Pigmentation & Melanocortin Research Peptides
Pigmentation research runs on the melanocortin system. Melanotan-1 (MT-1, the afamelanotide-class analog) is a synthetic α-MSH analog studied at the MC1 receptor for melanogenesis and photoprotective response — the most-cited compound in the pigmentation literature.
The melanocortin family spans five receptor subtypes with markedly different roles, which is why PT-141 — acting at central MC3/MC4 receptors rather than MC1 — appears in the same research family despite an entirely different endpoint.
Supplied lyophilized in multi-vial research kits and shipped from our US facility with tracking. For in-vitro laboratory research and analytical method development only — not for human or veterinary use.
Alpha-MSH analog studied for melanogenesis stimulation and pigmentation research.
Copper-binding tripeptide studied for wound healing, collagen synthesis, skin regeneration, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Research reading on tanning & pigmentation
- Best Peptides for Skin & Cosmetic Research (2026)A 2026 roundup of the most-studied skin and cosmetic research peptides — GHK-Cu, Melanotan-1, and the glow and klow blends — and the models they appear in.
- GHK-Cu Copper Peptide: Research GuideGHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide studied in collagen-synthesis and extracellular-matrix remodeling models. A complete research guide.
Frequently asked questions
+What is Melanotan-1?
Melanotan-1 (MT-1) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone studied at the MC1 receptor. It is more selective than the MT-2 analog, which is a key reason it is used where the study design needs to isolate MC1 activity.
+Why does PT-141 appear alongside pigmentation compounds?
Both are melanocortin-system compounds, but they act at different receptor subtypes — MT-1 at MC1 (pigmentation), PT-141 at central MC3/MC4 receptors. Grouping them reflects the shared receptor family, not a shared endpoint.
+Are these products for human use?
No. These are research reference standards supplied for in-vitro laboratory research only — not for human or veterinary use, and not for cosmetic or tanning application.
Related research topics
Researchers arriving at this collection are typically comparing tanning peptides, melanotan 1 research, MT-1 afamelanotide research, melanocortin peptide research. Each compound page carries CAS number, molecular formula, and per-lot third-party HPLC purity documentation.