Melanotan I vs Hexarelin
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 →Hexarelin
Hexarelin is a potent synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue. It provides the strongest GH release among GHRPs but is associated with rapid desensitization of receptors.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Melanotan I | Hexarelin |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. | Acts as a ghrelin mimetic with high potency at the GHS receptor. Provides powerful GH release but receptor desensitization occurs faster than with other GHRPs, requiring cycling. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical: 16mg implant every 2 months. Research protocols for tanning typically use 0.5-1mg daily for loading, then maintenance dosing. | Typical dosing: 100-200mcg administered 2-3 times daily for 4-6 weeks, followed by an equal off period to allow receptor resensitization. |
| Administration | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. | Subcutaneous injection. Cycling is essential to maintain effectiveness. Often used in short bursts rather than continuous protocols. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. | Water retention, cortisol and prolactin increase, hunger (moderate), tingling, and potential blood pressure effects. |
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