Nonapeptide-1 vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & Cosmetic
Nonapeptide-1Anti-Aging & Longevity
SS-31 (Elamipretide)- Summary
- Nonapeptide-1 is a synthetic 9-amino acid peptide that inhibits melanin production by blocking α-MSH (alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone) receptor binding. Used in cosmetic formulations for skin lightening and evening skin tone, it is particularly effective for UV-induced and hormonal hyperpigmentation.
- SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and protects cardiolipin from oxidative damage. It is one of the most promising mitochondrial longevity compounds, studied in clinical trials for heart failure, renal disease, and age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Half-Life
- Not applicable (topical)
- ~2–5 hours
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.05–0.5% concentration in formulation
- 5–10 mg
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Daily to several times per week
- Key Benefits
- Inhibits UV-induced tanning and hyperpigmentation
- Reduces hormonal melasma
- Evens skin tone at receptor level
- Well-tolerated with minimal irritation
- Complementary to tyrosinase inhibitors for enhanced brightening
- Reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Restores mitochondrial function and ATP production
- Protects inner mitochondrial membrane cardiolipin
- Reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)
- Improves exercise capacity and reduces fatigue
- Cardioprotective — studied in heart failure trials
- Renoprotective — reduces ischemic kidney injury
- Anti-aging via mitochondrial preservation
- Potential in neurodegenerative disease prevention
- Side Effects
- Generally very well-tolerated
- Rare contact sensitivity in susceptible individuals
- Theoretical risk of excessive depigmentation with prolonged high-concentration use
- Injection site irritation
- Nausea (rare)
- Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
- Stacks With
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