Skin & cosmetic
Melanotan II
MT-II
A synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Primarily studied for its ability to stimulate melanin production, causing skin tanning without UV exposure.
Also known as: MT-2, Melanotan 2, melanotan
- Status
- Melanotan II is a research compound and not approved by the FDA for human use.
- Evidence
- Anecdotal. Mostly community reports; there is no controlled human data.
- Half-life
- ~1 hour
- How it's taken
- Subcutaneous injection
- Mechanism
- Melanocortin receptor
- Pathways
- Melanocortin
How Melanotan II works
Binds to melanocortin receptors (MC1R) in skin cells, triggering melanin production. Also has effects on MC3R and MC4R receptors, which influence appetite and sexual function.
What research has looked at
- Skin darkening without sun exposure
- Reduced UV damage risk from tanning
- Potential appetite suppression
- May increase libido as a secondary effect
Evidence level: Anecdotal. Mostly community reports; there is no controlled human data. These are areas studied or reported, not promised effects.
Reported side effects and risks
- Nausea (very common initially)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- New or changed moles (monitor closely)
- Potential darkening of existing moles
- Not FDA-approved — significant safety concerns
Sources
- PubMed research on melanotan II safety melanocortin · NIH · National Library of Medicine
- DrugBank record for melanotan II · DrugBank
- StatPearls / NCBI Bookshelf on melanotan II · NCBI Bookshelf
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Melanotan II FAQ
What is Melanotan II?
A synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Primarily studied for its ability to stimulate melanin production, causing skin tanning without UV exposure.
How does Melanotan II work?
Binds to melanocortin receptors (MC1R) in skin cells, triggering melanin production. Also has effects on MC3R and MC4R receptors, which influence appetite and sexual function.
Is Melanotan II FDA approved?
No. Melanotan II is a research compound and not approved by the FDA for human use. Evidence level: anecdotal. Mostly community reports; there is no controlled human data.
What is the half-life of Melanotan II?
Reported half-life: ~1 hour.
How is Melanotan II taken?
Subcutaneous injection.
What side effects have been reported with Melanotan II?
Reported in the sources: Nausea (very common initially); Facial flushing; Fatigue; New or changed moles (monitor closely); Potential darkening of existing moles; Not FDA-approved — significant safety concerns.
Educational summary compiled from the sources listed above. Not medical advice. Peptide Vault does not sell, source or recommend any compound. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting or changing anything.