Melanotan II
Last reviewed June 3, 2026
Also known as: MT-II, MT-2
Quick Answer
Melanotan II is a melanocortin agonist research compound (not FDA-approved for human use) studied for tanning. Melanotan II is a synthetic melanocortin analog studied for stimulating skin tanning, suppressing appetite, and increasing sexual arousal, though it carries significant safety concerns. Research dose: 250–250 mcg 7x/wk. Half-life: 1 hours. Available from COA-verified vendors with code PEPTIDEX for up to 20% off.
Where to Source
Ranked by $/mg1Bio Longevity Labs Best $/mg
$47.57
$55.97Save $8.40
10mg vial
$5.60/mg
99%+ purityTested Apr 2026
Use code for 15% off:
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Rankings independent · Research use only
MC4R activation. Non-selectively activates melanocortin receptors to stimulate melanin production, suppress appetite, and increase sexual arousal.
Where to Buy Melanotan II
COA-verified vendors · Use code PEPTIDEX for up to 20% off
* Prices for research peptide acquisition. Not therapeutic products.
| Vendor | Purity | List Price | With PEPTIDEX | Code | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ascension PeptidesBest Price | 98%+ | $40.0010 mg | $20.00Save 50% | PEPTIDEX | * Research vendor — verify your regional regulations before purchase. Shop |
Bio Longevity LabsTriple-Tested | 99%+ | $55.9710 mg | $47.57Save 15% | PEPTIDEX | * Research vendor — verify your regional regulations before purchase. Shop |
Ascension PeptidesBest Price
$40.00 · 10 mg$20.00−50%
Use code PEPTIDEX for 50% off at Ascension Peptides.
* Research vendor — verify your regional regulations before purchase.
Shop at Ascension PeptidesBio Longevity LabsTriple-Tested
$55.97 · 10 mg$47.57−15%
Use code PEPTIDEX for 15% off at Bio Longevity Labs.
* Research vendor — verify your regional regulations before purchase.
Shop at Bio Longevity Labs§ Mechanism of Action
MC4R activation. Non-selectively activates melanocortin receptors to stimulate melanin production, suppress appetite, and increase sexual arousal.
§ Primary Benefits
- 1Tanning
- 2libido enhancement
§ Clinical Evidence
Melanotan II tanning and erectile effects Phase I
Dorr et al. (J. Investigative Dermatol.): Phase I trial in normal male volunteers confirming tanning activity and spontaneous penile erections. Side effects: nausea, somnolence.
ModerateMelanotan II as potent initiator of penile erection
Wessells et al. (J. Urology): Double-blind study showing MT-II initiates erection in men with erectile dysfunction even without sexual stimulation.
ModerateMelanotan II as skin cancer chemopreventive peptide
Hadley & Dorr (Peptides): Review of MT-II as potential chemopreventive agent for UV-induced skin cancer through enhanced eumelanin synthesis.
PreclinicalDevelopment of selective MC4R agonists from Melanotan II
Hruby et al. describe development of functionally selective melanocortin receptor agonists derived from MT-II to separate desired from unwanted pharmacological effects.
PreclinicalMelanotan-induced priapism: a hard-earned tan.
A study published in BMJ case reports investigating the effects and mechanisms.
PreclinicalUse of melanotan I and II in the general population.
A study published in BMJ (Clinical research ed.) investigating the effects and mechanisms.
PreclinicalCLIPSing Melanotan-II to Discover Multiple Functionally Selective hMCR Agonists.
A study published in Journal of medicinal chemistry investigating the effects and mechanisms.
PreclinicalCombining MALDI mass spectrometry imaging and droplet-base surface sampling analysis for tissue distribution, metabolite profiling, and relative quantification of cyclic peptide melanotan II.
A study published in Analytica chimica acta investigating the effects and mechanisms.
PreclinicalMelanotan-II reverses memory impairment induced by a short-term HF diet.
A study published in Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie investigating the effects and mechanisms.
PreclinicalDiscovery and development of novel melanogenic drugs. Melanotan-I and -II.
A study published in Pharmaceutical biotechnology investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Preclinical§ Safety Profile
Nausea common; research-only. SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERNS: changes to moles, elevated BP. Actively warned against by FDA/TGA.
See our evidence grading methodology for how we evaluate and grade peptide safety data.
§ Dosing Protocol
* Dosing data from published literature — not a human use recommendation.
RouteSubQ
Dose Range250–250 mcg
Frequency7x/wk
TimingAny time
Cycle Length4–4 weeks
BAC Water2.5 ml / 10mg vial
Loading: 250mcg/day for 7-10 days. Maintenance: as needed for UV exposure. START LOW.
§ Pharmacokinetics
⏱️ Half-Life: 1h
Plasma concentration over time§ Regulatory
🇺🇸USA
Research Only🇨🇦Canada
Banned / Restricted🇬🇧UK
Banned / Restricted🇪🇺EU
Banned / Restricted🇦🇺Australia
Banned / RestrictedLast updated: 2026-01 · Laws change frequently. Verify current status in your jurisdiction.
§ Expected Outcomes
Week 1
Nausea common during initial dose; spontaneous erections in men; early tanning begins
Weeks 2–4
Significant skin pigmentation; libido effects
Long-term
Persistent tan maintained with UV exposure; long-term safety concerns with mole changes
§ Adverse Effects
| Side Effect | Incidence | Severity |
|---|---|---|
Nausea Most common side effect; dose-dependent | ~45% of users | moderate |
Facial flushing | ~30% of users | mild |
Fatigue | ~15% of users | mild |
Spontaneous erections (men) | ~20% of men | mild |
Mole changes (darkening) Monitor moles carefully; can mask melanoma | Variable | uncommon |
Where to Source Melanotan II for Research
Finding verified, high-purity Melanotan II requires rigorous COA verification. We independently evaluate vendors based on third-party HPLC testing, purity thresholds (≥98%), and batch-specific documentation.
View COA-Verified Melanotan II✓ Third-party tested·✓ US shipping·✓ COA on every batch
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§ Comparisons
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⚠️ Educational only · Not medical advice · For research use only. Information on this page is compiled from peer-reviewed literature and is intended strictly for educational and informational purposes. Peptides discussed may be unapproved research chemicals — consult a licensed healthcare professional before considering any peptide compound. Read our full disclaimer
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