Legal status · United States
Is SkQ1 legal in the United States?
No. SkQ1 is not an approved medicine in the United States; its classification is "Not approved; sold 'for research use only'". Nothing containing it is authorized for any use in people. Vials labeled "for research use only" are not exempt: that label does not make human use lawful. Human evidence: Preliminary.
SkQ1 in the United States at a glance
| Classification | Not approved; sold 'for research use only' |
|---|---|
| FDA approval status | Not FDA-approved; registered in Russia as Visomitin eye drops |
| Evidence level | Preliminary (research strength: Moderate) |
| Reviewed | Sep 2026 |
Classification and note come from the SkQ1 profile, checked against U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) listings at the reviewed date.
What this means
- 01
No product containing SkQ1 is approved by FDA for any use in the United States, so nothing on the market is authorized for people.
- 02
"Research use only" is a vendor label, not a legal category that permits human use. It does not exempt a product from medicines law.
- 03
Importing, supplying or promoting it for human use can fall under medicines legislation in the United States. This page is general information, not legal advice.
What SkQ1 is
A mitochondria-targeted antioxidant registered in Russia as an eye drop for dry eye; rodent lifespan claims come from a single research group and oral systemic use has no human data.
SkQ1 attaches a plastoquinone antioxidant to a lipophilic cation that concentrates it inside mitochondria, where it limits cardiolipin oxidation. Two randomized trials support the eye drop for dry-eye symptoms, and the Skulachev group reported lifespan extension in rodents.
Mechanism: Accumulates in mitochondria via its triphenylphosphonium cation and scavenges lipid radicals at the inner membrane.
Regulatory history: Not FDA-approved; registered in Russia as Visomitin eye drops
How FDA treats this kind of product
Approves prescription drugs by indication and polices unapproved products, including peptides sold online. Compounding pharmacies may prepare some compounds under a prescription when the FDA places them on a permitted bulk-substances category.
The classification above is the The Longevity Archive reading of U.S. Food and Drug Administration listings for SkQ1 at the reviewed date, not a legal opinion. Rules change, and importing, prescribing and possessing a compound can each be treated differently. Check the regulator directly before acting on anything here.
SkQ1 in other countries
Frequently asked questions
Is SkQ1 legal in the United States?
No. SkQ1 is not an approved medicine in the United States; its classification is "Not approved; sold 'for research use only'". Nothing containing it is authorized for any use in people. Vials labeled "for research use only" are not exempt: that label does not make human use lawful. Human evidence: Preliminary.
Can I buy SkQ1 in the United States?
No approved product exists to buy. In the United States SkQ1 is classified as "Not approved; sold 'for research use only'", so there is no licensed pharmacy product. Vendors selling it "for research use only" are not selling it for human use, and that label does not change its legal status. This site does not list or recommend vendors.
Is SkQ1 FDA approved?
No. FDA status: Not FDA-approved; registered in Russia as Visomitin eye drops. Current US classification: "Not approved; sold 'for research use only'". Evidence level: Preliminary.
Related compounds in the United States
Full research profile
Mechanism, cited studies, FDA status and the full legal summary for SkQ1 live on its compound profile.
SkQ1 profileThis page is general information about the regulatory status of SkQ1 in the United States, current as of Sep 2026. It is not legal advice, and classifications change; check U.S. Food and Drug Administration directly or consult a lawyer for a specific situation. Educational use only. This database summarizes published research. It is not medical advice and contains no dosing protocols or recommendations for personal use. The Longevity Archive has no vendor relationships and does not recommend where to buy anything.