Melanotan II
Also known as: MT-II, MT2
Synthetic Melanocortin Peptide | Tanning & Sexual Function
Overview
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that activates melanocortin receptors throughout the body. MC1R activation triggers melanin production for tanning, while MC4R affects sexual arousal and appetite control.
Key benefits
- Rapid tanning without UV exposure
- Enhanced sexual function and libido
- Appetite suppression
- Improved mood via melanocortin activation
- Photoprotection through increased melanin
Mechanism of action
Binds to melanocortin receptors (MC1R for tanning, MC4R for sexual function and appetite) to stimulate melanin production, enhance libido, and suppress appetite through hypothalamic pathways.
Molecular data
- Type
- Synthetic alpha-MSH analog
- Half-life
- ~2 hours
Indications
What the research community uses this compound for, with self-reported effectiveness.
Skin Health
UV-Free Tanning
Most effectiveStimulates natural melanin production for tanning without requiring UV exposure.
Photoprotection
EffectiveIncreased melanin provides natural SPF protection against sun damage.
Even Pigmentation
EffectiveMay help address certain pigmentation disorders.
Sexual Health
Enhanced Libido
EffectiveImproves sexual desire in both men and women through MC4R activation.
Erectile Function
Effective80% response rate in psychogenic erectile dysfunction studies.
Female Sexual Arousal
Effective73% of women reported arousal within 24 hours in clinical trials.
Metabolic
Appetite Suppression
ModerateMC4R activation in hypothalamus reduces appetite (15% caloric intake reduction in studies).
Fat Loss Support
ModerateEnhanced fat oxidation through metabolic pathway activation.
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Injectable
Subcutaneous injection is the standard and most effective route. Start with low doses to assess tolerance due to nausea risk.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial loading phase | 0.25mg | 1x daily | SubQ |
| Tanning maintenance | 0.5-1mg | 2-3x weekly | SubQ |
| Sexual enhancement | 0.5-1mg | As needed | SubQ |
| Minimal side effects | 0.1-0.25mg | Every other day | SubQ |
| Photoprotection | 0.5mg | 2x weekly | SubQ |
Preparation
You will need
- Melanotan II lyophilized powder (typically 10mg vial)
- Bacteriostatic water (2mL for 5mg/mL concentration)
- Insulin syringes
- Alcohol swabs
- Aluminum foil (light protection)
Steps
- Clean vial tops with alcohol swab, let dry
- Draw 2mL bacteriostatic water for 10mg vial (creates 5mg/mL)
- Inject water slowly down vial side to avoid foaming
- Gently roll vial - do not shake vigorously
- Solution should be clear to slightly yellow
- Wrap vial in foil (MT-II is light sensitive)
- Store in refrigerator
- Draw dose with insulin syringe (typical: 0.05-0.2mL)
Work out the water volume and syringe units in the reconstitution calculator →
Nasal
Nasal spray offers convenient administration with rapid absorption, though with less research data.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nasal administration | 1-2mg | 1-2x daily | Nasal spray |
Topical
Topical application provides localized effects with minimal systemic absorption.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Localized tanning | 1-2mg/mL solution | 1-2x daily | Topical application |
Protocol variations
Alternative cycling patterns reported in the literature and community.
Traditional Loading Protocol
A decade-old protocol involving daily injections at higher doses for 1-2 weeks before maintenance. This approach is associated with more side effects including nausea and increased freckling/mole development. Dosing on non-tanning days can lead to uneven pigmentation.
Pre-Tan Only Protocol
NEVER administer on non-tanning days. Always tan within 1 hour of injection. Start extremely low (50-75mcg) and increase by 25mcg every 3 sessions. This dramatically reduces freckling, uneven pigmentation, and side effects. The traditional loading phase is considered counterproductive - it builds melanin in areas with high melanocyte activity (freckles, moles, genitals) rather than where UV protection is needed.
Interactions
Pairwise interactions with other compounds you might be cycling — the same data behind the cycle builder's safety check.
Alpha-MSH
AvoidRedundant mechanism increases side effect risk.
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
MonitorBoth act on melanocortin receptors; combining may cause excessive side effects.
Cialis/Viagra
MonitorMay enhance sexual effects; monitor cardiovascular impact.
Blood Pressure Medications
MonitorMT-II can affect blood pressure.
Appetite Suppressants
MonitorMT-II has appetite-suppressing effects; additive effects possible.
BPC-157
CompatibleNo known interactions.
Growth Hormone Peptides
CompatibleDifferent pathways; no interactions.
Timeline
Typical week-by-week effects reported in clinical and observational data.
- Day 1-3
Possible nausea, flushing, fatigue
- Day 3-7
Increased spontaneous erections (men), enhanced arousal
- Week 1-2
Noticeable skin darkening, reduced appetite
- Week 2-4
Significant tanning, stabilized sexual effects
- Week 4+
Maintained tan with less frequent dosing
Safety
Reported adverse effects, contraindications, and what to monitor on cycle.
Common side effects
- Nausea (pre-treatment with antiemetics recommended)
- Facial flushing
- Temporary blood pressure elevation
- Fatigue
- Spontaneous erections
Stop signs — stop and seek advice
- Severe persistent nausea or vomiting
- Chest pain or significant blood pressure elevation
- Mole changes (size, shape, color) - monitor closely
- Prolonged painful erections (priapism)
- Severe headaches or vision changes
- Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty)
Contraindications
- History of melanoma or dysplastic nevi
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Uncontrolled hypertension
Monitoring
- Start with very low dose (0.1-0.25mg) to assess tolerance
- Monitor moles and freckles for any changes
- Stay hydrated to minimize headaches/flushing
- Regular skin examinations recommended
Quality checks
What a legitimate product looks like, what should give pause, and what should make you stop.
Good signs
- White to off-white lyophilized powder
- Clear to pale yellow solution when reconstituted
- Vacuum sealed vial with audible 'pop' when opening
Warning signs
- Protect from light exposure - MT-II is photosensitive
- Wrap vials in foil for storage
Stop signs — don't use
- Brown or dark powder indicates oxidation/impurities
- Cloudy solution after mixing indicates degradation/contamination
Recent research
Newer papers and trial readouts on file for this compound, with source and date.
2024 · JAMA Dermatology
Afamelanotide and Narrowband UV-B Phototherapy for the Treatment of Vitiligo: A Randomized Multicenter Trial
Combination of afamelanotide (a related MC1R agonist) with NB-UVB produced statistically superior and faster repigmentation compared to NB-UVB alone.
2024 · BMJ Open
Risks of Unregulated Use of Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Analogues: A Review
Comprehensive risk assessment of unregulated melanotan use. Clinicians should monitor pigmented lesions, infectious disease transmission, and sunbed exposure in users.
References
Primary literature and clinical-trial data informing this entry.
Melanocortin Receptor Agonists, Penile Erection, and Sexual Motivation: Human Studies with Melanotan II
Wessells H, Levine N, Hadley ME, Dorr RT, Hruby VJ · International Journal of Impotence Research · 2000
20 men with psychogenic/organic ED; 0.025mg/kg dose. Melanotan II induced penile erection in 17/20 men without sexual stimulation. Increased sexual desire in 68% vs 19% placebo (P<0.01).
Increased Eumelanin Expression and Tanning Is Induced by a Superpotent Melanotropin [Nle4-D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH in Humans
Dorr RT, Lines R, Levine N, et al. · Journal of Investigative Dermatology · 2000
Seven volunteers received 0.16mg/kg/day subcutaneous injections for 10 days. Mean 49% increase in forehead eumelanin and 98% increase in forearm eumelanin one week post-treatment.
Discovery that a Melanocortin Regulates Sexual Functions in Male and Female Humans
Hadley ME, Dorr RT · Peptides · 2006
Melanotan II enhances sexual function in both males and females by working at the brain level, triggering a natural sexual response via melanocortin receptor activation.
Evaluation of Melanotan-II, a Superpotent Cyclic Melanotropic Peptide in a Pilot Phase-I Clinical Study
Dorr RT, Lines R, Levine N, Brooks C, et al. · Life Sciences · 1996
Phase I study in 3 normal male volunteers. Daily subcutaneous injections for 2 weeks produced visible skin darkening in the face, upper body, and buttock after only 5 low doses.
Last updated . How this page was sourced is described in the methodology.