Melanotan II
Synthetic Melanocortin Peptide | Tanning & Sexual Function
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that activates melanocortin receptors throughout the body. MC1R activation triggers melanin production for tanning, while MC4R affects sexual arousal and appetite control.
Mechanism of Action
Binds to melanocortin receptors (MC1R for tanning, MC4R for sexual function and appetite) to stimulate melanin production, enhance libido, and suppress appetite through hypothalamic pathways.
Key Benefits
- Rapid tanning without UV exposure
- Enhanced sexual function and libido
- Appetite suppression
- Improved mood via melanocortin activation
- Photoprotection through increased melanin
Skin Health
- UV-Free Tanning
Stimulates natural melanin production for tanning without requiring UV exposure.
- Photoprotection
Increased melanin provides natural SPF protection against sun damage.
- Even Pigmentation
May help address certain pigmentation disorders.
Sexual Health
- Enhanced Libido
Improves sexual desire in both men and women through MC4R activation.
- Erectile Function
80% response rate in psychogenic erectile dysfunction studies.
- Female Sexual Arousal
73% of women reported arousal within 24 hours in clinical trials.
Metabolic
- Appetite Suppression
MC4R activation in hypothalamus reduces appetite (15% caloric intake reduction in studies).
- Fat Loss Support
Enhanced fat oxidation through metabolic pathway activation.
Subcutaneous injection is the standard and most effective route. Start with low doses to assess tolerance due to nausea risk.
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial loading phase | 0.25mg | 1x daily | SubQ |
| Tanning maintenance | 0.5-1mg | 2-3x weekly | SubQ |
| Sexual enhancement | 0.5-1mg | As needed | SubQ |
| Minimal side effects | 0.1-0.25mg | Every other day | SubQ |
| Photoprotection | 0.5mg | 2x weekly | SubQ |
Reconstitution Instructions
- Melanotan II lyophilized powder (typically 10mg vial)
- Bacteriostatic water (2mL for 5mg/mL concentration)
- Insulin syringes
- Alcohol swabs
- Aluminum foil (light protection)
- 1 Clean vial tops with alcohol swab, let dry
- 2 Draw 2mL bacteriostatic water for 10mg vial (creates 5mg/mL)
- 3 Inject water slowly down vial side to avoid foaming
- 4 Gently roll vial - do not shake vigorously
- 5 Solution should be clear to slightly yellow
- 6 Wrap vial in foil (MT-II is light sensitive)
- 7 Store in refrigerator
- 8 Draw dose with insulin syringe (typical: 0.05-0.2mL)
Different sources recommend different protocols for this peptide. Review each approach and consider your goals, tolerance, and experience level before choosing.
Traditional Loading Protocol
TraditionalSource: Legacy Bodybuilding Forums
"Aggressive daily loading to build melanin quickly"
A decade-old protocol involving daily injections at higher doses for 1-2 weeks before maintenance. This approach is associated with more side effects including nausea and increased freckling/mole development. Dosing on non-tanning days can lead to uneven pigmentation.
Key Points
- Higher starting doses (250-500mcg)
- Daily dosing regardless of tanning
- 1-2 week loading period before UV exposure
- Higher risk of nausea, freckling, and new moles
- Can cause uneven tanning when UV begins
Dosing Schedule
Pre-Tan Only Protocol
AlternativeSource: More Plates More Dates
"ONLY dose on tanning days - loading phase is unnecessary"
NEVER administer on non-tanning days. Always tan within 1 hour of injection. Start extremely low (50-75mcg) and increase by 25mcg every 3 sessions. This dramatically reduces freckling, uneven pigmentation, and side effects. The traditional loading phase is considered counterproductive - it builds melanin in areas with high melanocyte activity (freckles, moles, genitals) rather than where UV protection is needed.
Key Points
- Start at only 50-75mcg (much lower)
- ONLY inject on days you tan - never otherwise
- Must tan within 1 hour of injection
- Increase dose by 25mcg every 3 sessions
- Also increase tan time by 1 min per 3 sessions
- Takes weeks/months to reach higher doses
- Minimal freckling and side effects
- More economical and sustainable long-term
Dosing Schedule
Both act on melanocortin receptors; combining may cause excessive side effects.
Redundant mechanism increases side effect risk.
May enhance sexual effects; monitor cardiovascular impact.
MT-II can affect blood pressure.
No known interactions.
Different pathways; no interactions.
MT-II has appetite-suppressing effects; additive effects possible.
Possible nausea, flushing, fatigue
Increased spontaneous erections (men), enhanced arousal
Noticeable skin darkening, reduced appetite
Significant tanning, stabilized sexual effects
Maintained tan with less frequent dosing
Common Side Effects
- Nausea (pre-treatment with antiemetics recommended)
- Facial flushing
- Temporary blood pressure elevation
- Fatigue
- Spontaneous erections
Stop Signs - Discontinue if:
- Severe persistent nausea or vomiting
- Chest pain or significant blood pressure elevation
- Mole changes (size, shape, color) - monitor closely
- Prolonged painful erections (priapism)
- Severe headaches or vision changes
- Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty)
Contraindications
- History of melanoma or dysplastic nevi
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Uncontrolled hypertension
Good Signs
- White to off-white lyophilized powder
- Clear to pale yellow solution when reconstituted
- Vacuum sealed vial with audible 'pop' when opening
Warning Signs
- Protect from light exposure - MT-II is photosensitive
- Wrap vials in foil for storage
Bad Signs
- Brown or dark powder indicates oxidation/impurities
- Cloudy solution after mixing indicates degradation/contamination
- Erectile Dysfunction Phase II Trial(2000)
0.025mg/kg dose achieved 80% response rate with significant improvement in psychogenic ED over 3 months.
- Melanogenesis & UV Protection Study(1999)
0.16mg/kg daily for 10 days increased eumelanin and achieved natural tan without UV exposure.
- Female Sexual Arousal Disorder Trial(2004)
Single dose of 0.025mg/kg resulted in 73% of premenopausal women reporting arousal within 24 hours.
- Appetite Reduction Study(2001)
15% reduction in caloric intake observed through MC4R activation.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.