Libido

Melanotan II

Melanotan II (MT-II)

A non-selective melanocortin agonist producing tanning, libido enhancement, and appetite suppression — with a broader and less predictable side effect profile than selective alternatives.

Melanotan II is not approved by the FDA for human use. It is sold strictly for research purposes only and is not intended for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease or condition. Purchase and use is entirely at your own risk.

Sourcing for research purposes? Get 50% off at Ascension Peptides.

Shop now →

What it is

Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Unlike PT-141 (which is derived from it) or Melanotan I (which is selective), Melanotan II activates all four melanocortin receptor subtypes (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R) non-selectively.

This non-selectivity produces a broader range of effects — tanning, libido, appetite suppression — but also a broader and less predictable side effect profile. It is not approved by any regulatory agency.

What research shows

Strong melanogenesis (skin tanning) via MC1R activation — even without UV exposure
Significant libido and sexual arousal effects via MC4R
Appetite suppression and potential weight loss effects
Spontaneous erections are a well-documented and often unwanted side effect in men
Nausea, facial flushing, and fatigue are commonly reported

What remains unknown

Long-term safety profile — concerns around nevus (mole) changes and melanoma risk have been raised
Cardiovascular safety with chronic use
Net effect on melanocytic lesions with repeated use

Administration basics

Common use cases

Tanning, libido, appetite suppression. Many users have shifted to more selective alternatives (PT-141, Melanotan I) given the side effect profile.

Half-life

Approximately 1–2 hours.

Administration

Subcutaneous injection. Nasal spray formulations are also available but with variable bioavailability.

Source this compound

Looking for Melanotan II?

Use this link to get 50% off your order at Ascension Peptides — discount applied automatically at checkout.

Ascension Peptides is a third-party research compound vendor. We earn a commission if you purchase through our link, at no cost to you. All compounds are sold for research purposes only.

Get 50% off at Ascension Peptides

Research Protocols & Common Usage

Doses used in research

Research studies have used 0.25–1mg per injection
Community protocols commonly start at 0.25mg to assess tolerance
Community maintenance protocols report 0.5–1mg as needed for tanning maintenance

Administration routes studied

Subcutaneous injection

Typical protocol duration

Community protocols report a loading phase of 2–4 weeks followed by maintenance dosing.

Common stacking protocols

Melanotan II is generally used standalone given its broad melanocortin receptor activity

Contraindications & combinations to avoid

Should NOT be combined with PT-141 — overlapping melanocortin receptors; increased side effect risk
Should NOT be combined with Melanotan I — redundant mechanisms
History of melanoma or dysplastic nevi — any new or changing moles during use should be evaluated by a dermatologist promptly
Cardiovascular conditions — blood pressure elevation is a common side effect

Dosing information reflects doses used in published research and commonly reported community protocols only. This is not a personal recommendation. These compounds are not FDA-approved for human use in the contexts described. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any protocol.

Considering stacking?

See the stacking guide for common combinations with Melanotan II and what to avoid.

Stacking guide

Track your Melanotan II protocol

Log your experience, track outcomes over time, and get AI-powered interpretation of your results after 14 days of data. Private, $14.99/month.

Start tracking

Get research updates

We'll notify you when we update the Melanotan II page or publish related research.

Community Reviews

Reviews reflect individual user experiences with research compounds and are not medical advice. Results vary. These compounds are not FDA approved for human use. Peptelligent does not verify reported experiences.