Melanotan Ii
Educational resource. Not medical advice. No dosing or instructions.
Safety grade
5/10
Moderate
Also known as
MT2melanotanmelanotan 2melanotan iimelanotan-iimelanotan2melanotaniimt2
AA sequence
Not available yet.
What it is
Melanotan II is a synthetic melanocortin peptide designed to activate melanocortin receptors (notably MC1R) to increase melanin production, and it can also affect other melanocortin pathways linked to sexual function and appetite. Human clinical work exists for specific effects, but most real-world tanning use occurs outside regulated medical products, increasing variability and safety uncertainty.
Why people are interested in this peptide and how it is commonly discussed in real-world wellness, rehabilitation, and athletic communities.
Why people are interested
- skin appearance and texture support
- interest in skin remodeling pathways
- weight-loss support (commonly discussed)
- metabolic health support (anecdotal)
- general recovery and resilience interest (anecdotal)
- common biohacker curiosity due to community reports
- interest in mechanisms suggested by early evidence
- used in goal-based stacking discussions (anecdotal)
- exploration in wellness communities despite evidence limits
Melanotan II is used for tanning and is also known for libido-related effects. Risks are real: nausea is common, pigmentation changes can be lasting, and sourcing/quality problems are widespread.
Common reasons people consider it
- increased tanning response and reduced sunburn tendency discussions
- libido effects are commonly reported (unpredictable)
- sometimes discussed for appetite suppression (variable)
Most commonly reported downsides
- nausea
- flushing
- yawning or fatigue
- increased freckles or darkening of existing moles
Rare but important symptoms to watch for
These are uncommon, but if they occur, stop and seek medical care.
- rapidly changing mole or new irregular pigmented lesion
- severe allergic reaction symptoms (hives, facial swelling, trouble breathing)
- severe blood pressure symptoms (fainting, collapse)
Who should be cautious
- people with many moles, atypical moles, or melanoma history (pigment-risk context)
- people with uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular disease
- pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
- adolescents (cosmetic-driven use with meaningful long-term uncertainty)
Interactions summarize known or plausible ways this peptide may intersect with medications, supplements, or physiologic states. Use this as a risk-awareness map: what to ask about, what to watch for, and what deserves a clinician conversation.
Medication classes
Supplement classes
None
Other peptides
None
Developmental risk is flagged due to limited adolescent data and uncertain long-term effects. Endocrine, growth, neurodevelopmental, and metabolic setpoints may be sensitive to perturbation. This section is descriptive only; uncertainty is explicitly acknowledged.
REVIEW · Grade: human_observational · Year: 2006
Melanocortin peptide therapeutics: historical milestones, clinical studies and commercialization.
Use to bound harms and uncertainty; not endorsement.
JOURNAL_ARTICLE · Grade: human_observational · Year: 2025
Melanotan II nasal spray: a possible risk factor for oral mucosal malignant melanoma?
Adverse-event context only; case-level evidence.
CASE_REPORT · Grade: human_observational · Year: 2019
Melanoma in-situ associated with Melanotan II use (case report PDF)
Association signal only (case report); cannot establish causality; useful for uncertainty/risk disclosure.
Not FDA-approved. Despite lack of regulatory approval, Melanotan II is widely sold as a research chemical and is used by humans for cosmetic tanning and related melanocortin effects. Product purity, dose labeling, and formulation consistency vary substantially in the gray/illicit market, which increases uncertainty and risk. Classification describes what Melanotan II is and the general domain where it appears.
Pep-Talk is informational only and not medical advice. We make no warranties and are not liable for actions you take. You are responsible for your decisions and outcomes.
Community notes
Educational discussion only. No dosing, protocols, schedules, or instructions. Submissions are moderated before appearing.
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