Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)

Selective MC1R agonist for skin pigmentation — FDA-approved as Scenesse for porphyria.

Melanotan I tells your skin's pigment cells to make melanin without needing sun, producing a real tan and meaningful UV protection. Because it's selective for the pigment receptor (MC1R) only, it's the cleaner and more predictable of the two melanotans — without the libido and nausea baggage of MT2. It's an actual approved drug (Scenesse) for people with a painful sun-sensitivity disorder. For everyone else the appeal is a protective base tan; get a skin check first, since it darkens existing moles.