Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, primarily used for increasing skin pigmentation. It is typically administered via subcutaneous injection in a titrated daily dose, carefully increasing over several weeks to achieve desired tanning effects while minimizing side effects. Maintenance dosing can then sustain results.
- Increases skin pigmentation without significant UV exposure.
- Commonly causes nausea and flushing, especially at higher doses.
- Maintenance dosing sustains tanning with reduced frequency.
- Not an FDA-approved medication; for research use only.
- Can induce spontaneous erections as a side effect.
Reconstitution
Vial strength
10 mg
Bacteriostatic water
3 mL
Concentration
3.33 mg/mL
1 unit = 0.01 mL = 33.3 mcg
- 1Draw 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- 2Slowly inject the water down the inner wall of the peptide vial to avoid foaming; do not shake vigorously.
- 3Gently roll or swirl the vial until the white powder is completely dissolved.
- 4Label the vial with the date of reconstitution and store it refrigerated, protected from light.
Dosing schedule
| Phase | Dose | On a U-100 syringe |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 250 mcg | 7.5 units (0.075 mL) |
| Week 2 | 500 mcg | 15 units (0.15 mL) |
| Week 3 | 750 mcg | 22.5 units (0.225 mL) |
| Weeks 4–8 | 1000 mcg (1 mg) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
| Maintenance (after Week 8) | 500–1000 mcg (1–2x weekly) | 15–30 units (0.15–0.30 mL) |
Protocol detail
| Start | Begin with 200–250 mcg daily; increase dosage by 100–250 mcg increments every 1–2 weeks as tolerated. |
|---|---|
| Target | Aim for 500–1000 mcg daily by Weeks 4–8, based on research into effective ranges (up to 1–2 mg/day). |
| Frequency | Administer once daily via subcutaneous injection during the initial loading phase. |
| Cycle Length | The initial tanning phase lasts 6–8 weeks, after which therapy transitions to maintenance dosing. |
| Maintenance | To sustain pigmentation, administer 500–1000 mcg, 1–2 times per week. |
| Timing | Inject at any consistent time each day; consistently rotate injection sites to prevent irritation. |
Overview at a glance
| Goal | Increase skin pigmentation (tanning) by activating melanocortin receptors. |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Daily subcutaneous injections for 6–8 weeks during the loading phase, followed by maintenance dosing 1–2 times weekly. |
| Dose Range | 250–1000 mcg daily with gradual titration to minimize adverse effects. |
| Reconstitution | 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water per 10 mg vial, yielding 3.33 mg/mL for precise unit measurements. |
| Storage | Lyophilized vials frozen below -20 °C (-4 °F); reconstituted solution refrigerated at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and used within 1–2 weeks. |
How it works
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide structurally similar to alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It activates melanocortin receptors, primarily MC1R and MC4R. Activation of MC1R in melanocytes stimulates the production and distribution of melanin, leading to increased skin pigmentation even without ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Early studies indicated that daily administration leads to measurable tanning within a few weeks. The peptide's subcutaneous delivery ensures continuous activation of these melanocortin receptors, resulting in a gradual accumulation of tanning effects over daily injections during the initial phase.
Reported effects
- Increases skin pigmentation (tanning) without requiring UV exposure.
- Tanning effects appear after 5–10 daily injections for most individuals.
- May induce spontaneous erections in men due to MC4R activation.
- Maintenance dosing can sustain pigmentation over time.
Reported side effects
- Nausea (dose-dependent, more common at higher doses)
- Facial flushing and increased skin warmth
- Reduced appetite and mild fatigue
- Spontaneous erections or increased libido in men
- Injection site reactions (redness, mild stinging)
- Changes in existing moles
- Transient increases in heart rate and blood pressure
Storage
Lyophilised (unmixed)
Freeze at -20 °C (-4 °F) or below, in dry, dark conditions; keep desiccated.
After reconstitution
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); use within 1–2 weeks. Do not refreeze.
Supplies
| Peptide vials (Melanotan II, 10 mg each) | Approximately 5 vials for 8 weeks, 8 for 12 weeks, or 10 for 16 weeks of daily dosing. |
|---|---|
| Insulin Syringes (U-100, 1 mL) | 7 syringes per week for daily dosing; e.g., 56 for 8 weeks or 84 for 12 weeks. |
| Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles) | Use 3.0 mL per vial. Approximately 2 bottles for 8 weeks, 3 for 12-16 weeks. |
| Alcohol Swabs | Two swabs per day (one for vial, one for injection site); e.g., 200+ swabs for 8+ weeks. |
Important notes
- Use a new sterile insulin syringe for each injection and dispose of it properly in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites systematically (e.g., abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to minimize local irritation.
- Clean both the vial stopper and injection site with alcohol swabs, allowing them to air dry completely.
- Inject slowly and steadily, waiting a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
- Record daily doses, injection sites, and any side effects to monitor consistency and tolerance.
- Do not exceed a dose of 2 mg per day; mega-doses (e.g., 6 mg) have been linked to severe systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis.
- Melanotan II is not an approved medication; use carries significant risks and is for research purposes only.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to see tanning results with Melanotan II?
Visible tanning effects can typically be observed after 5–10 daily subcutaneous injections during the initial loading phase.
What should I do if I experience nausea and flushing?
Nausea and flushing are common dose-dependent side effects. Starting with a lower dose and gradually titrating up can help minimize these effects. Ensuring adequate hydration may also be beneficial.
Is Melanotan II safe to use long-term?
Melanotan II is not an FDA-approved medication, and its long-term safety is not fully established. It is intended for research purposes only, and caution is advised regarding potential mole changes and cardiovascular effects.
Can I combine Melanotan II with UV exposure?
While Melanotan II increases melanin without requiring UV, some users combine it with minimal UV exposure. Always use appropriate sun protection to reduce skin cancer risk, as the peptide does not offer full protection.
Educational reference only. These figures summarise how Melanotan II is commonly described in research literature and supplier documentation, including the Melanotan II listing at peptidesuk4u.co.uk. They are not a prescription, not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-administer anything.
Related protocols
PT-141 + Melanotan II Stack (10 mg Vials)
Sexual function support and pigmentation enhancement, used together.
Melanotan I (10 mg Vial)
Alpha-MSH analogue studied for melanogenesis without the systemic side-effect profile of MT-2.
5-Amino-1MQ (10 mg Vial)
Inhibitor of NNMT for metabolic support and fat metabolism.
5-Amino-1MQ (50 mg Vial)
NNMT inhibitor for metabolic support, fat metabolism, and NAD+ levels.