Melanotan I vs Syn-Ake
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 →Syn-Ake
Syn-Ake (Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate) is a synthetic tripeptide that mimics the effect of Waglerin-1, a peptide found in Temple Viper venom. It's used in cosmetics for anti-wrinkle effects.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Melanotan I | Syn-Ake |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 250 mcg–500 mcg | 200 mcg–500 mcg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 2x daily |
| Cycle Length | 1–4 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | topical |
| 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 competitive antagonist at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, reducing muscle contractions similar to Botox but through a different mechanism. Provides muscle-relaxing effects when applied topically. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical: 16mg implant every 2 months. Research protocols for tanning typically use 0.5-1mg daily for loading, then maintenance dosing. | Topical: 1-4% concentration in serums or creams. Applied 1-2 times daily to target areas like forehead and crow's feet. |
| Administration | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. | Topical application only. Should be applied to clean skin. Often combined with other anti-aging peptides for synergistic effects. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. | Generally well-tolerated topically. Rare reports of mild skin irritation or sensitivity. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Melanotan I, Syn-Ake are both commonly used for:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Skin Health & Aesthetics: Melanotan I has stronger research support.
| Goal | Melanotan I | Syn-Ake |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Health & Aesthetics | high | medium |
Key Studies
Melanotan I
- Use of melanotan I and II in the general population.
BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 2009
- Pharmacologic response of a controlled-release PLGA formulation for the alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone analog, Melanotan-I.
Pharmaceutical research, 2000
- Discovery and development of novel melanogenic drugs. Melanotan-I and -II.
Pharmaceutical biotechnology, 1998
Syn-Ake
- Anti-aging activity of Syn-Ake peptide by in silico approaches and in vitro tests.
Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics, 2024
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