Peptide · Skin & cosmetic
Melanotan II is a melanocortin agonist studied for tanning effects, with a notable side-effect profile (nausea, blood pressure changes, mole darkening).
Melanotan II is a melanocortin agonist studied for tanning effects, with a notable side-effect profile (nausea, blood pressure changes, mole darkening).
Melanotan-2 is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) that binds melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R). MC1R activation stimulates melanin production (skin tanning); MC4R activation produces appetite suppression and sexual function effects (PT-141 was developed from this molecule with improved MC4R selectivity).
Limited clinical data. Significant safety concerns.
Not FDA-approved. Caution warranted.
Common protocols vary widely. Loading: 250–500 mcg subcutaneous daily for 1–2 weeks, then maintenance 250 mcg 1–3 times weekly. UV exposure during the loading phase is the primary trigger for melanin production. Caveat: melanotan-2 carries significant safety concerns and should be used only with medical supervision.
Dosing in research and clinical-use contexts varies. Specific protocols should always be set by a prescribing clinician, not by patient-direct sources.
Significant safety concerns: facial flushing, nausea, spontaneous erections (in men), darkening of moles and freckles (concerning for melanoma surveillance), new mole development, and rare but reported cases of melanoma in MT-2 users. Patients with personal or family history of melanoma should not use MT-2. Annual full-skin checks with a dermatologist are essential for any MT-2 user. The risk profile is materially worse than most other peptides covered on this site.
Not commonly stacked. The safety concerns make MT-2 a peptide where less is more.
Most peptides discussed on this page are compounded products requiring a prescription from a licensed clinician. Reputable telehealth peptide programs include physician-led oversight, accredited compounding pharmacies, and clear regulatory framing. For weight-management GLP-1 programs, see our provider reviews.
Melanotan II is a melanocortin agonist studied for tanning effects, with a notable side-effect profile (nausea, blood pressure changes, mole darkening).
Not FDA-approved. Caution warranted.
Uses include: Tanning (research, with significant side effects). This is research and clinical-use context, not a recommendation. Always work with a licensed clinician.
Limited clinical data. Significant safety concerns.
Reported dosing: Variable; significant side effects. Actual dosing should always be determined by your prescribing clinician, not by online sources.
MT-2 has the most concerning safety profile of any peptide covered here. Annual dermatology checks are essential. Patients with melanoma history or significant mole burden should not use MT-2.
The evidence is mixed. There are case reports of melanoma in MT-2 users; whether the peptide caused the cancer or revealed pre-existing lesions through pigment changes is debated. Caution is warranted.