What it is
Melanotan-1 is a synthetic analog of the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is a peptide researched for its potential to stimulate melanin production in the skin, hair, and connective tissues.
Supplement · Peptide
Melanotan-1
1 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 30 caps
dull-skinhair-thinningpremature-aging skinconnective tissue
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How it works
Melanotan-1 binds to melanocortin receptors, particularly MC1R, which are found on melanocytes. Activation of these receptors triggers the production and distribution of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color.
Who should take it
Adults looking to address dull skin, hair thinning, premature ageing. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
Avoid / careful
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
When to take it
Morning
Noon
Evening
Night
How to take it
With food
Empty stomach
Before food
FAQs
Frequently asked
How long does it take to see results?
Visible changes in skin pigmentation typically become noticeable within 8-12 weeks of consistent daily dosing.
Can Melanotan-1 be used with other supplements?
Melanotan-1 can be layered into a broader protocol, but consult with a healthcare professional for personalized stacking advice, especially if on prescription medication.
What is the primary mechanism of action?
It acts by binding to melanocortin receptors, primarily MC1R on melanocytes, to stimulate melanin synthesis.
Research
6 studies · 2010–2024
Evidence grade
ABCD
C · C · emerging-to-moderate human evidence for skin, hair and connective-tissue health
From the blog
Editorial notes
SacredBod's longer take on Melanotan-1 — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
About Melanotan-1
Melanotan-1 is a peptide supplement used to support skin, hair and connective-tissue health. Melanocortin peptide researched for pigmentation. It is available in capsule form and dosed for adults in India and internationally. As a peptide-tradition entry in the SacredBod catalog, it is positioned as a single-ingredient option that can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol. Melanotan-1 works through the mechanisms characteristic of its class — see the mechanism and research sections for detail. It primarily acts on the skin, hair, connective tissue, and effects are dose-dependent, typically becoming measurable within 8-12 weeks for visible skin changes. Consistency matters more than dose size for this category.
Evidence
Melanotan-1 carries an evidence grade of C in the SacredBod catalog, reflecting emerging human evidence for skin, hair and connective-tissue health. Melanocortin peptide researched for pigmentation. Benefits are cumulative rather than immediate, typically becoming noticeable within 8-12 weeks for visible skin changes, and individual response varies.
Dosing
A typical dose is 1 mg, taken with food, usually in the morning. Start at the lower end, assess tolerance, and stay consistent; more is not automatically better.
Cautions
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
Who it’s for
Adults looking to address dull skin, hair thinning, premature ageing. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
As part of the Peptide category, Melanotan-1 can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol — see the Goes with panel for evidence-aligned pairings.
Added to your stack.