Melanotan I

Melanotan I (also known as Melanotan-1 or MT-1) is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It has attracted growing interest in research focused on skin pigmentation, photoprotection, and tanning regulation.

Studies have shown that Melanotan I activates melanocortin-1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating the production of eumelanin (dark pigment), which contributes to a natural-looking tan without excessive UV exposure. It may also play a role in DNA damage protection, oxidative stress reduction, and modulation of inflammatory responses in skin tissue.