Nonapeptide-1
Also referenced as: Melanostatine-5
A cosmetic peptide studied for effects on pigment-related signalling.
- Evidence grade
- EExperimental / Limited Evidence
Experimental / Limited Evidence
- Regulatory status
- Not FDA Approved
A cosmetic ingredient, not an FDA-approved anti-aging drug. Cosmetic marketing and ingredient safety reviews do not establish injectable safety or therapeutic approval.
- Human data
- No
No registered clinical trials identified
- Last reviewed
- October 27, 2026
Overview
A cosmetic peptide studied for effects on pigment-related signalling.
A cosmetic ingredient, not an FDA-approved anti-aging drug. Cosmetic marketing and ingredient safety reviews do not establish injectable safety or therapeutic approval.
A melanogenesis hypothesis is not proof of equivalent efficacy to approved depigmenting treatments.
Why It's Being Studied
- Pigmentation research
- Melanocyte signalling
Mechanism of Action
It is proposed to interfere with alpha-MSH-associated melanogenic signalling, rather than physically removing pigment.
It is proposed to interfere with alpha-MSH-associated melanogenic signalling, rather than physically removing pigment. A melanogenesis hypothesis is not proof of equivalent efficacy to approved depigmenting treatments.
Skin remodelling and the hair cycle
Tap each stage to see what happens.
Background: Skin & Hair Research
Skin and hair research looks at collagen synthesis, wound closure, pigmentation and the hair-follicle cycle.
Topical cosmetic research is often industry-funded and small. Injected use of cosmetic peptides has little human data.
Research Areas & Routes Studied
- Pigmentation research
- Melanocyte signalling
- Topical cosmetic formulations
Evidence Summary
Laboratory and supplier cosmetic data do not establish a reliable treatment effect for melasma or other pigmentation disorders.
Higher tiers carry more weight. Filled tiers have evidence for Nonapeptide-1; tap to read it.
No evidence at this tier is summarised for Nonapeptide-1. Absence of data is not evidence of safety or benefit.
2 cited sources.
- Narrative review1
- Regulatory document1
Evidence limitations
- Laboratory and supplier cosmetic data do not establish a reliable treatment effect for melasma or other pigmentation disorders.
Reported Adverse Events in Research
- Sensitivity and irritation are possible; abnormal pigmented lesions need medical assessment.
Limitations of Current Evidence
- A melanogenesis hypothesis is not proof of equivalent efficacy to approved depigmenting treatments.
- Findings apply to the product, route and population studied; they do not establish benefits or safety for unrelated wellness uses or research-vial products.
How to Read This Research
- Was the product topical or injected?
- Were results measured by instruments or by photos and self-assessment?
- Who funded the study?
- Cosmetic claims face a lower evidence bar than medical claims.
- Pigmentation-affecting compounds carry documented risks, including changes in moles.
- Anagen
- The active growth phase of a hair follicle.
- Dermis
- The skin layer beneath the surface that holds collagen.
- Melanocortin
- A hormone family that affects pigmentation and appetite.
Compare With Other Compounds
| Nonapeptide-1 | GHK-Cu | |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence grade | E — Experimental / Limited Evidence | C — Early Human Research |
| Regulatory status | Not FDA Approved | Not FDA Approved |
| Human data | No | Limited |
| Clinical trials | None identified | None identified |
| Research routes | Topical cosmetic formulations | Topical, Intradermal (cosmetic research) |
| Cited sources | 2 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Research References
- Narrative review
Cosmetic peptide research and delivery limitations
- Regulatory document
FDA: cosmetics are not preapproved medicines