Melanotan II (MT-2)
Research profile · How we handle evidence
Melanotan II is a synthetic tan-through peptide. Originally developed at University of Arizona for skin cancer prevention, it stimulates melanogenesis (skin darkening) big time. Also has notable effects on libido and appetite. Warning: it can darken moles, so watch those carefully.
Evidence Score
Preliminary signal
Category
Therapeutic area
Standard Dose
Daily during loading phase (1-2 weeks), then 1-2x weekly maintenance
Half-life
Plasma elimination
Route
Subcutaneous or Intranasal
Safety Tier
Limited data
Overview
Melanotan II (MT-2) is the most popular tanning peptide for a reason, it delivers a fast, deep tan with way less UV exposure needed, usually within 1-2 weeks of daily micro-dosing. But it also cranks up your libido (sometimes uncomfortably so) and can kill your appetite, which some people actually like. The nausea is the biggest complaint, especially at first, take it right before bed so you sleep through it, and start at 0.25mg, not higher. The part you can't ignore: MT-2 will darken your moles and freckles, sometimes dramatically, so you need to do regular skin checks. It's banned in Australia and the UK, and isn't FDA-approved, so this isn't something to be casual about. If you just want the tan without the libido effects and nausea, consider Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) instead, it's actually FDA-approved and much cleaner.
Mechanism of Action
Melanotan II (MT-2) is the most popular tanning peptide for a reason, it delivers a fast, deep tan with way less UV exposure needed, usually within 1-2 weeks of daily micro-dosing. But it also cranks up your libido (sometimes uncomfortably so) and can kill your appetite, which some people actually like. The nausea is the biggest complaint, especially at first, take it right before bed so you sleep through it, and start at 0.25mg, not higher. The part you can't ignore: MT-2 will darken your moles and freckles, sometimes dramatically, so you need to do regular skin checks. It's banned in Australia and the UK, and isn't FDA-approved, so this isn't something to be casual about. If you just want the tan without the libido effects and nausea, consider Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) instead, it's actually FDA-approved and much cleaner.
Benefits
- Develops a deep, natural-looking tan with minimal sun
- Significant libido enhancement in both sexes
- Mild appetite suppression
- Requires way less UV exposure for tanning
- Protective melanin increase
Side Effects
- Nausea (common initially - take with food)
- Facial flushing
- Darkening of moles (monitor carefully!)
- Spontaneous erections in men
- Drowsiness
- Increased freckle visibility
Contraindications
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Individuals under 18 years old
- Those with known allergies to peptide components
Structure & Sequence
Verified structure
Melanotan II (MT-2)
Sequence illustration backed by PubChem match.
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2
- Cyclization
- Cyclic (lactam) backbone
- Molecular Weight
- 1,024.2 Da
- Chemical Formula
- C50H69N15O9
- InChIKey
- JDKLPDJLXHXHNV-MFVUMRCOSA-N
Stack & Route Context
Stacks with
No entries listed.
Administration
Subcutaneous or Intranasal
Research Status
Research compound. Not FDA approved. Banned in many countries including Australia and UK. Use with caution.
Approval Status
Research
Sports Legal
Restricted
References
- 1View source
The melanotropin agonist Melanotan II
1998
- 2View source
Melanotan II: A review of the literature
2017
- 3View source
Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections
1996
This profile summarizes research literature for education only. It is not medical advice, and it does not diagnose, treat, or recommend a dose. Consult a qualified professional before changing a protocol.