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)
Write a Review
Rating Breakdown
Based on 35 reviews.
Reviews
41F, drive a truck OTR. Pinned 250 mcg MT-2 before bed for first week, then 500 mcg every other night for 3 weeks. Tan came in fast, about 2 shades, even through sunscreen. Side effects: queasy for 20-30 min, face hot, a mole on my shoulder got darker. Appetite went down too. Wrinkles/hair didn't change for me. I'll keep it for summer but low dose.
I'm 55 and drive long haul. Started Melanotan-2 at 250 mcg, then 500 mcg every other day for about 3 weeks. By day 10-12 my tan was dark, like a week in Florida, and I stopped burning so easy in the truck cab. Nausea and flushing hit 30-60 minutes after each shot, appetite went down. Freckles got darker and one mole itched, so I backed off. Skin didn't feel softer or less wrinkled, hair maybe a little thicker but probably just me. I'd use it again at a lower dose.
55-year-old office guy here. Ran Melanotan-2 for about 5 weeks. First week 0.25 mg before bed, then 0.5 mg nightly for 3 weeks, now 0.5 mg twice a week. Around day 10 I was clearly darker, maybe two shades, even with limited sun. Mild nausea for 20 minutes after the first few pins, and a few freckles got darker. Appetite dropped slightly. Skin felt a bit smoother, small cuts healed normal, no hair changes. Still use SPF 30 because I can burn. No surprises after that.
I’m a 34-year-old teacher and used Melanotan-2 for about 7 weeks. Started at 250 mcg subq before bed, went to 500 mcg after 10 days, then kept 500 mcg twice a week. First few pins gave flushing and mild nausea for 20-30 minutes. By day 10 I was noticeably darker; by week 4 people asked if I’d been away. I used a sunbed twice a week, no burns on a later beach trip. One existing mole got darker and a tiny new one showed up. I dropped to 250 mcg and sides mostly stopped. Tan held for weeks. No hair growth change noticed.
I’m 47 and sit in an office all day, so I wanted some color without frying in a bed. Started Melanotan-2 at 0.25 mg for two nights, then 0.5 mg nightly for about 10 days. By day 12 I had a decent tan, maybe two shades darker, and I didn’t burn on a weekend walk. The nausea hit about 20 minutes after each shot, plus flushing and a few new freckles. Dropped to 0.5 mg twice a week. Skin felt a little smoother, but no huge anti-aging miracle. Fine lines? Maybe slightly softer. Worth it for me, but start low.
34-year-old retired mechanic here. Ran Melanotan-2 for 4 weeks: 250 mcg before bed for first 5 days, then 500 mcg every other day. By day 12 I was noticeably darker, maybe 3 shades, and I stopped burning at the lake. Nausea and flushing about 30 mins after each pin, worse on 500 mcg, plus some darkening of old moles. Appetite dropped, libido went up. Skin felt a bit thicker maybe, but no wrinkle or hair changes. A small garage cut healed about normal. I'd use it again but lower dose and watch moles.
28, sales rep. Started Melanotan-2 before summer. Did 0.25 mg for first 3 days, then 0.5 mg daily for 10 days, then 0.5 mg twice weekly. Tan darkened maybe 2 shades in 3 weeks, even with SPF 30. Appetite dropped, some nausea 20-30 min after pinning, and random erections were annoying. No new moles, but one freckle got darker. Stopped after 6 weeks, color faded over 2 months. Would use again at lower dose for a trip.
Started at 0.25mg before bed, worked up to 0.5mg nightly for about three weeks, now down to twice a week to hold it. I'm naturally very pale and by week two I had an actual tan, people at work kept asking where I'd been on holiday. Nausea hit me around 20 minutes after the first several shots, and I had zero appetite those evenings. Freckles and a mole on my shoulder went noticeably darker. Fine lines on my face look the same. I still wear SPF 30 daily anyway. Glad I went slow with dosing.
Used Melanotan-2 for about 6 weeks, ramped from 250mcg to 500mcg nightly. First week I got flushed and queasy after pinning, plus two new freckles on my shoulder. Dropped to 250mcg every other day and sides mostly faded. By week 3 my tan was easily 3 shades darker, even with SPF 30. Hair growth? Nothing. Wrinkles? Maybe slightly softer, not dramatic. A small cut on my thumb did seem to heal faster. Libido went up, appetite down. Cost was fair for the color I got. Not magic, but I'd buy again.
I’m 52, work as a PT, and started Melanotan-2 at 0.25 mg subQ for the first week, then 0.5 mg nightly for 20 days, now 0.5 mg twice weekly. By day 10 I was clearly darker, maybe two shades, and 45 minutes outside with SPF 30 didn’t burn me. Flushing and mild nausea hit about 30 minutes after dosing, plus a few new shoulder moles, so I backed off. Appetite dipped a little. Skin felt slightly thicker and healing seemed normal, but no real wrinkle change; body hair looked darker, not thicker. It works, though I wouldn’t run it year-round.
Started at 250 mcg subq before bed, went to 500 mcg after four days, ran that for three weeks. By day 10 I had a clear tan, maybe two shades darker, without much sun. Maintenance 500 mcg twice a week held it. Nausea hit about 20 minutes after most shots and flushing in the face; one old mole got darker, which worried me. Appetite dropped a bit. Skin felt a little thicker/tighter, but no real change in hair or wrinkles. Still use SPF 30 because burning is possible. Overall it did what I wanted, but go slow.
At 45, working as a software developer, my natural tan is basically monitor glow. I started Melanotan-2 at 250 mcg for three nights, then 500 mcg nightly for 10 days. By day 12 I was about three shades darker, even on my legs. Maintenance is 500 mcg twice weekly. Side effects: flushing and mild nausea for 20-30 minutes after injecting, plus a few darker freckles. Appetite dipped. Minor scratches healed normally. I didn't notice hair growth or wrinkle changes, but I burned much less in the sun. Good value if you keep the dose low.
31M office worker, pale skin. Started at 250 mcg for two days, then 500 mcg nightly for 10 days. By day 7 I had a clear tan, and after 3 weeks people asked if I’d been on holiday. Now I do 500 mcg twice a week to maintain. First few pins gave flushing and mild nausea for 20-30 mins, plus appetite loss. Libido went up a bit, and a few moles got darker, so I watch them. Skin looked a bit smoother, and a shaving nick healed fine, but no big collagen or hair changes. Still use SPF 30. Worth it if you respect the dose.
I’m 34 and drive long haul, so my left arm gets roasted through the window. Started Melanotan-2 at 250 mcg before bed for 10 days, then 500 mcg every third day for six weeks. By day 9 I had a base tan, and after three weeks I did 45 minutes outside without burning, which never happens. Side effects: flushing and mild nausea for about 20 minutes after pinning, plus my moles and a few freckles got darker. Appetite was down too. No hair growth or wrinkle changes I could see. I’ll use it again next summer, just lower dose.
I'm 38, barber, on my feet all day and wanted a base tan before summer. Did 250 mcg for first three days, then 500 mcg nightly for about five weeks. By day 10 I was noticeably darker; by week three I looked like I'd been on vacation. Side effects: flushing and queasy stomach for 20-30 minutes after most shots, plus a few moles got darker. I backed off to every other day and still kept color. Didn't notice much for hair or wrinkles, but my skin healed okay. Would use again at lower dose.
28M nurse here. Ran Melanotan-2 from a 10mg vial mixed with 2ml bac water. Started at 250mcg for two nights, then 500mcg nightly for 10 days. By day 8 I was noticeably darker with maybe 15 min of sun a week. Maintenance now 500mcg twice weekly. Side effects: flushing and mild nausea about 20 min post-shot, plus some new freckles and darker moles. Appetite dropped a bit. I checked my moles and nothing irregular. Skin seemed a little thicker, and a scratch healed fine. No change in wrinkles or hair. Tanning and sun tolerance were solid. Would buy again for summer.
I'm 52 and work as a graphic designer, so I'm indoors most days and very pale. I used Melanotan-2 at 250 mcg subcutaneously before bed, five nights on, two off, for six weeks. By day 10 I had a light golden tone; by week 4 I was about two shades darker. I cut back to 250 mcg twice weekly to maintain. First few shots gave flushing and mild nausea for 20 minutes. Two existing moles got darker, so I watch them. Fine lines didn't change much, but skin looked more even. Still need SPF. Good value if you respect dosing.
I’m 45 and travel a lot for sales, so I wanted a base tan without frying. Did 250 mcg before bed the first week, then 500 mcg every other day for six weeks. By day 10 I was noticeably darker, maybe two shades by week 4. People asked if I’d been on vacation. Flushing and mild nausea hit for about an hour after pinning, plus one new freckle on my shoulder. Appetite dropped too. Skin felt a bit smoother, but no real change in hair or old scars. Still used SPF 30. Not magic, but worth it for the tan and less burning.
45-year-old woman, long-haul trucker here, so I’m pale and sun-fried most of the year. Started MT-2 at 0.25 mg for 4 days, then 0.5 mg every other day for 3 weeks. By day 10 I had color; by week 2 it looked like I’d been on a beach vacation. Maintenance is 0.5 mg twice weekly. First few pins gave me flushing and a queasy 20 minutes, appetite vanished early. Two moles darkened, so I watch them. Skin feels a little smoother, but no wrinkle or hair changes. SPF 30 and no burns.
I’m 41 and an accountant, so mostly indoors. Started Melanotan-2 at 250 mcg before bed for 5 nights, then 500 mcg twice a week for 6 weeks. By day 12 I was noticeably darker, maybe 2 shades, after only 2 short tanning sessions. Freckles and a few moles got darker. Nausea hit about 20 minutes after pinning, worse on 500 mcg, and flushing too. Appetite dropped a bit. I stopped at 6 weeks. Took about 3 weeks to fade. No hair or wrinkle changes. Would use lower dose if again.
I’m 40, work in IT, and started Melanotan-2 at 250 mcg nightly for the first week, then 500 mcg every other day for about 6 weeks. I got noticeably darker by day 10, maybe 3 shades, even with SPF 30. Appetite dropped the first few days and I had flushing and mild nausea after some injections; that faded when I split doses. No hair growth changes. A small kitchen cut healed normally, but I can’t credit the peptide. Skin felt a bit smoother, though fine lines didn’t change much. I’d use it again for tanning but respect the dosing.
I'm 52 and work in a warehouse, so I wanted color without frying in the sun. Started Melanotan-2 at 0.5 mg before bed for 5 days, then 1 mg every other day for 3 weeks. By day 10 I was noticeably darker; by week 3 I looked like I'd had a real vacation. Nausea hit about 20 minutes after each shot for the first week, and my face flushed. A few freckles got darker. Sun exposure: I could do 30 minutes midday without burning, but I still use SPF 30. Maintenance is 1 mg twice a week. Skin feels a bit smoother, no real hair change. Value is decent if you respect the dosing.
I’m 40 and work in IT, so I sit under office lights most days. Started MT-2 at 0.25 mg subq before bed, three times a week for two weeks, then 0.5 mg once weekly for six weeks. Around day 10 I noticed a real tan—about two shades—without burning. It also helped some old acne marks fade and my skin felt a bit smoother. Downsides: mild nausea for the first 20 minutes after the first three shots, and flushing that lasted half an hour. No hair changes. I always use SPF 50. Would repeat but wouldn’t go higher.
53 y/o nurse here. Ran Melanotan-2 for about 3 weeks. Started at 0.25 mg subq before bed, went to 1 mg every other day. By day 9 I was noticeably darker, maybe 2-3 shades, with only normal dog walks. Nausea and flushing hit 15-20 min after pins, faded after a week. A few freckles darkened and one mole got darker, so I'm watching it. Skin felt less dry, small scratch healed fine. No real wrinkle or hair changes. Still use SPF 50. Maintenance now 0.5 mg weekly. Not magic, but it did what I wanted.
41 y/o sales rep, lots of travel. Ran melanotan 2 for 6 weeks: 250 mcg daily first 5 days, then 500 mcg every other day. By week 3 people asked if I'd been on vacation. Solid tan after about 10 days, kept it with 500 mcg twice weekly. Flushing and mild nausea for 20-30 min after shots, appetite dropped a bit. Didn't burn at the lake. Skin looked a little smoother, minor razor nick healed okay. No hair difference. Would buy again but start low.
I'm 34 and on the road for sales, so arms and face get seen a lot. Did 250 mcg before bed for week one, then 500 mcg every other day for 6 weeks. By day 10 I was darker; by week 4 about 3 shades up. Only tanned twice, 6 min each. Nausea for 20 min after some shots, face flushing, and a few new freckles. Appetite dropped. No real collagen or anti-wrinkle change. Hair maybe slightly thicker? Sun protection still needs SPF. Would use again but lower dose.
41, sales rep, always on the road and pale. Ran melanotan-2 starting at 250mcg nightly for 5 days, then 500mcg every other day for 3 weeks. Around day 10 I was clearly darker, maybe two shades, and I held color with only weekly 500mcg. Sun protection felt better; didn't burn on a Florida trip. Downsides: nausea 20-30 min after shots, flushing, a few new dark freckles, and one headache. Libido went up, appetite down. Skin looked a bit smoother but no hair or wound-healing changes. I'd use again carefully.
55-year-old chef, pale from years in hot kitchens. Ran MT-2 at 250 mcg for first three days, then 500 mcg nightly for 10 days, with 10-15 min tanning bed twice a week. By day 8 I had a solid tan, maybe two shades darker, and no burn on a long weekend. Nausea hit 20 minutes after most shots, mild but annoying. Face flushed. One old mole darkened, so I watched it. Libido jumped. Didn't notice hair or wrinkle changes. Now 500 mcg weekly keeps the color.
I’m 34, on the road a lot for sales, wanted a base tan without frying. Started Melanotan-2 at 250 mcg before bed for 3 days, then bumped to 500 mcg for about 10 days. By week two I was noticeably darker—maybe 3 shades—and stopped burning on quick patio lunches. The catch: about 15 minutes after each shot I got flushing and mild nausea, plus some existing moles went darker. Appetite dropped too. I now dose 500 mcg once a week to maintain. Worth it if you respect the sides.
36-year-old stay-at-home dad here. I ran Melanotan-2 for about 7 weeks. Started at 250 mcg before bed, bumped to 500 mcg after a few days, then settled on 1 mg twice a week. Around day 10 I was already darker, and by week 6 I looked maybe two shades tanned. First few pins gave flushing and queasy stomach for an hour, plus some random erections. No real hair growth, and wrinkles look the same. Pool day for 45 minutes, no burn, but I still wear SPF 30. Skin felt slightly smoother and a small cut healed normally. Vial lasted almost 2 months, so value was fine.
55 y.o. chef here. Started MT-2 at 0.5 mg before bed for 10 days, then 1 mg twice a week. By day 9 I had a real tan, maybe two shades darker, and by week 3 people kept asking if I'd been on holiday. Downsides: about 15 min after each pin I get flushing and mild nausea, plus a few freckles got darker. Appetite dropped a bit too. Skin feels slightly tighter, no change in wrinkles or hair. I wear sunscreen but still burn less. Moles worth watching. Would use again carefully.
28 y/o ex-mechanic. Ran 0.5mg for 5 days then 1mg daily for 3 weeks. By day 10 I was noticeably darker, by week 3 I looked like I'd been in Mexico for a month. Nausea after pinning was rough first week, and random erections were annoying. Moles on my back got darker and one new freckle. Didn't burn as easy but still got pink on a sunny day. Stopped after 4 weeks, tan faded over 2 months. Would use again but lower dose.
38-year-old sales rep, travel weekly. Ran Melanotan-2 250 mcg first dose, then 500 mcg every other day for 3 weeks, now 500 mcg twice weekly. Around day 10-12 I was two shades darker and got comments. Did 5 days in Florida with SPF 30 and didn't burn. Side effects: nausea/flushing for 20-30 min after injection, appetite down, freckles and two moles darkened. Skin felt less dry and maybe a bit smoother, but wrinkles weren't changed and hair growth was nothing noticeable. It works, just go slow.
First time I ordered this, tbh. I'm 38 and drive for a living, so I just wanted the COA stuff to check. Package came in a few days, batch COA was in there. I had a couple questions about documentation, and they got back pretty quick, even said which outside lab ran the analysis. I got it as lab reference material, so I'm only talking about the order and paperwork here. No dose, no timeline, no results, no sides for me to report. Not a recommendation, just my two cents.
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.
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