Beta-MSH vs ACTH
Head-to-head comparison of Beta-MSH (Beta-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone) and ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (Corticotropin)) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.
| Property | Beta-MSH | ACTH |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Skin & Cosmetic | Skin & Cosmetic |
| Full Name | Beta-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone | Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (Corticotropin) |
| Molecular Weight | N/A | 4541 Da |
| Half-Life | Minutes | ~10 minutes |
| Amino Acids | 18 | 39 |
| Typical Dose | 10–500 nM | 10–1000 nM |
| Route | In vitro / ex vivo | In vitro / ex vivo |
| Purity | ≥98% | ≥98% |
| Studies Count | 80 | 500 |
| Research Status | Pre-clinical | Clinical/Pre-clinical |
Beta-MSH Benefits
- ✓Promotes melanogenesis
- ✓Supports melanocyte dendricity
- ✓Useful in pigmentation pathway mapping
- ✓May increase eumelanin bias
ACTH Benefits
- ✓Stimulates melanogenesis
- ✓Supports eumelanin production
- ✓Useful for pigmentation-pathway research
- ✓May model UV-response signaling
Beta-MSH Dosing
10 nM exposure|100 nM exposure|1 uM exposure
ACTH Dosing
10 nM exposure|100 nM exposure|1 uM exposure
Beta-MSH Side Effects
- ⚠Short peptide half-life
- ⚠Receptor cross-talk
- ⚠Limited plasma stability
ACTH Side Effects
- ⚠Receptor desensitization
- ⚠Off-target melanocortin signaling
- ⚠Rapid proteolysis
Research Overview
Beta-MSH
Beta-MSH is one of the endogenous melanocortin peptides studied for its ability to influence melanin synthesis. Most evidence is mechanistic, focusing on receptor signaling and melanocyte biology rather than cosmetic use.
ACTH
ACTH activates melanocortin receptors on melanocytes and can increase pigment synthesis. It is widely used as a reference peptide in studies of tanning, adrenal biology, and hyperpigmentation.
Ready to buy?
Find both peptides from our verified, lab-tested vendors with purity certificates and third-party testing.