Methods for treating hypopigmentary pathologies and photosensitive dermatoses are described. Also described, are compounds that are agonists of the MCIR receptor and that exhibit reduced toxicity relative to other compounds of the same class. These compounds can have the general formula (I) wherein: R1 represents a cyclopropylmethyl or a 4-hydroxybutyl group; R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and also the salts and enantiomers of the corresponding compounds of general formula (I).