Melanotan II (often abbreviated as MT-2) is a synthetic peptide that mimics a naturally occurring hormone in the body to stimulate melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin color. Originally developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s as a potential defense against skin cancer, it is now primarily sold illicitly online as a sunless tanning agent and is known for its other potent side effects.
Disclaimer: Melanotan II is not an approved or regulated drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any other major global health authority. Its sale is illegal in many countries, and its use carries significant health risks due to a lack of clinical testing, quality control, and understanding of long-term effects.
Mechanism of Action
Melanotan II works by mimicking the action of the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). This natural hormone binds to melanocortin receptors in the skin, which then triggers a process called melanogenesis—the production of melanin.
By synthetically activating these receptors, MT-2 causes the skin to produce more melanin, resulting in a darker skin tone, or tan, even with minimal exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This was the basis for the original research: the idea that pre-activating melanin production could protect the skin from sun damage.
However, melanocortin receptors are not just in skin cells; they are also found in the brain and other parts of the body. Activating these receptors is what leads to the other well-known effects of MT-2.
Reported Effects and Uses
While sunless tanning is its primary use, MT-2 is known for several other powerful effects:
- Skin Pigmentation (Tanning): Users typically experience a significant darkening of their skin. This effect is dose-dependent and can lead to an unnaturally dark or “dirty” looking tan. It also notably darkens moles and freckles.
- Aphrodisiac Effects: MT-2 is a potent initiator of erections in men and is known to increase libido in both sexes. This is due to its action on melanocortin receptors in the brain that are linked to sexual arousal pathways. A variant of this peptide, Bremelanotide (Vyleesi), has been approved by the FDA for treating low sexual desire in women.
- Appetite Suppression: Many users report a significant decrease in appetite and feelings of nausea, particularly after injection. This is another effect mediated by the central nervous system.
- Fat Loss: Some anecdotal evidence suggests MT-2 may promote fat loss, likely as a secondary effect of its impact on appetite and metabolism.
Safety Concerns and Side Effects
The unregulated nature of MT-2 means that the products sold online can vary wildly in purity, dosage, and sterility, posing a major health risk. Documented side effects range from mild to severe:
- Nausea and Flushing: These are the most common side effects, often occurring shortly after injection.
- Facial Flushing: A temporary reddening of the face is common.
- Appetite Suppression: Can be severe enough to be considered an adverse effect.
- Darkening of Moles and Freckles: MT-2 can cause existing moles to become much darker and larger, and new ones to appear. This is a significant concern as it can make it difficult for dermatologists to track changes and screen for melanoma (skin cancer).
- Spontaneous Erections (Priapism): A known and common side effect in male users.
- Other Potential Risks: Due to the lack of long-term studies, potential risks include kidney damage, a breakdown of muscle tissue (rhabdomyolysis), and an unproven but theoretical increased risk of melanoma due to the constant stimulation of pigment cells.
Regulatory bodies like the FDA in the United States, the TGA in Australia, and the MHRA in the UK have issued public warnings against the use of Melanotan products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is Melanotan II legal? No. In most Western countries, including the United States, the UK, and Australia, it is illegal to sell Melanotan II. It has not undergone the rigorous safety and efficacy testing required for it to be approved as a medicine. It is typically sold online as a “research chemical” or “not for human consumption” to circumvent regulations.
- How is MT-2 administered? MT-2 is typically sold as a freeze-dried powder that the user must reconstitute with sterile water. It is then self-administered via subcutaneous injection (an injection under the skin) using an insulin syringe. This process carries its own risks, including infection if not done under sterile conditions.
- Does MT-2 protect you from the sun? While the tan produced by MT-2 is from real melanin, it is not a substitute for proper sun protection. The level of sun protection (SPF) offered by a tan is minimal (estimated around SPF 2-4), and over-reliance on it can lead to a false sense of security, potentially increasing the risk of sun damage from prolonged UV exposure.
- What’s the difference between Melanotan I and Melanotan II? Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a more specific and less potent peptide that has been developed into an approved prescription drug (Scenesse) for treating rare light-sensitivity disorders, such as erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). It has fewer of the aphrodisiac and nausea-related side effects seen with MT-2. Melanotan II is a shorter, more potent, and less specific version that causes a wider range of side effects.
- Are the effects of MT-2 permanent? No. The tan will fade over several weeks to months after use is discontinued, as the skin naturally renews itself. Similarly, moles and freckles that have darkened will typically lighten, though this can take longer. Other side effects, like appetite suppression and increased libido, resolve much more quickly after the last dose.Read More
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