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ToolsCompareSS-31 (Elamipretide) vs Nonapeptide-1

SS-31 (Elamipretide) vs Nonapeptide-1

Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.

Anti-Aging & Longevity
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Skin & Cosmetic
Nonapeptide-1
Summary
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.
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.
Half-Life
~2–5 hours
Not applicable (topical)
Admin Route
SubQ
Topical
Research
Typical Dose
5–10 mg
0.05–0.5% concentration in formulation
Frequency
Daily to several times per week
Twice daily
Key Benefits
  • 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
  • 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
Side Effects
  • Injection site irritation
  • Nausea (rare)
  • Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
  • Generally very well-tolerated
  • Rare contact sensitivity in susceptible individuals
  • Theoretical risk of excessive depigmentation with prolonged high-concentration use
Stacks With