Melanocortin
Melanotan I
Melanotan I is a small lab-made chemical chain. It copies parts of a natural message called alpha-MSH. It differs from ring-shaped Melanotan II.
For laboratory research only. Not for human consumption or veterinary use.
The research, at a glance
What researchers study
How a copied message starts chemical steps in pigment cells.
What the study found
In a randomized study of 77 people, the studied Melanotan formulation increased skin pigment compared with placebo. The increase was larger in people with certain MC1R gene variants. This does not establish a tanning or sun-protection result from this supplier’s product.
Randomized human study, 77 participants.
Read the source (opens a new tab)What is still unknown
These findings do not establish tanning or other cosmetic benefits from this product.
How it works, in plain words.
Pigment is the material that gives tissue color. Melanotan I copies a natural chemical message that can attach to a protein on pigment cells. The protein, called MC1, then starts more messages inside. Scientists measure those steps. The molecule is different from Melanotan II.
The idea behind it
Cells are tiny living parts of tissue. When the matching message attaches to MC1 on a cell, it can increase a chemical called cAMP inside. That chemical passes the message to other cell parts.
Why that matters
Different versions of MC1 may respond differently to the same message. Scientists compare these versions to learn which part of the response comes from the protein. A cell message is not proof of a cosmetic result.
What do the science words mean?
- Cell
- A tiny living part of tissue. A cell takes in materials, does chemical work and responds to its surroundings.
- Protein
- A chain of small building blocks folded into a shape that does a job, such as carrying a message or helping a reaction.
- Peptide
- A short chain of amino acids. Amino acids are small chemicals that join together, like beads on a string.
- Molecule
- A tiny group of atoms joined together. Water is made of water molecules. Different groups can do different jobs.
- Hormone
- A chemical message made in one place that can change what cells do somewhere else.
- Receptor
- A protein that starts steps inside a cell when a matching chemical attaches. It can be on the cell’s surface or inside it.
- Enzyme
- A protein that helps turn one chemical into another more quickly, like helping break a large piece into smaller pieces.
- Cell study
- A test on cells grown outside the body. It is not a trial in people.
- Animal study
- A test in animals under set conditions. Its results may not carry over to people.
- Hypothesis
- An idea that still needs testing.
- Batch report / COA
- A report about a sample from one batch. It does not prove a health benefit.
What the research says
Here is a starting point from the linked sources. A study about a compound is not a test of the supplier’s product.
Randomized human study, 77 participants
What researchers found
In a randomized study of 77 people, the studied Melanotan formulation increased skin pigment compared with placebo. The increase was larger in people with certain MC1R gene variants. This does not establish a tanning or sun-protection result from this supplier’s product.
What this does not show
These findings do not establish tanning or other cosmetic benefits from this product.
Product details
- Product name
- Melanotan I
- Also found in research as
- Melanotan 1, MTI
- What is in it
- Melanotan I is a small lab-made chemical chain. It copies parts of a natural message called alpha-MSH. It differs from ring-shaped Melanotan II.
- Product form
- One named compound
- Amount and concentration
- Check the chosen size and current label on the partner’s page. We do not assume one amount for every size.
- Batch testing
- Match the lot number on the container to its certificate of analysis (COA), the batch test report.
- Storage
- Follow the current label and the lab’s approved procedure. Dry powder and prepared liquids may need different conditions.
Check the batch, not just the name.
A batch report describes a sample from one batch. Check that its lot number matches the product. A purity number does not prove safety or a health benefit.
Find the partner’s batch reports (opens a new tab)Common questions
What do the studies tell us about Melanotan I?
These findings do not establish tanning or other cosmetic benefits from this product.
Does the product name prove what is in the container?
No. Match the exact name, form and amount on the label. Then check the report for that batch. Similar names can refer to different molecules.
What does a purity number mean?
It describes a result from a particular test on a sample. It does not mean the product is safe, suitable for personal use or proven to have a health effect.
Why do some sources use harder words?
Research papers describe exact methods and results. We explain the main ideas here. Open the linked paper for the full details, including what was tested and the study’s limits.
Can the calculator tell me how to use this product?
No. It checks math from numbers you enter. It does not choose a dose, a mixing method or a way to use a product.
Follow the sources
Open the papers for their exact methods and results. Background research and evidence gaps are labeled below.
- Research paperMelanotan I: randomized human pigment study and MC1R variants (opens a new tab)
Research on the named compound or experimental system, not a test of this supplier’s product.
Product label and purchasing
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Check the math with the right calculator for this product. It does not choose a dose or tell you how to use it.
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