SKIN · Injectable
Melanotan 2.
UV-protective melanotropic peptide
How it works
Class & mechanism.
Class
Synthetic Melanocortin Receptor Agonist (Alpha-MSH Analogue)
Mechanism
Melanotan II (MT2) is a cyclic synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a naturally occurring peptide derived from POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin). It acts as a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. MC1R activation on melanocytes stimulates the tyrosinase enzyme pathway, shifting melanin synthesis from the reddish/yellow phaeomelanin to the darker, UV-protective eumelanin — producing skin darkening without immediate UV exposure. MC4R activation in the hypothalamus drives the sexual arousal and appetite-suppression effects, and is also the mechanism by which the structurally related peptide bremelanotide (PT-141) was later developed as an FDA-approved therapeutic. MT2's systemic, non-selective receptor binding profile underlies both its desired effects and its broad side effect and risk profile.
Did you know
Melanotan II was accidentally discovered to cause spontaneous erections in a researcher who self-administered it — a side effect so unexpected and powerful that it directly inspired the creation of PT-141/bremelanotide, which went on to become the first FDA-approved CNS-targeting drug for female sexual desire disorder.
Benefits
What it does.
Stimulates eumelanin production (the UV-protective form of melanin), producing skin darkening with lower UV exposure
MC4R-mediated appetite suppression and potential metabolic effects via hypothalamic signalling
MC4R activation produces pro-sexual effects (the mechanism later refined into FDA-approved bremelanotide/PT-141)
Research interest in photoprotection mechanisms and melanocyte biology
The science
Peer-reviewed findings.
Research supporting this compound's mechanisms and safety profile.
MT2 acts via MC1R to activate tyrosinase and shift melanogenesis from phaeomelanin to eumelanin — the same pathway stimulated by natural UV exposure but achieved without UV radiation, theoretically providing photoprotective pigmentation with less UV damage.
SOURCE · Hadley & Dorr, Peptides (2006); original University of Arizona development research
MT2 was the precursor compound from which bremelanotide (PT-141) was derived after researchers observed strong pro-sexual effects mediated via hypothalamic MC4R activation — leading to the successful FDA approval of bremelanotide for HSDD in 2019.
SOURCE · Pfaus et al.; Kingsberg et al. PMC6819021
Case series and pharmacovigilance reports have documented MT2-associated eruptive melanocytic naevi, change in existing moles, and rare cases of MT2-associated melanoma — prompting HPRA and multiple national regulatory bodies to issue serious health warnings.
SOURCE · Langan et al., BMJ 2009; HPRA Safety Notice; multiple case reports in British Journal of Dermatology 2009–2014
Protocol
How to use it.
Dosing
Typically researched at 0.5–1 mg subcutaneous injection, starting with low loading doses (0.25 mg) to assess tolerance. Frequency varies: loading phase daily for 1–2 weeks, then maintenance 2–3x per week. NOTE: MT2 is not FDA-approved and has no established safe dosing guideline for cosmetic use.
Cycle
Loading phase: 1–2 weeks daily (or until desired pigmentation). Maintenance: minimal dosing to sustain effect (often 1–2x per week). Extended use significantly increases adverse event risk.
Contraindications
When to skip it.
Not FDA-approved; no established safety profile for cosmetic use. Significant documented risks include: eruptive and changing melanocytic naevi (mole changes), rare melanoma association, nausea (very common at initiation), facial flushing, spontaneous erections (men), potential vision changes, muscle tremors, anaphylaxis. Should NOT be used by anyone with personal or family history of melanoma or dysplastic naevi. Regulatory authorities (HPRA, MHRA, FDA) have issued explicit warnings against consumer use. Pregnancy contraindicated.
Always cleared with your concierge before protocol start.
Pricing
What it costs.
Indicative range for Melanotan 2, sourced from vetted US and EU dispensing suppliers. Concierge confirms the exact figure once your match is locked.
Indicative range (USD)
Sourced through vetted dispensing partners in the United States and European Union. Concierge confirms the exact figure once your match is locked.
- 0199% purity verified, third-party tested
- 02Includes vial and reconstitution guidance
- 03Concierge supplier match included with every protocol
See Melanotan 2 pricing — and your supplier match.
Pricing is unlocked once we know who you are. Take the 3-minute quiz and we'll match you to a US or EU dispensary based on your location and protocol fit.
- Live USD price range
- US & EU supplier shortlist
- Concierge sign-off on dosing
Indicative price range: $99–$149 USD