A synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It strongly stimulates melanin production, causing deep skin tanning and darkening with minimal UV exposure. Also known for suppressing appetite and powerfully increasing libido.
What is this used for?
What dose is typical for your goal?
- Typical dose
- 100–500 mcg
- How it's taken
- Injection under the skin
- How often
- Daily until desired tan, then 1-2x weekly
- Most common starting point
- 100 mcg daily to assess tolerance
Based on published studies and what providers typically prescribe.
Important safety info
- Not FDA-approved. The FDA has issued explicit consumer warnings against Melanotan products.
- Melanoma risk: activates melanocytes throughout the body, including in existing moles. Do not use if you have existing moles, atypical skin lesions, or a family history of melanoma. Dermatologist review before starting is strongly advised.
- Cardiovascular effects: blood-pressure elevation, tachycardia, and serious events have been reported. Contraindicated in cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled hypertension.
- Nausea is dose-limiting — most people dose at night to sleep through peak side effects.
- No regulatory quality control — purity and potency of products sold as Melanotan II are not guaranteed.
These are typical doses from research and real prescriptions — not a recommendation for you specifically. Your provider will adjust based on your body, your goals, and your health history.
Want your exact dose? A provider will personalize this for you.
Find a ProviderHow do you take it?
These are typical doses from research and real prescriptions — not a recommendation for you specifically. Your provider will adjust based on your body, your goals, and your health history.
Can this be combined with other peptides?
How well researched is this?
Growing Evidence (Some Human Studies)
Pre-clinical and limited early clinical trials proved efficacy for both tanning and erectile dysfunction before pharmaceutical development was largely abandoned due to off-target effects.
Legal status
Currently restricted by the FDA and cannot be legally compounded. This status may change — we'll update this page when it does.
2026 reclassification status updates coming soon.
Purity
Purity measures how clean and accurate the compound is. Higher purity means fewer contaminants and more reliable dosing.
HPLC Purity Tested
Always require a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from a US-based compounding pharmacy.
Common questions
Ready to start?
Consult with a licensed provider to determine the right protocol for your goals.



