INTRODUCTION

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?

Skin Tanning

Skin Tanning

Studied for powerfully stimulating melanogenesis. Users can achieve incredibly deep, long-lasting tans with only a fraction of normal sun exposure.

Sexual Libido

Sexual Libido

Acts aggressively on melanocortin receptors in the brain, often causing intense and prolonged sexual arousal and erectile support.

Appetite Suppression

Appetite Suppression

Melanocortin receptor activation has a secondary effect of blunting hunger, leading many to use it as a weight-management aid alongside tanning.

What dose is typical for your goal?

Skin Tanning typical protocol
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.

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How do you take it?

RouteInjection under the skin
FrequencyDaily until desired tan, then 1-2x weekly
Important Note

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.

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.

Want the full breakdown? Read our comprehensive analysis.
Read Evidence Review →

Purity

Purity measures how clean and accurate the compound is. Higher purity means fewer contaminants and more reliable dosing.

>99.0%

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.