Sexual & SkinResearch profile

Melanotan 2

MT-II · MT2 · Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2

Think of it as a shortcut to a summer tan without the sun.

Melanotan 2 is like a magic button for your skin, flipping the switch to 'tan' without needing to hit the beach. It tricks your body into producing more of the pigment that darkens your skin. But this isn't just about looking like you just got back from a tropical vacation. It can also stir up some unexpected side effects, like boosting your libido out of the blue.

Originally a lab experiment gone rogue, Melanotan 2 never got the official thumbs up from health authorities. It's found a niche in the gray market, but it's a bit like playing with fire. There are concerns about dodgy dosages and potential links to skin issues, so it's a bit of a gamble. The compound was also the inspiration behind a more refined product targeting sexual dysfunction, but Melanotan 2 itself was left on the cutting room floor.

Who it's for

Sun worshippers looking for a tan without the UV exposure
People curious about experimental libido boosters
Those interested in cutting-edge, albeit unapproved, research chemicals

Probably not for you if…

Anyone cautious about unregulated substances
People with a history of skin issues or melanoma
Those uncomfortable with unexpected sexual side effects

Editorial summary for research context · Not medical advice

Mechanism of Action

Melanotan 2 is a synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-MSH that acts as a non-selective agonist across MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R melanocortin receptors. MC1R activity drives eumelanin synthesis (tanning), while MC3R/MC4R activity produces the pro-sexual side effects historically observed in early clinical research. Melanotan 2 was the parent molecule that led to the development of bremelanotide (PT-141) — which was then advanced clinically while MT-II itself was abandoned. Important: Melanotan 2 is NOT approved by any regulator (FDA, EMA, MHRA, TGA) and is sold exclusively through the gray/black research-chemical market, with known quality-control, contamination, and dosing-accuracy concerns. Multiple national health authorities have issued warnings linking unregulated MT-II use to melanoma, new dysplastic nevi, and atypical mole transformation.

Researched Benefits

UV-independent melanogenesis (research)

Early pharmacology studies confirmed MT-II induces MC1R-driven eumelanin synthesis and measurable pigmentation response; this is a research finding, not a clinical endorsement.

[Dorr et al. 1996]
[Hadley & Dorr 2006]

Pro-erectile / libido signal (historical, abandoned program)

Early-phase research in men identified spontaneous erections as an unanticipated pharmacologic effect, which seeded the bremelanotide (PT-141) program for sexual dysfunction.

[Wessells et al. 2000]

Appetite suppression in animal models

MC4R agonism has been associated with reduced food intake in rodent studies; this has not translated into an approved human therapy for weight management.

[Fan et al. 1997]

Research Protocols

The following dosing ranges have appeared in published research protocols. Presented for informational purposes only — not a recommendation for human use.

Research-literature microdose loading (unregulated market)

Dosage: 250 mcg
Frequency: daily
Timing: evening
Cycle: 2 weeks

Quoted from research literature for documentation only. MT-II is unapproved and unregulated; product purity, sterility, and concentration cannot be verified on the consumer market. Dermatologic screening is essential in any research use.

Research-literature maintenance range

Dosage: 500 mcg
Frequency: 1-2x weekly after target pigmentation
Timing: evening
Cycle: 8 weeks

Reported maintenance ranges after initial pigment induction. For documentation of the research record only — not a recommendation.

Reported Side Effects

Spontaneous penile erections and priapism
Severe nausea, especially on early doses
Darkening of existing nevi and appearance of new pigmented lesions
Facial flushing, yawning, stretching ('YSR' response)
Reduced appetite, fatigue
Case reports of melanoma developing at pre-existing nevi following MT-II use
Injection-site reactions

Contraindications

Any personal or family history of melanoma
Atypical nevus syndrome or numerous dysplastic moles
Fair skin with high baseline melanoma risk
Cardiovascular disease (MC receptor effects on BP/HR)
Pregnancy and lactation
Active skin cancer of any type
Any population where sterile, verified pharmaceutical-grade product is unavailable

Stacking Partners

Peptides commonly paired with Melanotan 2 in published research and protocol write-ups.

sexual skin

PT-141

Central sexual desire modulation (HSDD)

sexual skin

Melanotan-1

Photoprotection in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)

Vendor Pricing

67
True Peptide Labs
Best $/mg
Size10mg
Total$28.00
/ mg$2.80/mg
In stock
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67
Puratek Peptides
Size10mg
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/ mg$2.80/mg
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74
Modern Research Peptides
Size10mg
Total$27.99
/ mg$2.80/mg
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75
Swiss Chems
Size100mg
Total$314.95
/ mg$3.15/mg
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66
Guru Peptides
Size10mg
Total$31.99
/ mg$3.20/mg
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78
Evolve Peptides
Size10mg
Total$35.00
/ mg$3.50/mg
In stock
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75
Swiss Chems
Size10mg
Total$34.95
/ mg$3.50/mg
In stock
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73
Platinum Lion Peptides
Size10mg
Total$34.99
/ mg$3.50/mg
In stock
View

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Gear + Companions

Reconstitution supplies and research-backed supplement companions for Melanotan 2. Editorial picks only — we earn a commission through Amazon on the click, no sponsorship.

Gear you'll need

· Reconstitution + storage essentials

Bacteriostatic Water 30mL (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol)
Empower Pharmacy / generic medical supply
Reconstitutes every lyophilized peptide. 28-day viability refrigerated.
View at Pantheon →
Insulin Syringes 31G × 5/16" × 0.5mL (100 count)
EasyTouch
31G × 0.5mL insulin syringes — the default size for sub-0.25mL peptide doses.
Buy on Amazon →
Alcohol Prep Pads (Sterile, 200 count)
Dynarex
Sterile 70% IPA prep pads — one per vial stopper + one per injection site.
Buy on Amazon →
1-Quart Sharps Disposal Container
BD / Becton Dickinson
FDA-cleared sharps container — pharmacies won't accept improvised disposal.
Buy on Amazon →

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Research Papers

Melanotan-II: investigational melanotropic peptide
Dorr RT, Lines R, Levine N, et al. · Life Sciences · 1996
PubMed 8637840 →
Effect of an alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogue on penile erection and sexual desire in men with organic erectile dysfunction
Wessells H, Gralnek D, Dorr R, et al. · Urology · 2000
PubMed 10792168 →
Melanoma associated with the use of melanotan-II
Cardones AR, Grichnik JM · Dermatology · 2009
PubMed 19293559 →