Melanotan-1 vs Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
A side-by-side research comparison of Melanotan-1 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Melanotan-1 | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide) | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) |
| Category | Skin & Anti-Aging | Skin & Anti-Aging |
| Status | Approved (afamelanotide) / Research compound | Research compound |
| Mechanism | Selectively activates the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes, increasing eumelanin production and providing UV photoprotection and skin darkening. | Functions as matrikine signal, mimicking collagen fragments that trigger fibroblasts to produce new collagen. Palmitoyl enables deeper skin penetration. |
| Molecular weight | 1646.85 Da | 578.8 Da |
| Half-life | ~1 hour (peptide); implant form is sustained | 8-12 hours (topical) |
| Bioavailability | Subcutaneous injection or sustained-release implant | Good (topical with lipid modification) |
| Typical dose | ~0.5-1 mg per dose (research) | 2-5% in formulation |
| Frequency | Daily loading then maintenance | 1-2x daily |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection | Topical |
Melanotan-1 reported benefits
- Skin tanning with less sun exposure
- UV photoprotection
- Fewer side effects than Melanotan-2
- Approved form for light-sensitivity disorder
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 reported benefits
- Collagen synthesis stimulation
- Matrix remodeling
- Wrinkle reduction
- Skin thickness increase
Related comparisons
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.