Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 (Melitane) Cosmetic Ingredient Supplier — UPOR Biotech
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 (Melitane) is a biomimetic α-MSH-mimicking peptide — an MC1R agonist that stimulates natural melanin synthesis and promotes a pro-tanning, UV-photoprotective response in skin. Unlike brightening peptides that inhibit pigmentation, Melitane activates tyrosinase to boost melanin and melanocyte dendricity, supporting sunless tanning, UV defense, and DNA-repair in photoaged skin. Cosmetic-grade bulk supplier — premium Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 from UPOR Biotech.
Request a QuoteProduct Overview
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 (CAS 448944-47-6, C₄₃H₅₉N₁₃O₇, MW 870.01 g/mol) — trade name Melitane — is a biomimetic hexapeptide with the sequence Ac-Nle-Ala-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-NH₂, engineered to mimic the biological activity of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). As an agonist of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 activates the cAMP/PKA signaling cascade, stimulating tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis while increasing melanocyte dendricity. This drives the physiological tanning response and builds the skin’s endogenous photoprotective capacity against UV damage. Beyond pigment induction, MC1R agonism supports DNA-repair mechanisms in photoaged skin, making Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 a multifunctional pro-pigmentation and UV-defense active rather than a simple bronzing agent. UPOR Biotech supplies a cosmetic-grade, ≥98% HPLC-pure peptide as a white to off-white, water-soluble powder for clean-label formulation.
As a leading cosmetic peptide supplier, UPOR Biotech positions Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 for the natural-tanning, sunless-tanning, and UV-photoprotection categories. Formulators use Melitane at exceptionally low levels — typically 2–5 ppm active — added to the aqueous phase of serums, lotions, and mists to deliver a gradual, natural-looking tan without UV exposure. It is a cornerstone of anti-photoaging programs and is frequently combined with retinol to accelerate the tanning response while offsetting photoaging. Our cosmetic-grade material is supported by ISO 9001, cGMP, FDA facility registration, HALAL, KOSHER, and COSMOS documentation, with full COA, MSDS, and HPLC chromatograms supplied with every bulk order.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 (Melitane) vs Nonapeptide-1 (Melanostatine-5) — α-MSH Agonist (Tanning) vs α-MSH Antagonist (Brightening)
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 (Melitane) is an α-MSH agonist that stimulates the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) to boost tyrosinase, melanin synthesis, and melanocyte dendricity — driving a natural tanning and UV-photoprotective response. Nonapeptide-1 (Melanostatine-5) is the functional opposite: an α-MSH antagonist that blocks MC1R to inhibit melanin production for brightening and depigmentation. These two peptides are never interchangeable — choose Melitane for pro-tanning, UV defense, and anti-photoaging, and Nonapeptide-1 for skin-brightening and hyperpigmentation control. UPOR Biotech supplies both, allowing formulators to select the correct pigmentation pathway for each product.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 (Melitane) |
| INCI Name | Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 |
| Trade Name | Melitane |
| CAS Number | 448944-47-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C₄₃H₅₉N₁₃O₇ |
| Molecular Weight | 870.01 g/mol |
| Peptide Sequence | Ac-Nle-Ala-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-NH₂ |
| Peptide Class | Biomimetic α-MSH-mimicking peptide |
| Mechanism of Action | α-MSH mimic / MC1R agonist → tyrosinase activation & melanin synthesis |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥98.0% |
| Solubility | Water-soluble; formulated in the aqueous phase |
| Recommended Usage Rate | 2 – 5 ppm active (or 2–4% of 1% stock solution) |
| pH | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Heavy Metals (Total) | ≤10 ppm |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤1 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤1 ppm |
| Microbial Limits | Total Plate Count ≤100 CFU/g; pathogens negative |
| Formulation Phase | Aqueous phase; add during cooling below 40°C |
| Compatibility | Water-based emulsions, serums, and mists |
| Grade | Cosmetic Grade |
| Certifications | ISO 9001, cGMP, FDA facility registration, HALAL, KOSHER, COSMOS |
| Packaging | 10 g / 100 g / 1 kg |
| Storage | 2–8°C or -20°C, protected from light and moisture |
| Shelf Life | 2 years |
| Assay Method | HPLC (area normalization) |
| Disclaimer | For cosmetic formulation use |
Key Benefits — Acetyl Hexapeptide-1
α-MSH-Mimetic MC1R Agonism
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 mimics α-MSH and acts as a direct MC1R agonist on melanocytes, activating the cAMP/PKA pathway that drives tyrosinase activity and pigment induction — a true biomimetic tanning signal rather than a cosmetic dye.
MC1R AgonistStimulates Natural Melanin Synthesis & Tanning
By upregulating tyrosinase and increasing melanocyte dendricity, Melitane promotes natural melanin synthesis for a gradual, even, sunless tan — delivering color depth without UV exposure.
Pro-TanningUV Photoprotection & DNA-Repair Support
Melanin induced by MC1R activation functions as the skin’s endogenous UV shield, while the peptide supports DNA-repair mechanisms in photoaged skin — dual protection against photodamage.
UV DefenseAnti-Photoaging When Combined with Retinol
Frequently formulated alongside retinol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 enhances the tanning response while contributing to an anti-photoaging strategy — a synergist in advanced skincare programs.
Retinol SynergistApplications
Sunless Tanning & Bronzing Products
Water-based mists, lotions, and drops that induce a gradual, natural-looking tan via MC1R-mediated melanin synthesis — no UV exposure required.
UV Photoprotection & After-Sun Care
Complements UV filters by building the skin’s endogenous melanin shield and supporting recovery in after-sun and photoprotection formulations.
Anti-Photoaging Serums
Low-ppm aqueous serums that combine tanning support with DNA-repair and anti-photoaging benefits for mature and photoaged skin.
Self-Tanning Lotions & Mists
Cosmetic-grade, COSMOS-friendly self-tanning systems that deliver gradual color depth without DHA staining or orange undertones.
DNA-Repair & Skin-Resilience Formulas
Advanced formulas pairing Melitane with repair actives to reinforce skin resilience against environmental and UV stress.
Clean-Label / COSMOS-Compliant Skincare
Water-soluble, minimal-formulation peptide ideal for clean-label, natural, and COSMOS-compliant cosmetic lines seeking a biomimetic tanning active.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 (trade name Melitane) is a biomimetic hexapeptide with the sequence Ac-Nle-Ala-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-NH₂, engineered to mimic α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It binds and activates the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes, triggering the cAMP/PKA cascade that stimulates tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis while increasing melanocyte dendricity. The result is a natural tanning response and enhanced UV photoprotection, plus DNA-repair support in photoaged skin. It is the functional opposite of brightening peptides such as Nonapeptide-1.
They act on the same receptor in opposite directions. Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 (Melitane) is an α-MSH agonist that activates MC1R to stimulate melanin synthesis and promote tanning and UV defense. Nonapeptide-1 (Melanostatine-5) is an α-MSH antagonist that blocks MC1R to inhibit melanin for brightening and hyperpigmentation control. Choose Melitane for sunless-tanning, bronzing, and photoprotection products; choose Nonapeptide-1 for brightening and depigmentation formulas.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 is exceptionally potent and used at very low levels — typically 2–5 ppm of active peptide in the final formula, equivalent to 2–4% of a 1% stock solution. It is added to the aqueous phase of a formulation. Because effective concentrations are so low, precise weighing and a dilute stock solution are recommended for consistent dosing across production batches.
Add Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 to the aqueous phase of emulsions, serums, or mists, ideally during the cooling stage below 40°C to protect peptide integrity. Target a final formulation pH of 5.0–7.0. For tanning systems, combine with antioxidants (e.g., vitamin C or vitamin E) and, for anti-photoaging programs, pair with retinol to amplify the tanning response while addressing photoaging.
Every cosmetic-grade shipment includes a COA (HPLC purity ≥98.0%, heavy metals, microbial limits), MSDS/SDS, HPLC chromatogram, and lot-specific traceability. Material is manufactured under ISO 9001 and cGMP with FDA facility registration, and is available with COSMOS, HALAL, and KOSHER documentation to support clean-label and certified-cosmetic formulation.