Melanotan 1 vs Noopept
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1Cognitive Enhancement
Noopept- 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.
- Noopept is a potent dipeptide-derived nootropic from Russia, structurally related to piracetam but estimated to be 1,000 times more potent by mass. It enhances memory consolidation, learning, and recall while providing neuroprotection via BDNF and NGF upregulation.
- Half-Life
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- ~5–10 minutes but metabolite (CPG) effects last hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- Oral, Sublingual, Intranasal
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 0.5–1 mg
- 10–30 mg
- Frequency
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- 1–2x 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
- Enhances memory formation and recall
- Improves learning speed and cognitive processing
- Neuroprotective via BDNF/NGF upregulation
- Anxiolytic at low-to-moderate doses
- Improves verbal fluency and information processing
- Antioxidant (reduces oxidative damage in neurons)
- May improve cognitive symptoms of mild cognitive impairment
- Side Effects
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Headaches (choline depletion — pair with choline source)
- Irritability or anxiety at high doses
- Overstimulation
- Rare: brain fog with chronic use
- +1 more
- Stacks With
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