Skin & Hair Peptide Dosage Protocols
Skin and hair research peptides include melanocortin receptor agonists (Melanotan I/II) and copper-binding tripeptides (GHK-Cu) used for collagen synthesis and ECM remodeling studies.
19 protocols indexed
Melanotan I
Melanotan I (afamelanotide; brand name Scenesse) is a synthetic 13-amino-acid analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and a selective melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) agonist in the cosmetic/tanning melanocortin class. Two substitutions, norleucine at position 4 and D-phenylalanine at position 7, make it far more resistant to enzymatic breakdown and roughly 100-1000 times more potent than native α-MSH, driving eumelanin (the brown-black, photoprotective pigment) synthesis in skin independently of UV exposure [2][3]. The only regulator-approved form is a 16 mg controlled-release subcutaneous implant inserted by a clinician every two months, FDA-approved in 2019 and EMA-approved in 2014 to reduce phototoxic pain in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) [1][4][5]. In research and grey-market cosmetic-tanning use, a reconstituted injectable liquid is dosed very differently: a commonly described Melanotan I dosage is roughly 250 mcg subcutaneously once daily for a 10-14 day loading phase, then 250-500 mcg every 3-4 days for maintenance. This cosmetic/tanning use is NOT approved by any regulator; the injectable liquid is an unlicensed research material, and agencies including the FDA, MHRA and TGA warn against it because of unknown long-term risks and mole/melanoma concerns [6][8]. The reconstitution, half-life and dosing figures on this page are an educational reference only, not medical advice.
Open Protocolarrow_forwardEpidermal Growth FactorEGF
EGF (epidermal growth factor) is a single-chain, 53-amino-acid, roughly 6 kDa signaling polypeptide first isolated by Stanley Cohen, whose work earned the 1986 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine [1]. It is the prototype ligand of the epidermal growth factor family and drives wound healing and skin regeneration by binding the EGF receptor (EGFR/ErbB1) tyrosine kinase, switching on the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK pathways that stimulate keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation, migration and re-epithelialization [6]. The best-validated clinical EGF dosage comes from Heberprot-P, a Cuban recombinant human EGF product infiltrated intralesionally at 75 mcg three times per week into advanced diabetic foot ulcers until the wound closes [2][3][4]. In cosmetic and dermatologic use, EGF is applied topically at roughly 10-50 mcg/mL (about 1-5 ppm) for photoaging, wrinkles and post-procedure recovery [6][7]. EGF has a very short in-vivo half-life, on the order of minutes in serum and roughly 15-30 minutes in the protease-rich wound bed, which is why local protocols rely on repeated dosing rather than systemic delivery [5]. Heberprot-P is approved in Cuba and more than a dozen countries but is not FDA- or EMA-approved; in the United States it remains in clinical trials, and topical or research-grade EGF is sold for cosmetic or laboratory use only. The subcutaneous reconstitution figures on this page are an educational measurement reference; clinically, EGF is delivered intralesionally or topically, not subcutaneously.
Open Protocolarrow_forwardTopical Anti-Wrinkle PeptideArgireline
Argireline is the trade name for acetyl hexapeptide-8 (originally classified as acetyl hexapeptide-3), a synthetic cosmetic anti-wrinkle peptide with the amino acid sequence Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2 and a molecular weight of roughly 889 g/mol. Developed by Lipotec (now Lubrizol) in Spain, it was designed to mimic the N-terminal domain of SNAP-25, a SNARE-complex protein required for acetylcholine release, so it competitively reduces nerve-driven facial muscle contraction in a milder, reversible way than botulinum toxin [1]. Because it is a hydrophilic, positively charged peptide, less than 1% typically crosses the stratum corneum, so it is formulated for surface and upper-epidermal cosmetic effects rather than systemic action [4][5]. The headline Argireline dosage in published cosmetic literature is a 5-10% (most often 10%) topical serum or oil-in-water emulsion applied twice daily; controlled topography studies report up to roughly 30% reduction in wrinkle depth after 30 days at 10% [1][2]. There is no injectable or oral medical dose for Argireline; the subcutaneous reconstitution figures on this page are an educational measurement reference only, not a real-world route. Argireline is not an FDA- or EMA-approved drug. It is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient (INCI: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8), has been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel as safe as used in cosmetics, and is presented here for educational purposes, not as medical advice [6].
Open Protocolarrow_forwardCosmetic Anti-Wrinkle PeptideSyn-Ake
Syn-Ake (INCI: Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate; CAS 823202-99-9) is a synthetic cosmetic anti-wrinkle peptide, a small beta-Ala-Pro-Dab-benzylamide molecule engineered by Pentapharm (now DSM-firmenich) to mimic Waglerin-1, a 22-amino-acid neurotoxin from the venom of the temple viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri) [2][3]. Like its venom template, it behaves as a reversible competitive antagonist at the muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (mnAChR), dampening acetylcholine-driven contraction of the facial mimic muscles so expression lines such as crow's feet and forehead and glabellar creases appear softened, a topical "Botox-like" effect [1][4]. The real-world Syn-Ake dosage is a topical concentration rather than an injected amount: roughly 1-4% of the trade solution in a serum or cream applied once or twice daily, with manufacturer trials using 4% twice daily for four weeks [7]. Because this site models every compound as a subcutaneous reconstitution reference, the per-application figures below translate that topical use into approximately 250-1000 mcg of pure peptide per application measured on a U-100 syringe; Syn-Ake is not injected in practice. Mechanistically it is grouped with the neurotransmitter-inhibitor class of cosmetic peptides alongside acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) [4][5]. Syn-Ake is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient (INCI-listed, EU CosIng), is not an FDA-approved drug, and has no established systemic pharmacokinetics; this page is educational and not medical advice.
Open Protocolarrow_forwardCosmetic Eye PeptideEyeseryl
Eyeseryl (INCI Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5) is a synthetic, acetylated tetrapeptide cosmetic ingredient marketed by Lipotec/Lubrizol for the eye-contour area, where it is positioned as an anti-puffiness and anti-dark-circle active. Its sequence is acetyl-beta-alanyl-histidyl-seryl-histidine (Ac-betaAla-His-Ser-His; molecular formula C20H28N8O7, average mass about 492.5 Da, CAS 820959-17-9) [1]. Mechanistically it is described as a local angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that exerts a draining, decongestant effect, reduces capillary permeability and interstitial fluid accumulation, and inhibits protein glycation, helping preserve the collagen and elastin that support the thin infraorbital skin [2][3]. The real-world Eyeseryl dosage is purely topical: finished serums and creams contain roughly 1-10% of the Eyeseryl trade solution (which itself carries only about 0.05% active peptide), applied twice daily to the under-eye area. Manufacturer-sponsored studies report a visible reduction in eye-bag appearance in around 70% of volunteers within 28 days, although independent, peer-reviewed randomized trials are lacking. Eyeseryl is not an FDA- or EMA-approved drug; it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient and is presented here for educational purposes only. The subcutaneous reconstitution figures on this page are an educational measurement convention used across this site, not a clinically used route, and cosmetic-grade peptide should never be injected.
Open Protocolarrow_forwardCosmetic Copper PeptideAHK-Cu
AHK-Cu is a synthetic copper-binding tripeptide, L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Ala-His-Lys) chelated to a divalent copper ion, marketed in cosmetics as Copper Tripeptide-3 and used almost exclusively as a topical hair- and scalp-care active. It is a close structural cousin of the better-known GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1); the molecule (free peptide ~354 g/mol; copper complex ~417 g/mol) delivers copper into the skin and signals to the hair follicle's dermal papilla. In the key in vitro study (Pyo et al., 2007), AHK-Cu at 10^-12 to 10^-9 M stimulated elongation of cultured human hair follicles, increased dermal papilla cell proliferation, raised the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2/Bax ratio, lowered cleaved caspase-3 and PARP, upregulated VEGF, and suppressed TGF-beta1 — pathways linked to a longer anagen growth phase and improved perifollicular blood supply [1][2][3]. The typical AHK-Cu dosage in cosmetic practice is a topical serum delivering roughly 200-500 ppm (about 0.02-0.05%), applied once daily to the scalp, which corresponds to roughly 200-500 mcg of peptide per application. AHK-Cu is not an FDA- or EMA-approved drug; it is a cosmetic ingredient and research chemical with no approved indication for hair loss, where only minoxidil and finasteride hold approval. The subcutaneous reconstitution figures on this page are an educational measurement reference only — the real-world route is topical.
Open Protocolarrow_forwardWnt-Activating Hair PeptidePTD-DBM
PTD-DBM (Protein Transduction Domain-Dishevelled Binding Motif) is a synthetic cell-penetrating peptide developed by the Kang-Yell Choi laboratory at Yonsei University as a cosmetic and research hair-growth agent. It fuses an octa-arginine protein transduction domain to a short Dishevelled-binding motif copied from CXXC5, a negative-feedback brake on Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. By competitively occupying the Dishevelled binding pocket that CXXC5 normally uses, PTD-DBM releases that brake and reactivates Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in hair-follicle stem cells, promoting hair regrowth and wound-induced hair neogenesis in mouse models [1][2]. The commonly cited PTD-DBM dosage is a topical 0.5-1 mg/mL aqueous solution applied once daily to the scalp, frequently combined with valproic acid and microneedling; the per-injection microgram figures on this page are an educational subcutaneous reconstitution reference, because the real-world route is topical rather than injected. This Wnt-pathway hair peptide has no completed peer-reviewed human efficacy trials, no established human pharmacokinetics, and no published half-life. PTD-DBM is not approved by the FDA or EMA for any indication and is supplied strictly for research and cosmetic use. The reconstitution, dosing, and protocol figures here are educational only and are not medical advice.
Open Protocolarrow_forwardRegenerative Skin BoosterPolynucleotides / PDRN
Polynucleotides (PN) and polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) are regenerative skin-booster injectables built from long-chain DNA fragments fractionated and purified from the sperm of salmon trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) or chum salmon. Marketed as Rejuran, Plinest, Placentex and related products (aliases PN, polydeoxyribonucleotide), they are delivered by intradermal microinjection to improve skin elasticity, hydration, texture and fine wrinkles. The typical Polynucleotides / PDRN dosage in aesthetic practice is roughly 2 mL (about 20 mg of polynucleotide) per session, delivered as dozens of superficial microboluses across the treatment zone, with a loading course of 3-4 sessions spaced 2-4 weeks apart followed by maintenance every 6-12 months [3][4]. Mechanistically, PDRN is enzymatically degraded to nucleosides and the nucleoside adenosine, which engages the adenosine A2A receptor to raise cyclic AMP, stimulate fibroblast proliferation, upregulate VEGF-driven angiogenesis and supply purine and pyrimidine bases to the DNA salvage pathway, collectively promoting collagen synthesis and tissue repair [1][2]. The molecule has a plasma half-life of roughly 3.3-3.5 hours, about 80-90% bioavailability after intramuscular delivery, and is cleared by plasma nucleases rather than hepatic metabolism [1]. Injectable PN/PDRN is widely licensed as a medical device or drug in South Korea and parts of Europe but is NOT FDA-approved in the United States for aesthetic injection; topical PDRN serums are sold only as unapproved cosmetics. The reconstitution and dosing figures below are an educational reference, not medical advice.
Open Protocolarrow_forwardCosmetic Anti-Wrinkle PeptideLeuphasyl
Leuphasyl is the trade name for Pentapeptide-18 (INCI: Pentapeptide-18; CAS 64963-01-5), a synthetic cosmetic anti-wrinkle peptide developed by Lipotec (now Lubrizol). Its sequence, Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu, is an enkephalin mimic modeled on natural leucine-enkephalin (Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu); a single D-alanine substitution at position 2 makes it far more resistant to aminopeptidase degradation than the native opioid pentapeptide [1][2]. Like enkephalins, Leuphasyl binds neuronal enkephalin (opioid) receptors and, through G-protein modulation of calcium and potassium channels, reduces acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction of facial mimetic muscles, softening dynamic expression lines without paralysis [1][5]. In real-world use it is a topical cosmeceutical, formulated at roughly 2-10% in serums and creams and applied twice daily; it is frequently paired with Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) in the Argirelox blend for a synergistic effect [2][6]. Headline cosmetic data show mean glabellar wrinkle reductions near 11-12% for Leuphasyl alone and about 25% (up to roughly 47%) for the Argireline combination after 28 days. Because this site models every protocol as a subcutaneous reconstitution reference, the Leuphasyl dosage shown here (250-1000 mcg per injection from a 10 mg vial) is an educational conversion, not a clinical injectable regimen. Leuphasyl is not FDA- or EMA-approved as a drug; it is regulated solely as a cosmetic ingredient.
Open Protocolarrow_forwardCosmetic PeptideVialox
Vialox (INCI Pentapeptide-3; also sold as Pentapeptide-3V) is a synthetic cosmetic anti-wrinkle peptide with the sequence Gly-Pro-Arg-Pro-Ala-NH2 (CAS 135679-88-8, molecular weight ~495.6 Da), developed by the Swiss firm Pentapharm as a topical, needle-free alternative to botulinum toxin. It is a short synthetic fragment inspired by waglerin-1, a competitive nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist from the venom of Wagler's pit viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri) [1][4]. By acting as a curare-like antagonist at the postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor of the neuromuscular junction, Vialox is proposed to keep sodium channels closed, blunting depolarization and the contraction of the facial mimetic muscles that drive expression lines [2][3]. In the real world the route is topical: finished cosmetics contain roughly 0.05% pure pentapeptide (about 5% of the diluted Vialox trade solution), applied once or twice daily, with manufacturer studies reporting up to ~49% reductions in wrinkle depth and ~47% in roughness over 28 days. The headline Vialox dosage in this educational reference is modeled as a subcutaneous reconstitution exercise (250-1,000 mcg per administration) so readers can practice insulin-syringe math, but Vialox is not injected clinically. Vialox is not approved by the FDA or EMA as a drug; it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient and the powder sold by peptide vendors is research-grade. This page summarizes the verified mechanism, evidence, side effects, and a reconstitution-style Vialox dosage framework for educational purposes only.
Open Protocolarrow_forwardCosmetic Collagen PeptideTripeptide-29
Tripeptide-29 is the INCI name for a synthetic collagen-mimetic tripeptide with the sequence glycine-proline-hydroxyproline (Gly-Pro-Hyp), the most abundant repeating motif in human type I collagen [1][2]. As a cosmetic collagen-stimulating (matrikine-signaling) peptide, it is used in topical serums and creams at roughly 0.1-1% and, in its closely related orally ingested collagen-tripeptide form, at about 1000-2500 mg/day. The headline Tripeptide-29 dosage therefore depends on route: topical formulations deliver 0.1-1% by weight, while oral collagen-tripeptide supplements are dosed in grams per day, most commonly around 1000 mg/day in clinical studies [6][7]. Mechanistically, dermal fibroblasts recognize Gly-Pro-Hyp as a fragment of degraded collagen and respond by upregulating new collagen synthesis; in vitro a 3% solution increased type I collagen synthesis by roughly 400% over 48 hours [1]. Orally, Gly-Pro-Hyp is one of the few collagen peptides absorbed largely intact and is detectable in human plasma within 30-120 minutes [3][4][5]. Human efficacy data for the topical ingredient remain limited to in-vitro tests, whereas oral collagen tripeptide has been studied in randomized trials for skin hydration, elasticity and wrinkling [6][7]. Tripeptide-29 is a cosmetic and food-supplement ingredient, not an approved drug: it has no FDA or EMA drug approval, and the subcutaneous reconstitution figures on this page are an educational measurement reference only, not a clinical delivery method.
Open Protocolarrow_forwardCosmetic Matrikine PeptideMatrixyl
Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Pal-KTTKS) is a cosmetic collagen-stimulating matrikine peptide developed by the French active-ingredient house Sederma and launched in 2000. It pairs the procollagen-I matrikine sequence KTTKS (lysine-threonine-threonine-lysine-serine), naturally released from the C-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen, with a 16-carbon palmitic-acid chain that lets the otherwise hydrophilic pentapeptide cross the stratum corneum. Once in the dermis, KTTKS acts as a feedback signal that prompts fibroblasts to upregulate type I and III collagen, fibronectin, and glycosaminoglycans, the rationale behind its anti-wrinkle positioning. The established Matrixyl dosage is topical: finished serums and creams deliver roughly 3 ppm (0.0003%) Pal-KTTKS applied twice daily, the concentration used in the pivotal 12-week, double-blind, split-face study by Robinson and colleagues (2005), which showed significant reductions in wrinkles and fine lines versus placebo with excellent tolerability. Matrixyl is not absorbed systemically; in vitro permeation work confirms it reaches the stratum corneum, epidermis, and upper dermis but does not cross full-thickness skin, so it has no meaningful plasma half-life. It is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient, not an approved drug, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (2024) judged it safe as used. The subcutaneous reconstitution figures on this page are an educational measurement convention only; the real-world route is topical.
Open Protocolarrow_forwardSkin-Brightening PeptideDecapeptide-12
Decapeptide-12 (trade name Lumixyl) is a synthetic decapeptide (Tyr-Arg-Ser-Arg-Lys-Tyr-Ser-Ser-Trp-Tyr; YRSRKYSSWY, ~1,395 Da) in the class of cosmetic tyrosinase-inhibiting, skin-brightening peptides. Identified through a peptide-library screen by Abu Ubeid, Hantash and colleagues, it competitively inhibits tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme of melanin synthesis, with roughly 17-fold greater in-vitro potency than hydroquinone and without the melanocyte cytotoxicity that hydroquinone causes [1]. Clinically it is used as a 0.01% (100 ppm) topical cream, and the headline Decapeptide-12 dosage is one application twice daily to pigmented areas, typically alongside a buffered glycolic-acid lotion and broad-spectrum sunscreen [3][5]. Open-label studies report progressive lightening of melasma (mean MASI reductions reaching about 60% at 16 weeks), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and photodamage, with excellent tolerability and no reported adverse events [4][5][6]. Because the native peptide is hydrophilic and relatively large, passive transdermal penetration is limited, and research has explored palmitoylation, chemical enhancers, and microneedles to improve skin delivery [7]. Decapeptide-12 is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient (INCI: Decapeptide-12); it is not an FDA- or EMA-approved drug, and the subcutaneous reconstitution protocol shown here is an educational measurement reference only, not a clinical route. This page summarizes Decapeptide-12 dosage, reconstitution, mechanism, and safety data for educational purposes and is not medical advice.
Open Protocolarrow_forwardResearch PeptideSNAP-8
SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is a synthetic octapeptide derivative of Argireline developed as a topical cosmetic ingredient for reducing the appearance of expression lines and dynamic wrinkles. It mimics the N-terminal sequence of SNAP-25, a key SNARE protein involved in acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. By interfering with vesicle docking at presynaptic terminals of facial mimetic muscles, SNAP-8 produces a localized, transient reduction in muscle contraction intensity without systemic absorption. SNAP-8 is used exclusively as a topical cosmetic agent at concentrations of 5–10% in serums, creams, and eye contour products. It is not approved for injection and has no documented systemic pharmacology in humans. Manufacturer-sponsored studies report wrinkle depth reductions of approximately 30–35% after 28 days of twice-daily topical application. SNAP-8 is generally regarded as safe for topical use, with very low rates of irritation or allergic contact dermatitis, and is widely incorporated into anti-aging cosmetic formulations as a non-invasive alternative to botulinum toxin.
Open Protocolarrow_forwardResearch PeptideGHK-Cu
GHK-Cu is the copper-binding tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed with divalent copper, first isolated from human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973. Plasma concentrations decline with age, and the molecule has become one of the most extensively studied bioactive peptides in dermatology and regenerative medicine. GHK-Cu modulates over four thousand human genes at nanomolar concentrations, shifting expression patterns associated with damaged or aged tissue toward profiles characteristic of younger, healthier tissue. It accelerates wound healing, stimulates collagen, elastin, and proteoglycan synthesis, modulates matrix metalloproteinase activity, promotes angiogenesis, and supports hair follicle regeneration. In dermatology and cosmetics, GHK-Cu is used topically at concentrations of 0.05% to 2% in serums, creams, and scalp formulations. Injectable and intranasal protocols are explored in research settings only. Tolerability is excellent for topical use; the most common adverse events are mild irritation or temporary blue-green staining of skin or fabrics from the copper complex itself.
Open Protocolarrow_forwardMelanocortin / Tanning & LibidoMelanotan II
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) developed at the University of Arizona by Hadley, Hruby, Dorr and colleagues in the 1980s as a stable, broadly active melanocortin receptor agonist. It activates MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R, producing eumelanin pigmentation in skin and hair (MC1R), centrally mediated penile erection and sexual desire (MC3R/MC4R), appetite suppression and increased energy expenditure (MC4R), and exocrine effects (MC5R). Research subcutaneous dosing typically begins at 0.10–0.25 mg and titrates up to 0.5–1 mg per administration after gradual desensitization to nausea. Melanotan II is not approved by any major regulator for human use. Documented risks include nausea and flushing, spontaneous erections, blood pressure changes, eruptive and darkening melanocytic nevi, and isolated case reports of melanoma emerging in users. Long-term safety has not been established, and the peptide is not recommended for routine cosmetic tanning.
Open Protocolarrow_forwardMelanocortin / Tanning & LibidoPT-141
PT-141 (bremelanotide, Vyleesi) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist (Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-OH) derived from alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, with nonselective agonist activity at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R and the strongest behavioral relevance to MC4R-mediated central sexual response pathways [1][2]. Diamond and colleagues published the first proof-of-concept study in 2006 demonstrating that intranasal bremelanotide improved subjective sexual arousal and desire in premenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder [3]. The pivotal phase 3 RECONNECT-1 and RECONNECT-2 trials randomized approximately 1,200 premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) to 1.75 mg subcutaneous bremelanotide or placebo on demand for 24 weeks, with both co-primary endpoints of improved desire and reduced distress met at p less than 0.001 [4][5]. The FDA approved bremelanotide as Vyleesi on 21 June 2019 for acquired generalized HSDD in premenopausal women. Standard dosing is 1.75 mg subcutaneous as needed approximately 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity, with no more than one dose per 24 hours and no more than 8 doses per month.
Open Protocolarrow_forwardTherapeutic BlendGLOW
GLOW is a research peptide blend that combines three regenerative compounds in a single vial: BPC-157 (pentadecapeptide derived from gastric juice protein BPRP), TB-500 (synthetic Thymosin Beta-4 fragment), and GHK-Cu (copper-tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine). Typical research formulations contain ten milligrams of BPC-157, ten milligrams of TB-500, and fifty milligrams of GHK-Cu per vial. The blend is administered subcutaneously, often at doses delivering 250–500 micrograms of BPC-157, 250–500 micrograms of TB-500, and 1–2 mg of GHK-Cu per injection two to five times weekly. GLOW is marketed for skin rejuvenation, hair quality, post-procedure recovery, soft tissue repair, and inflammation modulation. None of the components are FDA approved, and the blend has never been studied as a fixed combination in published clinical trials. Evidence rests entirely on animal data and mechanistic studies of the individual peptides.
Open Protocolarrow_forwardSynergistic StackPT-141 + Melanotan II
PT-141 (bremelanotide) and Melanotan II are structurally related melanocortin receptor agonists derived from the same University of Arizona research program. Melanotan II is a non-selective MC1R/MC3R/MC4R/MC5R agonist used in research for tanning and sexual function. PT-141 is a metabolite of Melanotan II with greater selectivity for MC3R and MC4R and minimal MC1R-driven pigmentation; the FDA approved it in 2019 as Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Some users combine the two peptides to achieve cosmetic tanning (MT-II) plus enhanced sexual response (PT-141). Combined dosing has not been formally studied. Research subcutaneous protocols typically use 0.25–1 mg MT-II during a loading phase plus 0.5–1.75 mg PT-141 as needed before sexual activity. The stack amplifies common melanocortin side effects (nausea, flushing, blood pressure changes) and adds the long-term dermatologic and oncologic risks associated with MT-II, including new and darkening nevi.
Open Protocolarrow_forward