Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 vs Melanotan 1
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & Cosmetic
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1- Summary
- Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (Rigin) is a cosmetic peptide consisting of palmitic acid linked to the tetrapeptide sequence GQPR (Gly-Gln-Pro-Arg). It was designed to mimic the biological activity of the IgG immunoglobulin C-terminus, which downregulates the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a key driver of skin aging and inflammation.
- 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.
- Half-Life
- Topical penetration-dependent; effects last hours to days
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 2-5 ppm concentration in formulation
- 0.5–1 mg
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- Key Benefits
- Reduces IL-6 inflammatory cytokine in skin
- Prevents 'inflammaging' of the skin
- Inhibits MMP collagen-degrading enzymes
- Synergistic with Matrixyl for anti-aging
- Clinically tested for wrinkle and skin texture improvement
- Well-tolerated topically
- 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
- Side Effects
- Contact sensitization (rare)
- Well-tolerated at standard concentrations
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Stacks With
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