Melanotan 1 vs Ipamorelin
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1Growth Hormone Peptides
Ipamorelin- Summary
- Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of α-MSH that selectively stimulates melanogenesis (tanning) through MC1R activation. It provides UV-independent skin pigmentation and is FDA/EMA-approved under the name SCENESSE for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and vitiligo.
- Ipamorelin is a selective GHRP (growth hormone releasing peptide) and one of the cleanest GH secretagogues available. It selectively stimulates GH release without significantly raising cortisol, prolactin, or appetite — making it ideal for long-term use and anti-aging protocols.
- Half-Life
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- 2 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.5–1 mg
- 100–300 mcg
- Frequency
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- Once to twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Induces skin pigmentation/tanning without UV exposure
- Provides photoprotection in photosensitivity conditions (EPP)
- FDA-approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria (SCENESSE)
- Approved in EU for EPP treatment
- Anti-inflammatory via MC1R
- Mild libido enhancement
- Potential skin cancer prevention through melanin protection
- Increases lean muscle mass
- Enhances fat loss
- Improves recovery time
- Strengthens bones and joints
- Better sleep quality and REM sleep
- Enhanced skin elasticity
- Minimal impact on hunger or cortisol
- No cortisol or prolactin spike
- Clean GH release suitable for long-term protocols
- Side Effects
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Injection site irritation
- Temporary water retention (mild)
- Possible hunger increase (milder than GHRP-6)
- Numbness or tingling in extremities (rare)
- Stacks With
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