Melanotan II
Also known as MT-II, MT2, Melanotan 2
Last reviewed · Awaiting clinical review
Main safety concerns
Not FDA approved. It darkens and can change moles, which makes spotting skin cancer harder. Avoid it if you have many or atypical moles or any history of melanoma, and have a dermatologist check your skin.
- SeriousRaised blood pressure and rare serious events
- SeriousAvoid if: Many or atypical moles, or a personal or family history of melanoma
- SeriousAvoid if: Uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disease
Educational information, not medical advice. If you have symptoms that worry you, contact a clinician or emergency services.
What is known
A melanocortin agonist injected to darken skin and, at higher doses, to raise libido. Not approved, and it carries real skin risks.
On this page
What it is and how it works
Melanotan II is a synthetic copy of alpha-MSH that switches on melanocortin receptors. Through the MC1 receptor it makes skin produce more melanin, which darkens it with less sun. Through MC3 and MC4 receptors in the brain it can raise sexual desire and cause erections. That same broad receptor activity is why it commonly causes nausea, flushing, and appetite loss.[1]
Evidence by claim
Each claim is graded on its own. Tap a grade to see what it does and does not mean.
Darkens skin with less sun exposure.
Source type: Review
It clearly works, mostly documented through user reports and small studies. It is not a safe or approved tanning method.
Raises libido and causes erections.
Reported by users. Its relative PT-141 is the studied and approved option for sexual desire.
No source cited for this claim.
Reported side effects
- SeriousRaised blood pressure and rare serious events(rare)[1]Reports include atypical moles (dysplastic nevi) and rare events such as kidney infarction. Long term safety has not been studied.
- WarningNew or changing moles and freckles(common)[1]It darkens existing moles and can create new ones. Any changing mole needs a dermatologist, because this can hide or mimic skin cancer.
- CautionNausea(common)[1]Common right after a dose, and worse at higher doses.
- CautionFacial flushing(common)[1]
- InfoDecreased appetite(common)[1]
- InfoSpontaneous erections(common)[1]More likely at the higher libido doses.
Interactions and combination risks
- CautionPT-141 or other melanocortin agonists
They share a mechanism, so combining adds to the nausea and blood pressure effects.
Who should avoid it
- SeriousMany or atypical moles, or a personal or family history of melanoma
It changes moles and could hide or drive skin cancer. This is the most important reason to avoid it.
- SeriousUncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disease
It can raise blood pressure.
- SeriousPregnancy or breastfeeding
No safety data in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Dosing
Placed after the evidence and risks on purpose. Nothing here is a recommendation for you.
| Route(s) | subcutaneous |
|---|---|
| Typical range | For tanning, often about 200 mcg daily for a week, then 100 mcg twice weekly once color builds. For libido, higher doses around 0.5 to 2 mg are used, which bring more side effects. |
| Frequency | Daily during loading, then a couple of times a week |
| Cycle guidance | Cycled, for example 4 to 8 weeks on with breaks. A lower total dose means fewer side effects. |
| Notes | Not approved, and the dosing is entirely community derived. Start very low, since nausea and flushing are common. This does not protect against sunburn or skin cancer. A darker tan is not a safe substitute for sun protection. |
For the equipment itself, see syringes, needles, and the rest of the kit.
Reconstitution
| Vial sizes | 10 mg |
|---|---|
| Diluent | Bacteriostatic water for multi dose vials, or sterile water for single use |
| Concentration | Tanning doses are tiny, so mix dilute for an easy draw. Example: a 10 mg vial plus 5 mL of water gives 2 mg/mL, so a 200 mcg dose is 0.1 mL, which is 10 units on a U-100 syringe. |
| Notes | Melanotan II usually ships as 10 mg freeze dried vials. Because tanning doses are small, a more dilute mix is easier to measure accurately. |
General reconstitution technique
Units and volume arithmetic
Converts between an amount and syringe units for the vial and diluent you enter. It starts empty and does not suggest an amount. Open the full calculator
Result
Fill in steps 1 to 3 to see the arithmetic. Nothing here is a suggested amount.
Settings live in the address bar, so a pasted link reopens this calculator as you left it.
Educational arithmetic only. It does not choose an amount for you and is not medical or dosing advice. Verify every calculation independently.
Storage and stability
Dry powder (lyophilized)
| Temperature | Freeze for long term storage, or 2 to 8 short term |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | Many months when frozen |
| Notes | Keep dry and out of light until you mix it. |
After mixing
| Temperature | 2 to 8 (refrigerated) |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | About 2 to 4 weeks |
| Notes | Do not freeze after mixing. Discard if cloudy or discolored. |
COA and purity notes
| Common adulterants | underdosed or mislabeled vials, material sold without clear content |
|---|---|
| Mislabeling | It is unregulated, so a recent third party COA helps confirm what is in the vial. |
| Notes | Sold as an unapproved research and tanning chemical. |
Sources
[1]User experiences of Melanotan II injection for tanning
British Journal of Dermatology 2024 (opens source in a new tab)· Review[2]Advice on the use of injecting tanning agents such as Melanotan
Drugs.ie (harm reduction guidance) 2024 (opens source in a new tab)· Other[3]Notice of Opportunity for Hearing: Edward Manookian (proposed debarment over sales of Melanotan II)
U.S. Food & Drug Administration 2016 (opens source in a new tab)· Regulatory record[4]Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks
U.S. Food & Drug Administration 2026 (opens source in a new tab)· Regulatory record
Last reviewed 8 July 2026 · editorial status: reviewed