Melanotan II vs Pal-AHK
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Sexual Health & Libido
Melanotan IISkin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pal-AHK- Summary
- Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that stimulates melanin production (skin tanning), suppresses appetite, and enhances sexual function. It is not FDA-approved and has significant safety concerns including mole changes and cardiovascular effects.
- Pal-AHK is the palmitoylated form of the AHK-Cu copper tripeptide, created by attaching a palmitic acid chain to enhance skin penetration and lipid bilayer affinity. The palmitoyl modification significantly improves dermal bioavailability compared to unmodified AHK, making it particularly effective in anti-aging and hair growth formulations.
- Half-Life
- 1–2 hours
- Extended (lipid depot effect in stratum corneum)
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- Topical
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.25–0.5 mg
- 0.01–0.05% in formulation
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Once or twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Promotes skin tanning and melanin production
- Reduces UV exposure needed to tan
- Enhances libido and sexual function
- May suppress appetite
- Faster, deeper tan development
- Longer-lasting tan maintenance
- Potential photoprotective effects
- Enhanced skin penetration vs. unmodified AHK-Cu
- Stimulates dermal collagen and elastin production
- Promotes hair follicle anagen phase
- Antioxidant and wound healing activity
- Firming and plumping effect on aging skin
- Improved bioavailability via lipid bilayer incorporation
- Side Effects
- Nausea (very common, especially in first days)
- Facial flushing
- Spontaneous erections in men
- Darkening or changes in existing moles (monitor closely)
- +3 more
- Generally well-tolerated
- Mild irritation at high concentrations in sensitive skin
- Possible comedogenicity at very high palmitate concentrations (formulation-dependent)
- Stacks With
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