Melanotan II
Also known as: Melanotan-2 · MT-2
A potent α-MSH analog used for tanning that also affects appetite and libido.
Melanotan II at a glance
| Name | Melanotan II |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Melanotan-2, MT-2 |
| Category | Skin & pigmentation |
| Type | Peptide |
| Sequence | Cyclic analog of α-MSH |
| Typical dose | ~250–500 mcg |
| Frequency | Loading then maintenance |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection |
| Half-life | Short (hours). |
Overview
Melanotan II is a more potent, less selective α-MSH analog. Beyond tanning it activates several melanocortin receptors, which is why users also report appetite suppression and increased libido. It is unapproved and widely sold as a research chemical; its non-selectivity is the source of most of its side effects.
How it’s thought to work
- Activates multiple melanocortin receptors (MC1R for pigment, MC4R for appetite/libido).
- Stimulates melanin production for tanning.
Researched uses
- Tanning
- Appetite and libido research
Commonly cited protocol
| Typical dose | ~250–500 mcg |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Loading then maintenance |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection |
| Notes | Lower starting doses reduce nausea. |
Reconstitution
Often a 10 mg vial. 10 mg with 2 mL water = 5 mg/mL, so 250 mcg = 5 units on a U-100 syringe.
Melanotan II dosage calculator
The calculator below is pre-filled with Melanotan II’s commonly cited vial size and dose. Adjust the vial amount, bacteriostatic water, or dose to match your own vial — it will show the exact insulin-syringe units to draw, the concentration, and how many doses the vial holds.
Add 2 mL of bacteriostatic water to your 10 mg vial. That gives you about 40 doses of 250 mcg. For each dose, draw 5 units into a 100-unit insulin syringe.
See the full Melanotan II dosing chart (units for every dose & water amount), or open the full peptide calculator →
Cautions
- Not approved; unregulated research chemical.
- Nausea, flushing, spontaneous erections, and darkening moles reported.
- Monitor skin/moles for changes.
Melanotan II FAQ
What is Melanotan II?
A potent α-MSH analog used for tanning that also affects appetite and libido.
How does Melanotan II work?
Activates multiple melanocortin receptors (MC1R for pigment, MC4R for appetite/libido). Stimulates melanin production for tanning.
What is Melanotan II used for?
Tanning; Appetite and libido research.
What is a typical Melanotan II dose?
~250–500 mcg, Loading then maintenance, Subcutaneous injection. This is a commonly cited figure for context only, not medical advice.
How do you reconstitute Melanotan II?
Often a 10 mg vial. 10 mg with 2 mL water = 5 mg/mL, so 250 mcg = 5 units on a U-100 syringe.
What is the half-life of Melanotan II?
Short (hours).