Melanotan I vs Leuphasyl
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 →Leuphasyl
Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) is a cosmetic peptide that reduces muscle tension through a mechanism similar to enkephalins. Often combined with Syn-Ake for enhanced anti-wrinkle effects.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Melanotan I | Leuphasyl |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. | Mimics enkephalin and binds to enkephalin receptors on muscle cells, reducing acetylcholine release and thereby decreasing muscle contraction intensity. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical: 16mg implant every 2 months. Research protocols for tanning typically use 0.5-1mg daily for loading, then maintenance dosing. | Topical: 3-8% concentration in serums. Often used in combination products with other muscle-relaxing peptides. |
| 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 expression lines. Best results with consistent twice-daily use over 8+ weeks. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. | Very well-tolerated topically. No significant adverse effects reported at cosmetic concentrations. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Melanotan I and Leuphasyl are commonly used for: