Function
While Acetyl tetrapeptide-5 is used in cosmetic eye formulations to decrease puffiness, eye bags, and dark circles by reducing edema and protecting proteins such as SOD from glycation51150159154, Melanotan II is studied as a tanning and libido-enhancing agent; increases melanin production and can reduce food intake and modulate sexual arousal in animal models and humans3545.
Mechanism
While Acetyl tetrapeptide-5 works as a synthetic tetrapeptide, Ac-βAla-His-Ser-His (Eyeseryl), with reported ACE-1 inhibition and anti-glycation activity, proposed to improve microcirculation and reduce capillary permeability and fluid accumulation in periorbital tissues51150159157, Melanotan II is a cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin analog (Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2) that acts as a non-selective, high-potency agonist at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R, influencing pigmentation, appetite, and sexual behavior3545.