← All compoundsMelanotan I
See Melanotan I →See Melanotan II →
/ comparison
Melanotan I
vs
Melanotan II
Side-by-side comparison of mechanism, research, dosing, side effects, and pricing.
peptide
Melanotan I
More selective MC1R agonist. Some FDA approval for specific applications.
Cheapest
$25.17
10mg at Ascension Peptides
peptide
Melanotan II
Synthetic alpha-MSH analog. Pigmentation research compound.
Cheapest
$18.36
10mg at Ion Peptide
/ research scoring
Research base
Melanotan I
Research Maturity★★★★☆
Evidence Strength★★★★☆
FDA approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria research.
Melanotan II
Research Maturity★★★☆☆
Evidence Strength★★★☆☆
Multiple studies on melanocortin signaling.
/ mechanism
How they work
Melanotan I
Selective MC1R agonist.
Melanotan II
MC1R agonist. Stimulates melanin production.
/ research dosing
Protocols compared
Melanotan I
Range: 0.16 mg/kg per dose (afamelanotide = MT-I)
Frequency: Implant every 60 days (clinical) or research dosing varies
Route: Subcutaneous implant (FDA-approved form)
FDA-approved as Scenesse (afamelanotide) for erythropoietic protoporphyria. Slower onset, longer duration than MT-II. Less side effect profile than MT-II.
Melanotan II
Range: Loading: 250-500 mcg/day × 7-10 days; Maintenance: 400-500 mcg, 1-2x weekly
Frequency: Loading: daily; Maintenance: 1-2x weekly
Route: Subcutaneous (evening to minimize nausea)
Start at 100-250mcg to assess tolerance. Most common protocol: 250mcg/day × 3 days, 500mcg/day from day 4, then maintenance after tanning achieved. Nausea, flushing common in first doses. Always start evening dosing.
/ side effects & timeline
What to expect
Melanotan I
Side effects
Generally well-tolerated.
Timeline
2-4 weeks
Melanotan II
Side effects
Common: nausea, facial flushing.
Timeline
2-4 weeks
/ pricing
Price comparison
Melanotan I
Lowest price$25.17 (10mg)
Min $/mg$2.52/mg
Avg $/mg$3.91/mg
Max $/mg$5.89/mg
Melanotan II
Lowest price$18.36 (10mg)
Min $/mg$1.84/mg
Avg $/mg$3.07/mg
Max $/mg$4.58/mg
/ which to pick
The honest verdict
Pick Melanotan I if: FDA-approved standalone use.
Pick Melanotan II if: Solo use is standard for pigmentation research.
Why not both? Some researchers run them together. Check our Interaction Matrix to see if these compounds synergize or work independently.
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Both compounds are intended for laboratory research and not for human consumption.