Peptides
Melanotan 2: Skin Tanning, Fat Loss, Sexual and Cognitive Health
Dosage calculator available
Reconstitution & dosing math for Melanotan 2.
Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic peptide originally developed at the University of Arizona to stimulate melanin production and protect fair-skinned individuals from UV damage. It works by activating melanocortin receptors throughout the body. MT-II is NOT FDA-approved, carries real risks (nausea, mole changes, cardiovascular effects), and requires careful medical supervision if you choose to explore it.
01
Quick Facts
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Compound Type | Synthetic melanocortin peptide |
| Primary Mechanism | Melanocortin receptor activation (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R) |
| Key Effects | Skin tanning, fat loss, libido enhancement |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection |
| FDA Status | Not approved for any medical use |
| Research Stage | Limited human trials; more animal data available |
| Risk Level | Moderate to high - medical supervision strongly recommended |
02
How Does Melanotan 2 Work in the Body?
| Receptor | Location | Effect | How It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC1R | Melanocytes (skin cells) | Skin darkening / tanning | Stimulates melanin production without UV exposure |
| MC3R | Hypothalamus, fat tissue | Appetite suppression, energy regulation | Modulates energy balance and fat storage |
| MC4R | Brain (hypothalamus, arousal centers) | Libido enhancement, erectile function | Activates central arousal pathways |
| MC3R/MC4R | Central nervous system | Potential cognitive effects | May influence focus and mental clarity (preliminary) |
03
What Does the Research Actually Show?
| Research Area | Study Type | Key Finding | Confidence Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin tanning | Human trials | Deeper, longer-lasting tan vs. UV alone | Moderate |
| Erectile function | Human trials | Significant improvement in ED patients | Moderate-High |
| Fat loss | Animal studies | Reduced body weight and fat mass | Low-Moderate (animal data) |
| Appetite suppression | Animal + anecdotal | Decreased caloric intake | Low-Moderate |
| Cognitive effects | Anecdotal only | Reported focus improvements | Low (no clinical data) |
04
Is Melanotan 2 Safe? Side Effects and Risks
| Side Effect | Frequency | Severity | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | Very common | Mild-Moderate | Dose before bed, hydrate, start low |
| Facial flushing | Common | Mild | Self-resolving (30-60 min) |
| Increased libido | Common | Mild | Typically self-limiting |
| Appetite suppression | Common | Mild | Monitor caloric intake |
| Mole changes | Moderate | Serious | Regular dermatologist monitoring |
| Heart palpitations | Uncommon | Serious | Discontinue and consult physician |
| Melanoma risk (theoretical) | Unknown | Potentially severe | Ongoing skin surveillance |
05
Melanotan 2 Dosage
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial / Loading | 25-50 mcg | Every 2-3 days | 2-4 weeks |
| Building | 100-250 mcg | Every 2-3 days | Until desired pigmentation |
| Maintenance | 250 mcg | 1-2x per week | Ongoing |
06
MT-II vs Other Melanocortin Peptides
| Feature | Melanotan II | Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) | PT-141 (Bremelanotide) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Tanning + multiple effects | Tanning / photoprotection | Sexual dysfunction |
| Receptor selectivity | Non-selective (MC1R-MC5R) | More selective (MC1R) | Selective (MC4R) |
| FDA status | Not approved | Approved in EU (Scenesse) | FDA-approved (Vyleesi) |
| Tanning effect | Strong | Moderate | Minimal |
| Sexual effects | Significant | Minimal | Primary function |
| Side effect profile | Broader (nausea, moles, cardiovascular) | Narrower | Nausea, flushing |
| Research depth | Limited human data | More extensive | Robust clinical trials |
07
How to Administer
- Subcutaneous injection
- Reconstitute lyophilized powder with bacteriostatic water
- Use an insulin syringe
- Inject into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
- Rotate injection sites
- Use sterile technique
08
Storage
Keep reconstituted MT-II refrigerated (2–8°C / 36–46°F) and use within 30 days. Store unreconstituted peptide frozen. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles and protect from light.
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