CKF Tide Tables

MT-1 (Melanotan Receptor Type I)

Quick Facts

PropertyValue
CategoryMelanocortin Peptide
Risk LevelModerate/High
AdministrationSubcutaneous Injection
Typical FrequencyDaily Loading / Maintenance 3x Weekly
Estimated Half-LifeModerate Duration Peptide
Primary Research InterestTanning / Pigmentation / UV Response
Important Disclaimer

This material is provided strictly for educational and informational purposes related to peptide research and melanocortin compounds. Melanotan I (MT-1) is a biologically active peptide capable of significantly altering melanocyte signaling, pigmentation pathways, and UV-response mechanisms. Information presented here should not be interpreted as medical advice, treatment recommendations, or encouragement of unsupervised use.

1. Reconstitution Guide

  • Vial Size: 10 mg
  • Dilutant Type: BAC Water
  • Amount of Dilutant Added: 2 mL
  • Final Concentration: 5.00 mg/mL

At this concentration:
• 250 mcg = 0.050 mL (5.0 units)
• 500 mcg = 0.100 mL (10.0 units)
• 1000 mcg = 0.200 mL (20.0 units)

2. Route of Administration

Melanotan I is most commonly administered as a subcutaneous injectable melanocortin peptide.

  • Primary Route: SubQ Injection
  • Preferred Timing: Flexible timing, often coordinated around UV exposure periods
  • Administration Notes: Frequently researched for pigmentation and tanning-related applications

3. Typical Research Protocols

  • Product Strength: 5.00 mg/mL
  • Loading Phase: 250 mcg daily for the first 2 weeks
  • Maintenance Phase: 500–1000 mcg three times weekly
  • Cycle Length: Seasonal cycles — commonly used during spring and summer, discontinued during fall and winter
  • Special Notes: MT-1 still requires UV exposure in order to produce noticeable tanning effects, though significantly less exposure may be needed compared to unassisted tanning. Compared to MT-2, MT-1 is generally discussed as producing fewer gastrointestinal side effects and less appetite suppression, though tanning effects may develop more gradually. Researchers commonly emphasize conservative dosing and gradual UV exposure to reduce the likelihood of uneven pigmentation or excessive skin stress. Long-term safety data remain limited, and ongoing monitoring of skin changes is strongly advised.

4. Summary

Melanotan I (MT-1) is an experimental melanocortin peptide researched for its potential effects on skin pigmentation, UV-response enhancement, and tanning-related pathways.

Research interest in MT-1 commonly centers around gradual pigmentation enhancement, UV tolerance research, and reduced dependence on prolonged ultraviolet exposure.

5. Mechanism of Action

MT-1 functions by stimulating melanocortin receptors involved in melanocyte activation and melanin production.

  • Melanin production signaling
  • Melanocyte activation
  • Pigmentation enhancement
  • Potential UV-response modulation
  • Gradual tanning support

The peptide is commonly discussed as a more selective and milder alternative to MT-2.

6. Potential Benefits

  • Potential enhancement of skin pigmentation
  • Possible reduction in required UV exposure
  • More gradual tanning progression
  • Potentially fewer gastrointestinal effects compared to MT-2
  • Possible reduction in sunburn susceptibility

7. Potential Risks / Side Effects

Moderate/High

  • Uneven pigmentation
  • Darkening of freckles or moles
  • Nausea
  • Facial flushing
  • Potential skin irritation
  • Unknown long-term melanocyte signaling risks

8. Half-Life

MT-1 is commonly discussed as having a moderate-duration activity profile compared to other melanocortin peptides.

Pigmentation-related effects typically accumulate gradually over repeated exposure and UV interaction.

9. Storage Information

  • Store refrigerated before and after reconstitution
  • Protect from direct light exposure
  • Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
  • Maintain sterile handling practices during preparation

10. Contraindications / Warnings

  • History of melanoma or suspicious skin lesions
  • Severe dermatological sensitivity
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Known hypersensitivity to melanocortin peptides

11. Research References

  • PubMed
  • NIH Publications
  • Dermatology literature
  • Peer-reviewed pigmentation and UV-response journals