Melanotan II

Estimated Market Price

$89.99 – $104.99

Based on verified supplier pricing for research-grade compounds

Synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-MSH. Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist studied in dermatological research for melanogenesis activation and photoprotective mechanisms.

How it works

Activates melanocortin receptors broadly, triggering melanin production for UV-free tanning (MC1R) and increasing sexual arousal (MC4R). Its non-selective action means it affects multiple systems at once.

Performance

Skin & Beauty

What to Expect

Days 1–3 Facial flushing and mild nausea common; melanin synthesis begins. Face flushing, nausea common; moles may darken slightly.

Week 1–2 Visible darkening of moles and freckles; base tan developing. Skin getting noticeably darker; libido increase common.

Week 3–4 Significant tan achieved; transition to maintenance dosing. Deep tan without much sun exposure; freckles darker.

Week 5–6 Maintenance phase; tan sustained with minimal dosing. Tan maintained easily with small doses.

Verified Suppliers

For research purposes only. These suppliers have been independently verified by PepSpace. We do not process sales directly.

PepSpace is not affiliated with any listed supplier

LarnaLabs Verified Supplier · larnalabs.com

PepSpace Verified Supplier · pepspace.io

BioSynth Verified Custom Batch Supplier · biosynth.com

Peptide Sciences Unavailable · peptidesciences.com

Protocol & Dosage

Typical Dosage 0.25–0.5 mg SC loading, then 0.1 mg maintenance

Administration Subcutaneous injection

Schedule Loading: daily for 7–10 days; maintenance: 2–3x/week

Protocol Duration 4–6 weeks

Half-Life ~33 minutes (IV)

Side Effects & Safety

Tolerability Profile Elevated

Significant side effects; medical monitoring recommended

Common Side Effects

Nausea60–80%
Facial flushing~50%
Darkening of existing molesmost users
Appetite suppressionmost users
Fatigue or malaisesome users
Spontaneous erections (males)some users

Less Common

New mole formationoccasional
Blood pressure changesoccasional
Abdominal crampingoccasional
Dizzinessoccasional
Headacheoccasional

Rare / Serious

Atypical mole changes (requires dermatological monitoring)rare
Priapism (erection >4 hours)rare
Rhabdomyolysis (case reports)case reports

Discontinue If

Any mole changing shape, color, or size (melanoma risk — see a dermatologist)
Severe blood pressure spike
Persistent priapism lasting >4 hours (medical emergency)
Dark urine or severe muscle pain (rhabdomyolysis)

Contraindications

Personal or family history of melanoma
Atypical mole syndrome or dysplastic nevi
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Uncontrolled hypertension
Cardiovascular disease

Data note: NOT approved for clinical use in any country. Non-selective melanocortin agonist with significant dermatological monitoring requirements. Regular skin checks essential.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. This information is for research reference only and does not constitute medical advice.

Ask about Melanotan II

How to Apply

Gather

Peptide vial, BAC water, alcohol swabs, insulin syringe

Sanitize

Wipe tops of both vials with alcohol swabs

Draw

Pull 1–2 mL of BAC water into syringe

Add Water

Release water slowly along vial wall, not directly on powder

Swirl

Roll between palms until dissolved. Never shake.

Store

Refrigerate 2–8°C, use within 30 days

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) is required to reconstitute lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptides. It contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol which prevents bacterial growth, keeping your reconstituted peptide safe for multiple uses over up to 30 days.

Unreconstituted: store at -20°C (freezer) for long-term, or 2–8°C (fridge) for short-term. After reconstitution: always refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 30 days. Keep away from direct sunlight.

Results vary by individual and protocol. In research settings, measurable effects are typically observed within 1–4 weeks depending on the specific peptide, dosage, and application. Consult a qualified professional for guidance.

Verified suppliers typically include a full third-party COA verifying purity (99%+), identity, and sterility. We recommend only sourcing from vendors that provide batch-specific testing data.

We list verified suppliers above that have been independently reviewed for product quality, testing transparency, and shipping reliability. Always verify COA data before sourcing.

Compound Profile

Scientific data & classification for Melanotan II

Also Known As MT-II, MT2, Melanotan II

Classification Cyclic Lactam Peptide · Melanocortin Agonist

Sequence Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂ (cyclic)

Molecular Formula C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉

Molecular Weight 1,024.18 Da

CAS Number 121062-08-6

Half-Life ~33 minutes (IV)

Origin Synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)

Administration Subcutaneous injection

Status Research compound - not approved for clinical use

Mechanism of Action Activates melanocortin receptors broadly, triggering melanin production for UV-free tanning (MC1R) and increasing sexual arousal (MC4R). Its non-selective action means it affects multiple systems at once.

Research Overview Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic lactam analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) originally developed at the University of Arizona in the late 1980s by a research team including Victor Hruby and Mac Hadley, building upon earlier work on superpotent melanotropin analogs. The compound was designed through systematic modifications of the native α-MSH tridecapeptide, incorporating D-phenylalanine at position 7 and norleucine at position 4, then cyclizing the peptide through a lactam bridge between aspartic acid and lysine residues - modifications that collectively increased melanocortin receptor binding affinity by approximately 1,000-fold compared to the native hormone. MT-II acts as a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors 1 through 5, with each receptor mediating distinct physiological effects. MC1R activation on melanocytes stimulates the synthesis of eumelanin, the dark photoprotective pigment, producing tanning without ultraviolet radiation exposure - an effect that was the original therapeutic target for photoprotection in fair-skinned individuals. MC4R activation in the central nervous system produces the sexual arousal effects that were unexpectedly discovered during early clinical trials and subsequently led to the development of PT-141 (bremelanotide) as a more selective MC4R agonist. MC3R and MC4R activation additionally suppresses appetite and food intake through hypothalamic signaling pathways. However, the non-selective receptor profile of MT-II also gives rise to concerning side effects including nausea, facial flushing, fatigue, and potentially cardiovascular effects through MC4R-mediated sympathetic activation. Despite never receiving regulatory approval for clinical use in any jurisdiction, MT-II has become one of the most widely used unregulated peptides globally, particularly in tanning and bodybuilding communities, raising significant public health concerns regarding quality control, dosing accuracy, and long-term dermatological monitoring.

Citations

Published findings on Melanotan II from peer-reviewed journals.

Superpotent melanotropin [Nle4,D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH: its role in melanocortin receptor pharmacology

Hruby VJ, et al. • 2007 PubMed

Melanotan II - a clinical review of use and safety

Brennan R, et al. • 2014 PubMed

Design and biological activities of cyclic lactam alpha-MSH analogues

Al-Obeidi F, et al. • 1989 PubMed