Compare
The details that actually shape the buying decision.
Evidence, risk, regulatory flags, cost, and vendor coverage — side by side, without affiliate spin.
01· Subject
Melanotan I
FDA-approved MC1R agonist (SCENESSE implant) for erythropoietic protoporphyria. Prescription only.
Tier Amedium risk
02· Subject
Melanotan II
Unlicensed broad melanocortin agonist with pigmentation and sexual side-effect profiles. Highest compliance risk.
Tier Chigh risk
01 · At a glance
| Decision factor | Melanotan I | Melanotan II | GHK-Cu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary fit | skin & hair research where you want a clear starting point | skin & hair and sexual health & libido comparisons | tissue repair & recovery and longevity & anti-aging comparisons |
| Evidence | Tier A | Tier C | Tier B-C |
| Risk | medium | high | med-high |
| Experience level | advanced | advanced | beginner |
| Budget tier | premium | budget | budget |
| Administration route | subcutaneous implant | subcutaneous | topical |
02 · Use case & timing
| Decision factor | Melanotan I | Melanotan II | GHK-Cu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goal fit | Skin & Hair | Skin & Hair, Sexual Health & Libido | Tissue Repair & Recovery, Longevity & Anti-Aging, Skin & Hair |
| What users compare it for | Phototoxicity reduction in EPP (evidence-backed). Cosmetic tanning is not the approved use. | Pigmentation changes (tanning); sexual arousal effects. NOT a controlled therapeutic product. | Skin repair, collagen stimulation, wound healing support (topical evidence). |
| Onset timeline | Controlled-release kinetics; plasma concentrations up to ~96 hours in most subjects. | Pigmentation changes can occur quickly; adverse events can be acute. | Skin remodeling: weeks to months (collagen turnover cycles). |
| Main tradeoff | Evidence is stronger than most compounds in this category, but route, side effects, and vendor fit still matter. | Potential upside comes with much more safety and screening caution than lower-risk alternatives. | Evidence and product availability can still be uneven, so documentation matters more than hype. |
03 · Safety & restrictions
| Decision factor | Melanotan I | Melanotan II | GHK-Cu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adverse effects | Hypersensitivity, implant site reactions, pigment changes, monitoring for pigmented lesions. | FDA cites serious adverse events: melanoma, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, sympathomimetic toxidrome, priapism. Immunogenicity/impurity concerns. | Generally better tolerated topically than systemic peptides. |
| Contraindications | Hypersensitivity to afamelanotide (per label). | High risk across the board; unlicensed and unapproved. | Copper sensitivity. |
| Interaction notes | No drug interaction studies were conducted (per label). | Unknown; risk may increase with UV exposure behaviors and stimulant-like exposures. | Unknown clinically; avoid stacking claims. |
| Regulatory status | Prescription-approved | Not approved | Not approved |
| FDA flag | No current flag noted | FDA compounding caution | No current flag noted |
| WADA status | Status unclear | Status unclear | Not listed |
04 · Age & monitoring
| Decision factor | Melanotan I | Melanotan II | GHK-Cu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supported age ranges | No age guidance yet | No age guidance yet | 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65+ |
| Life-stage note | Not yet documented | Not yet documented | Broad adult fit for cosmetic and skin-repair goals, especially when route is topical rather than systemic. |
| Monitoring burden | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Follow-up cadence | Not yet documented | Not yet documented | Not yet documented |
05 · Cost & sourcing
| Decision factor | Melanotan I | Melanotan II | GHK-Cu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cycle cost | No reliable estimate yet | $80.00 | $60.00 |
| Estimated monthly cost | No reliable estimate yet | $53.33 | $60.00 |
| Cost confidence | No estimate | High confidence | High confidence |
06 · Before you buy
| Decision factor | Melanotan I | Melanotan II | GHK-Cu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked vendor listings | 2 listings | 3 listings | 3 listings |
| Sourcing note | Tracked product pages are available, which makes it easier to review the listing before you click out. | Product format varies by listing, so double-check route, concentration, and presentation. | Product format varies by listing, so double-check route, concentration, and presentation. |
| Stack-friendly? | Better as a standalone decision | Usually stack-friendly | Usually stack-friendly |
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