Dermatology · Research Phase
Melitane (Acetyl Hexapeptide-1)
No lawful US pathway
01 · Overview
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 (trade name Melitane) is a synthetic hexapeptide cosmetic ingredient designed as a biomimetic of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, intended to act at melanocortin-1 receptors on melanocytes and stimulate melanin synthesis. The acetyl modification is intended to improve peptide stability.
Its proposed rationale is to support skin or hair pigmentation without relying on UV exposure, but this mechanism is based largely on manufacturer descriptions rather than independent peer-reviewed data.
02 · Research summary & key findings
Independent peer-reviewed studies of Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 are scarce. The only clinical report specifically naming Melitane is a single case of premature hair graying in a teenager treated with topical Melitane together with oral hair supplements, so any improvement cannot be attributed to the peptide alone (PMID 31831925). No controlled human trials of tanning or photoprotection, and no long-term safety data, were found in PubMed.
03 · Regulatory status
Melitane (Acetyl Hexapeptide-1) is in the research phase with limited clinical data in humans. Current evidence is primarily derived from preclinical (animal or in vitro) studies.
No lawful pathway today
Melitane (Acetyl Hexapeptide-1) is not FDA-approved and does not currently have a lawful prescription or compounding pathway in the United States, so we do not sell it and will not book a consultation for it. That can change: in 2026 FDA began reviewing several peptides for compounding. If you are working on the goal it is studied for, a licensed clinician can tell you what is lawfully available, which may be something else.
See the 1 FDA-approved compound in Dermatology
Tell me if the status changes
One email, only if this compound's regulatory standing actually moves. Not a newsletter, not a sales sequence.
Looking for a lawful, clinician-prescribed option for longevity and healthy ageing?
Melitane (Acetyl Hexapeptide-1) is a research compound, is not FDA-approved, and has no lawful US compounding pathway, so we do not offer it and no clinician we work with will prescribe it. Products sold online as “research chemicals” are not made or tested to the standards required of medicines. If you are working on longevity and healthy ageing, a licensed clinician can tell you at a free consultation whether an FDA-approved or lawfully compounded treatment fits you, or whether nothing does.
Explore lawful options (free intake)About 3 minutes. If a protocol is prescribed through our provider, we earn 10% of the sale. See the receipts.
04 · Administration routes
- Topical
References
- [1]Case report on premature hair graying treated with Melitane 5% and oral hair supplements Indian J Pharmacol, 2019. PMID 31831925
Primary literature
- PubMed: "Melitane"
Peer-reviewed literature indexed by the National Library of Medicine.
- ClinicalTrials.gov: "Melitane"
Registered interventional and observational studies, including status and phase.
- PubChem: "Melitane"
Chemical structure, molecular properties, and bioactivity data.
Related peptides in Dermatology
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. The Peptide Association does not endorse or recommend any specific treatment protocol. See our editorial policy for how this content is produced and reviewed. Clinicians: join the network.