Melanotan I vs AHK-Cu
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Melanotan I
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare genetic disorder causing severe sun sensitivity.
Full details →AHK-Cu
AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3, Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) is a copper peptide similar to GHK-Cu but with different properties. It's used for hair growth and skin rejuvenation applications.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Melanotan I | AHK-Cu |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. | The copper-binding tripeptide stimulates collagen synthesis and may promote hair follicle enlargement. Works similarly to GHK-Cu but may have distinct receptor interactions. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical: 16mg implant every 2 months. Research protocols for tanning typically use 0.5-1mg daily for loading, then maintenance dosing. | Topical: 0.5-2% concentration in serums for skin or scalp applications. Often combined with other growth factors for hair formulations. |
| Administration | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. | Topical application to skin or scalp. Can be used with microneedling for enhanced penetration. May cause temporary blue-green tint at high concentrations. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. | Generally well-tolerated. May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Temporary discoloration possible. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Melanotan I and AHK-Cu are commonly used for: