Melanotan 1 vs Kisspeptin-10
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1Sexual Health & LibidoAnti-Aging & Longevity
Kisspeptin-10- 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.
- Kisspeptin-10 is the biologically active C-terminal decapeptide of kisspeptin, an endogenous regulator of the reproductive axis. It acts upstream of GnRH to potently stimulate LH and testosterone release, and plays a key role in sexual arousal and libido.
- Half-Life
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- ~4 minutes (rapidly degraded); longer-acting analogs like TAK-448 are in development
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ, IV
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.5–1 mg
- 50–500 mcg
- Frequency
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- Once daily to every other day
- 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
- Potently stimulates LH and testosterone
- Enhances sexual arousal and libido
- Activates HPG axis — upstream of GnRH
- May improve fertility in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
- Increases brain activation in sexual attraction circuits
- May restore LH pulsatility in suppressed HPG axis
- Side Effects
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Injection site reactions
- Temporary nausea
- Flushing
- Elevated LH/testosterone (intended effect)
- +1 more
- Stacks With
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