Melanotan 2

Melanotan 2 is a synthetic peptide that stimulates melanin production in the skin when combined with UV exposure. It is marketed for tanning purposes, but it is not FDA-approved for any use and is illegal to sell in all 50 U.S. states. All use falls outside approved indications.

No established dosing protocol exists for Melanotan 2. Community protocols commonly reference daily injections during an initial loading phase followed by once- or twice-weekly maintenance injections. These protocols are anecdotal and not supported by clinical evidence. The related compound afamelanotide is administered as a 16 mg implant every two months for an approved indication.

No. Melanotan 2 acts on melanocortin receptors and does not suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Post-cycle therapy in the context of testosterone recovery is not applicable.

Melanotan 2 is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist that binds MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. MC1R activation stimulates melanin production in skin cells, which can darken the skin when combined with UV exposure. MC4R activation is associated with appetite suppression and sexual arousal effects.

The tanning effect of Melanotan 2 requires UV exposure to become visible and typically develops over days to weeks of consistent use combined with sun exposure. The effect fades when use is discontinued. Individual response varies and no standardized timeline exists.

There is no evidence-based “best” tanning peptide. Melanotan 2 is a non-selective melanocortin agonist with a broad side effect profile, while Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is more selective for MC1R and is approved in some regions for a specific medical condition. The Skin Cancer Foundation strongly discourages use of Melanotan 2 for any purpose.

Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is a more selective MC1R agonist approved in some regions for photoprotection in erythropoietic protoporphyria. Melanotan 2 binds non-selectively to MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R, producing more side effects including nausea, appetite suppression, and sexual arousal effects.

PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a melanocortin receptor agonist studied primarily for sexual dysfunction and is FDA-approved for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in some formulations. Melanotan 2 is a related peptide but is used primarily for tanning purposes and is not approved for any indication. Both share MC4R activity, which explains some overlapping effects.

The 10 mg vial strength is a standard presentation for Melanotan 2 in the unregulated market. However, one study found that vials labeled as 10 mg actually contained between 4.32 and 8.84 mg, and the TGA in Australia found even wider variability in nasal spray products. Because no established dosing protocol exists, the appropriate amount should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.

Melanotan 2 by Dragon Pharma is available in 5 mg and 10 mg per vial strengths. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder in a 2 mL vial, requiring reconstitution before use.

Yes. Published laboratory reports are available for both strengths. The 10 mg vial was measured at 10.06 mg (100.6% of label claim) on April 18, 2025. The 5 mg vial was measured at 5.56 mg (111.2% of label claim) on April 18, 2025. An earlier report dated November 20, 2023 measured a 10 mg vial at 9.52 mg (95.2% of label claim). Complete reports can be viewed in the Lab Reports tab.

Lyophilized Melanotan 2 is typically reconstituted with a suitable solvent such as Bacteriostatic Water or sterile water. The volume of solvent added determines the concentration of the resulting solution. Proper sterile technique should be used during reconstitution.