
Starting Price
$34.95/vial (10mg)
$34.95/vial (10mg)
Which Is Right for Your Research?
Choose Melanotan I for selective MC1R photoprotection and melanogenesis research with fewer off-target effects. Choose Melanotan II for broader melanocortin research including sexual function (MC4R) and appetite suppression alongside tanning effects.