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Comparison

MT-1 (Melanotan I) vs MT-2 (Melanotan II)

MT-1 vs MT-2 for tanning: side effect profile, libido effects, FDA status, and which is gentler.

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MT-1 (Melanotan I)
PigmentEvidence: Strong

MT-1 mimics a hormone your body uses to make pigment in your skin. With sun or tanning-bed exposure, it gives you a darker tan from much less UV time. Cleaner side-effect profile than the more popular MT-2.

Onset
85
Documentation
80
Side intensity
100
Popularity
55
010
MT-2 (Melanotan II)
PigmentEvidence: Limited

MT-2 is the more potent (and rougher) sibling of MT-1. Stronger pigmentation but harder side-effect profile, including unwanted libido effects. Most people who tried MT-2 first migrate to MT-1 for cleaner results.

Onset
85
Documentation
80
Side intensity
100
Popularity
75
Side-by-side
Field
Left
Right
Category
Pigment
Pigment
Half-life
~1 hour
~30 minutes
Route
Subcutaneous
Subcutaneous
Schedule
Daily loading → 1-2x weekly maintenance
Daily loading → 2-3x weekly maintenance
Cycle length
Loading 2-3 wks, then maintenance
Loading 1-2 wks, then maintenance
Dose
Loading: 250-500 mcg sub-q daily for 2-3 weeks. Maintenance: 250-500 mcg, 1-2x weekly. UV exposure required.
Loading: 250-500 mcg sub-q daily for 1-2 weeks. Maintenance: 250-500 mcg, 2-3x weekly. Pair with UV exposure.
FDA
Approved as Afamelanotide (Scenesse), 2019, for adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Not FDA approved. Afamelanotide (MT-1) is the approved analog.
WADA
Not listed
Not listed
Natty?
Not natty
Not natty
Prescribed
Yes — Scenesse implant prescribed by dermatology / specialty providers for EPP. Off-label use for general pigmentation is outside the FDA approval.
Not prescribed in conventional medicine.
Top side effects
Nausea (first doses, usually fades); Facial flushing; Appetite suppression
Nausea (more pronounced than MT-1); Facial flushing; Spontaneous erections / increased libido

Which one should you pick?

Pick MT-1 (Melanotan I) if light-skinned users wanting baseline tan with less uv time or people who tried mt-2 and didn't tolerate the libido / nausea hit.

Pick MT-2 (Melanotan II) if users wanting deeper pigmentation than mt-1 delivers or people who specifically want the libido side effect.