--- title: "Melanotan I vs Snap-8: Side-by-Side Comparison (2026)" url: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compare/melanotan-i-vs-snap-8 description: "Compare Melanotan I vs Snap-8 side by side. We earn a commission on some vendor links. Mechanism, half-life, dose range, side effects and prices." lang: en --- Skip to content Compare notes on r/BodyHackGuide (https://reddit.com/r/bodyhackguide) Compare notes with other researchers. Join r/BodyHackGuide (https://reddit.com/r/bodyhackguide) # Melanotan I vs Snap-8 Side-by-side comparison of Melanotan I and Snap-8: mechanism, half-life, dose range, safety profile, and vendor pricing. Melanotan I from $35.00 Snap-8 from $34.99 ## Price snapshot ### Melanotan I Current low $35.00 current listings 7-day low — not enough history yet 30-day low — not enough history yet 30-day change — not enough history yet ### Snap-8 Current low $34.99 current listings 7-day low — not enough history yet 30-day low — not enough history yet 30-day change — not enough history yet ## Melanotan I Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with the substitution of norleucine at position 4 and D-phenylalanine at position 7. Unlike Melanotan II (which is… **Lowest listed price:** $35.00 across 4 listings Full Melanotan I profile (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/melanotan-i) ## Snap-8 Snap-8 (INCI: Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-1) is a synthetic octapeptide designed as an analog of the N-terminal fragment of synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25), which is the molecular target of botulinum… **Lowest listed price:** $34.99 across 4 listings Full Snap-8 profile (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/snap-8) ## Side-by-side comparison | Attribute | Melanotan I | Snap-8 | | --- | --- | --- | | Category | Other | Skin & Hair | | Research Stage | FDA Approved | Preclinical | | Mechanism of Action | Melanotan I is afamelanotide, i.e. [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH ('NDP-alpha-MSH'), a synthetic 13-amino-acid analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The Nle4 and D-Phe7 substitutions make it resistant to enzymatic breakdown and roughly 10-100x more potent… | Snap-8 (INCI Acetyl Octapeptide-3; CAS 868844-74-0) is a synthetic octapeptide, Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2, whose sequence mimics the N-terminal domain of SNAP-25. SNAP-25, together with Syntaxin-1 and VAMP/synaptobrevin, forms the SNARE complex… | | Half-Life | Controlled-release subcutaneous implant (Scenesse): high inter-subject variability; median Tmax ~36 h, mean Cmax ~3.7 ng/mL, apparent terminal half-life ~15 h, with plasma levels measurable to ~96 h post-dose (FDA pharmacokinetics, n=12). Injected/bolus free peptide: peak plasma at ~1-2 h with an elimination half-life of ~30 minutes; the Nle4/D-Phe7 modifications prolong biological (melanogenic) activity well beyond plasma clearance. | Not characterized (topical peptide) | | Typical Dose Range | 16 mg | — | | Dosing Frequency | every_1_to_4_weeks | twice_daily | | Administration | Subcutaneous, Intramuscular | Topical | | Side Effects | Generally mild. Commonly reported: transient nausea (usually milder and less frequent than with Melanotan II), facial flushing, headache, fatigue, and skin hyperpigmentation including darkening of existing moles, freckles and nevi. Implant-site reactions occur… | Topical use at cosmetic concentrations is generally well tolerated. The most commonly reported effects are mild, transient local reactions such as erythema, tightness, dryness, or stinging, usually at higher concentrations or on sensitive/periocular skin.… | | Molecular Weight | 1646.85 g/mol (average; molecular formula C78H111N21O19) | 1075.16 g/mol | | Common Vial Sizes | 5, 10 | 10 | ## Price History 2 data points - Ion Peptide - Disguised Alpha ## Price History 3 data points - Ion Peptide - OF - Disguised Alpha ### Melanotan I: potential benefits - Increased melanin (eumelanin) production and skin darkening via MC1R activation, with a reduced UV requirement - FDA-approved photoprotection in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) as the Scenesse 16 mg subcutaneous implant [PMID:26132941] - Reduced phototoxic pain and improved quality of life in EPP patients in randomized controlled trials [PMID:26132941] - Tends to produce fewer MC4R-type effects (spontaneous erections, strong libido, marked nausea) than the cyclic Melanotan II - attributable to Melanotan II's greater potency and metabolic stability, not to true MC1R selectivity of Melanotan I - Investigated in research settings for photoprotection in UV-sensitive populations ### Snap-8: potential benefits - Reduction of dynamic expression wrinkles (forehead, crow's feet, glabellar lines) - SNARE complex interference — partial, reversible neuromuscular inhibition - Topical alternative research model for neuromuscular relaxation without injected toxin - Cosmetic peptide compounding research — high-purity raw powder applications - Synergy with Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) in SNARE-targeting formulations ## Frequently asked ### What's the difference between Melanotan I and Snap-8? Melanotan I is a other that melanotan i is afamelanotide, i.e. [nle4, d-phe7]-alpha-msh ('ndp-alpha-msh'), a synthetic 13-amino-acid analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. the nle4 and d-phe7…. Snap-8 is a skin & hair that snap-8 (inci acetyl octapeptide-3; cas 868844-74-0) is a synthetic octapeptide, ac-glu-glu-met-gln-arg-arg-ala-asp-nh2, whose sequence mimics the n-terminal domain of snap-25.…. The two differ in mechanism, half-life (Controlled-release subcutaneous implant (Scenesse): high inter-subject variability; median Tmax ~36 h, mean Cmax ~3.7 ng/mL, apparent terminal half-life ~15 h, with plasma levels measurable to ~96 h post-dose (FDA pharmacokinetics, n=12). Injected/bolus free peptide: peak plasma at ~1-2 h with an elimination half-life of ~30 minutes; the Nle4/D-Phe7 modifications prolong biological (melanogenic) activity well beyond plasma clearance. vs Not characterized (topical peptide)), and typical dose range. ### Which has the longer half-life, Melanotan I or Snap-8? Melanotan I has a half-life of Controlled-release subcutaneous implant (Scenesse): high inter-subject variability; median Tmax ~36 h, mean Cmax ~3.7 ng/mL, apparent terminal half-life ~15 h, with plasma levels measurable to ~96 h post-dose (FDA pharmacokinetics, n=12). Injected/bolus free peptide: peak plasma at ~1-2 h with an elimination half-life of ~30 minutes; the Nle4/D-Phe7 modifications prolong biological (melanogenic) activity well beyond plasma clearance.. Snap-8 has a half-life of Not characterized (topical peptide). Longer half-lives generally mean less frequent dosing but slower on/off kinetics. ### Which is cheaper, Melanotan I or Snap-8? Lowest listed price on BodyHackGuide: Melanotan I from $35.00, Snap-8 from $34.99. Prices are pulled from the vendor listings tracked on BHG and change frequently. See the compare tables on each compound page for the current set of offers. ### Can you stack Melanotan I and Snap-8? Stacking depends on mechanism overlap, safety profile, and goals. Melanotan I and Snap-8 should only be stacked after reviewing each compound's individual protocol page, side effect profile, and any published interaction data. Use the BodyHackGuide stack builder for a structured review before combining research compounds. ## See current vendor prices Listings from the vendors we track. Prices change often, so check the vendor before you buy. Melanotan I prices: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/melanotan-i?tab=prices Snap-8 prices: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/snap-8?tab=prices Compare all compounds: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compare ### Before you buy Melanotan I or Snap-8 Check the vendor trust score. Every supplier we track is rated 0-100 on COA verification, payment transparency, shipping, reviews, and listings: one published, reproducible methodology, applied to every vendor. View Vendor Scorecard (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/scorecard) ## Related comparisons Melanotan I vs Melanotan Ii: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compare/melanotan-i-vs-melanotan-ii **Research use only.** BodyHackGuide is a research and price-comparison reference. The compounds discussed on this page are not approved by the FDA for human consumption and are sold strictly for laboratory research. Prices shown are pulled from vendor listings tracked on BHG and are subject to change. Every vendor is ranked on the same public, reproducible methodology. See editorial standards (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/editorial-standards) and affiliate disclosure (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/affiliate-disclosure). BodyHackGuide (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/) Your biohacking research hub: compound pricing, brain health protocols, dosing tools, and vendor reviews. support@bodyhackguide.co Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Mhq5UdRYBA r/BodyHackGuide on Reddit: https://reddit.com/r/BodyHackGuide **Affiliate Disclosure:** We rank every vendor on the same public, reproducible methodology (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/methodology). Full details in our affiliate disclosure (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/affiliate-disclosure). **Research Disclaimer:** All compounds listed are for laboratory and research purposes only. Not for human consumption. This site does not sell or ship any products. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional and comply with local regulations. © 2026 BodyHackGuide. All rights reserved. - Terms: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/terms - Privacy: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/privacy ## Structured data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Compare", "item": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compare" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Melanotan I vs Snap-8" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebPage", "name": "Melanotan I vs Snap-8: Side-by-Side Comparison (2026)", "description": "Compare Melanotan I vs Snap-8 side by side. We earn a commission on some vendor links. 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Snap-8 is a skin & hair that snap-8 (inci acetyl octapeptide-3; cas 868844-74-0) is a synthetic octapeptide, ac-glu-glu-met-gln-arg-arg-ala-asp-nh2, whose sequence mimics the n-terminal domain of snap-25.…. The two differ in mechanism, half-life (Controlled-release subcutaneous implant (Scenesse): high inter-subject variability; median Tmax ~36 h, mean Cmax ~3.7 ng/mL, apparent terminal half-life ~15 h, with plasma levels measurable to ~96 h post-dose (FDA pharmacokinetics, n=12). Injected/bolus free peptide: peak plasma at ~1-2 h with an elimination half-life of ~30 minutes; the Nle4/D-Phe7 modifications prolong biological (melanogenic) activity well beyond plasma clearance. vs Not characterized (topical peptide)), and typical dose range." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which has the longer half-life, Melanotan I or Snap-8?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Melanotan I has a half-life of Controlled-release subcutaneous implant (Scenesse): high inter-subject variability; median Tmax ~36 h, mean Cmax ~3.7 ng/mL, apparent terminal half-life ~15 h, with plasma levels measurable to ~96 h post-dose (FDA pharmacokinetics, n=12). Injected/bolus free peptide: peak plasma at ~1-2 h with an elimination half-life of ~30 minutes; the Nle4/D-Phe7 modifications prolong biological (melanogenic) activity well beyond plasma clearance.. Snap-8 has a half-life of Not characterized (topical peptide). Longer half-lives generally mean less frequent dosing but slower on/off kinetics." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which is cheaper, Melanotan I or Snap-8?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Lowest listed price on BodyHackGuide: Melanotan I from $35.00, Snap-8 from $34.99. Prices are pulled from the vendor listings tracked on BHG and change frequently. See the compare tables on each compound page for the current set of offers." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you stack Melanotan I and Snap-8?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Stacking depends on mechanism overlap, safety profile, and goals. Melanotan I and Snap-8 should only be stacked after reviewing each compound's individual protocol page, side effect profile, and any published interaction data. Use the BodyHackGuide stack builder for a structured review before combining research compounds." } } ] } ] ```