Source comparison
Melanotan-1 Daily Dosing: Protocol Comparison
Different research objectives require different dosing strategies. The table below compares three common Melanotan-1 protocols based on loading phase duration, daily dose, and maintenance frequency. Gradual Cosmetic Pigmentation 7–10 days 0.25–0.5mg daily 0.5m
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- Different research objectives require different dosing strategies. The table below compares three common Melanotan-1 protocols based on loading phase duration, daily dose, and maintenance frequency.
- Gradual Cosmetic Pigmentation
- 7–10 days
- 0.25–0.5mg daily
- 0.5mg every 72 hours
- Aesthetic tanning research, Fitzpatrick II–III subjects
- Slower melanin accumulation with minimal overshoot risk; ideal for fair-skinned subjects or first-time protocols
- Standard Photoprotection
- 0.5–1mg daily
- 1mg every 48–72 hours
- General photoprotection studies, Fitzpatrick III–IV subjects
- Balanced approach; achieves protective melanin density within 10 days without excessive darkening
- Rapid EPP Photodermatosis
- 10 days
- 1.5–2mg daily
- 1mg every 48 hours
- Erythropoietic protoporphyria, polymorphic light eruption
- Maximal melanin density in shortest timeframe; higher dose justified by severe phototoxicity risk
- The gradual protocol prioritizes natural-looking pigmentation and minimizes the risk of exceeding an individual's genetic tanning ceiling. The rapid EPP protocol, by contrast, front-loads melanin synthesis to provide immediate photoprotection for subjects who experience debilitating phototoxic reactions within minutes of UV exposure. Most research falls into the standard photoprotection category. 1mg daily during loading provides robust MC1R activation without the side effects (nausea, flushing) occasionally seen at 2mg+ doses.