Melanotan II: Benefits, Dosage & FDA Status
Melanotan II (MT-II)
A non-selective melanocortin agonist (MC1R/MC3R/MC4R) that produces tanning and erection effects. Significant safety concerns including melanoma case reports.
FDA Status
Not FDA-approved — sold illegally as cosmetic; FDA warning letters issued
Typical Dose
0.25–1 mg daily during loading, then maintenance (subcutaneous)
Evidence Grade
C+Preclinical evidence + anecdotal clinical use
Half-Life
~2 hours
Routes of Administration
subcutaneous
First Synthesized
1980s
Clinics Indexed
18 providers have offered Melanotan II in our tracked directory.
Mechanism of Action
Cyclic synthetic α-MSH analog activating MC1R (pigmentation) and MC3R/MC4R (CNS effects on libido and appetite).
Key Reported Benefits
- ✓UV-independent tanning
- ✓Erectile effect (off-label)
Benefits listed reflect commonly reported effects from clinical trials and practitioner use. Individual response varies. Evidence-grade C+ indicates preclinical evidence + anecdotal clinical use.
Reported Side Effects
- •Nausea
- •Flushing
- •New mole formation
- •Reported melanoma cases
Contraindications
- ⚠Personal/family history of melanoma
- ⚠Atypical mole syndrome
- ⚠Pregnancy
Regulatory & Safety Context
FDA status: Not FDA-approved — sold illegally as cosmetic; FDA warning letters issued
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Peptide use outside of an FDA-approved indication should be discussed with a licensed medical professional. Source quality, cold-chain storage, and injection hygiene all materially affect safety outcomes.
See state-by-state legality: US peptide legality by state →
References
Selected primary literature on Melanotan II. Full PubMed records linked. Additional citations are available on request.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-30
Related Peptides
GHK-Cu
B+A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide that modulates 4,000+ human genes. The most studied peptide for skin rejuvenation with both preclinical and clinical topical evidence.
PT-141
AA melanocortin receptor agonist that works directly on the nervous system to increase sexual desire. The only FDA-approved peptide for sexual dysfunction that acts on the brain rather than vascular system.
KPV
C+The C-terminal tripeptide of α-MSH with documented anti-inflammatory activity in IBD and dermatitis preclinical models. Frequently delivered orally and topically.
Afamelanotide
AAn FDA-approved selective MC1R agonist used to increase eumelanin density in erythropoietic protoporphyria patients. Off-label cosmetic tanning use is widespread internationally.
Kisspeptin-10
BA 10-amino-acid neuropeptide that triggers GnRH release. Studied as a more physiologic alternative to hCG/GnRH for fertility, libido, and HPG-axis assessment.
Gonadorelin
ASynthetic GnRH used clinically to stimulate LH/FSH release. In testosterone replacement therapy, used pulsatile to preserve testicular size and fertility instead of hCG.