Melanotan II
Melanocortin agonist — skin pigmentation and tanning
Overview
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-MSH that stimulates melanin production for skin tanning without sun exposure.
Key Information
Mechanism
Agonizes melanocortin receptors (MC1R) in skin to increase melanin production. Also activates MC4R (appetite/libido effects).
Benefits
- Skin tanning without sun
- Reduced sun damage
- Appetite suppression
- Libido enhancement
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Flushing
- Spontaneous erections
- New mole formation
- Darkening of existing moles
Contraindications
- History of melanoma
- Pregnancy
Evidence Summary
Studies show effective tanning with minimal sun exposure. Not FDA-approved.
Research
Studies show effective tanning with minimal sun exposure. Spontaneous erections reported as side effect led to PT-141 development.
View ResearchSafety
Side effects: nausea, flushing, spontaneous erections, new mole formation. Darkening of existing moles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Melanotan II
What is Melanotan II?
Melanotan II is a research peptide also known as MT2; Melanotan II. Melanocortin agonist — skin pigmentation and tanning It is studied for its potential therapeutic applications and is available from various research chemical vendors.
How does Melanotan II work?
Agonizes melanocortin receptors (MC1R) in skin to increase melanin production. Also activates MC4R (appetite/libido effects).
What is the recommended dosage for Melanotan II?
The commonly studied dosage range for Melanotan II is 100-500 mcg daily. Dosage protocols vary based on research objectives. Always consult published studies and start with conservative amounts. Melanotan II should only be used in controlled research settings.
Where can I buy Melanotan II?
PepsReview indexes Melanotan II pricing from multiple vendors. Check the Vendors tab above for a price comparison table showing cost per milligram, purity, COA status, and stock availability. Vendor reviews from real users are available on each vendor's profile page.
Is Melanotan II legal?
US regulatory status: Research only. The legal status of Melanotan II varies by jurisdiction. In most countries, it is sold as a research chemical, not for human consumption. Always verify the legal status in your country before purchasing.
What are the side effects of Melanotan II?
Reported side effects include: Nausea, Flushing, Spontaneous erections, New mole formation, Darkening of existing moles. Always review safety data and published studies before use.
Key Research Papers on Melanotan II
The following peer-reviewed studies and clinical trials are indexed in our research library for Melanotan II. Each paper links to a detailed summary with key findings, study design, and publication metadata.
- Melanotan II injection resulting in systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis — Clin Toxicol (Phila), 2012 (280 citations)
- Melanoma associated with the use of melanotan-II — Dermatology, 2014 (240 citations)
- Identification and characterization by LC-UV-MS/MS of melanotan II skin-tanning products sold illegally on the Internet — Drug Test Anal, 2015 (220 citations)
- Melanotan II User Experience: A Qualitative Study of Online Discussion Forums — Dermatology, 2021 (100 citations)
- Melanotan II nasal spray: a possible risk factor for oral mucosal malignant melanoma? — Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 2025 (20 citations)
Related Skin / Pigmentation Peptides
Other peptides in the skin / pigmentation category that may be of interest for comparative research:
Write a Review
Rating Breakdown
Based on 2 reviews.
Reviews
Melanotan II gave me a deep tan without spending hours in the sun. Appetite suppression was unexpected but welcome. Libido enhancement is real. Watch out for nausea and the moles/freckles darkening. Start with low dose.
MT2 gives a great tan fast. But nausea is intense first few doses. Freckles and moles darkened significantly. Libido boost is strong. Need to be careful - start at 100-200mcg max. The skin pigmentation is dramatic.