Sermorelin vs Melanotan 1
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Growth Hormone PeptidesAnti-Aging & Longevity
SermorelinSkin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1- Summary
- Sermorelin is a bioidentical synthetic peptide comprising the first 29 amino acids of naturally occurring GHRH. It is FDA-approved for diagnostic use and widely prescribed off-label for anti-aging, stimulating growth hormone production in a natural pulsatile pattern that mimics the body's own rhythm.
- 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
- 10–20 minutes
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 200–500 mcg
- 0.5–1 mg
- Frequency
- 5–7 days per week
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- Key Benefits
- Increases energy and vitality
- Improves body composition (more muscle, less fat)
- Enhances skin thickness and elasticity
- Strengthens immune system
- Improves sleep quality and REM sleep
- Supports bone density
- Enhances mental clarity and focus
- Safer than exogenous HGH — respects natural feedback loops
- FDA-approved for GH diagnostic use
- 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
- Injection site irritation
- Flushing
- Headache
- Dizziness
- +2 more
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Stacks With
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