Melanotan II
Also known as: MT-2, MT-II
Melanotan II is a synthetic melanocortin peptide that has been studied in relation to skin pigmentation. It is NOT approved for human use in Australia, and the TGA has warned against melanotan products.
- Category
- Tanning / Melanocortin
- Reported half-life
- Not well established
- Common forms
- Unregulated injectable powders described online, Grey-market preparations
- Research status
- Not approved for human use in Australia. The TGA has issued warnings about melanotan products, and they are not legally supplied as therapeutic goods for tanning.
- Last updated
- 21 June 2026
Claimed effects
The following effects are reported or claimed by users and in early research. They are not established medical facts and many are not supported by large human trials.
- Reported in research to influence skin pigmentation via melanocortin receptors
- Reported in some studies to affect appetite and sexual response
- Frequently associated in anecdotal reports with nausea and flushing
How it is reported to work
Melanotan II is described as a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that activates multiple melanocortin receptors, including those linked to melanin production. This broad receptor activity is proposed to explain its reported pigmentation and other effects. These descriptions come from limited research and are not those of an approved product.
Background
Melanotan II is a synthetic melanocortin peptide that has been discussed in relation to skin pigmentation. It is not approved for human use in Australia, and the TGA has warned against melanotan products. This page is strictly educational information, not medical advice, and does not recommend, encourage or instruct use.
What the research shows
Limited research reports that melanotan II can influence pigmentation pathways. Safety in humans is poorly characterised, and reported associations with mole changes and other effects mean these are not established benefits.
| Feature | Reported status |
|---|---|
| Mechanism | Broad melanocortin agonist |
| Australian approval | None |
| Regulator position | TGA warning issued |
What people use it for (reported)
Some online accounts report interest in pigmentation effects. These are anecdotal reports only, not validated outcomes, and this page does not endorse or recommend such use in any way.
Things to be aware of
Melanotan II is unapproved in Australia and subject to TGA warnings. Reported concerns include nausea, blood pressure changes and changes to pigmented skin lesions; unregulated product purity cannot be verified.
If you have skin or health concerns, the appropriate step is to consult a qualified healthcare professional. This article does not endorse obtaining or using melanotan II.
Reported positives & side effects
Compiled from research and community reports. These are reported outcomes, not guarantees or medical advice, individual experiences vary widely.
Reported positives
- Reported in research to influence skin pigmentation via melanocortin receptors
- Reported in some studies to affect appetite
- Reported in some studies to affect sexual response
- Reported as building up a darkening effect over repeated doses
Common side effects
- Reported nausea, often pronounced
- Reported facial flushing and warmth
- Reported reduced appetite
- Reported darkening of existing moles and freckles
- Reported spontaneous erections in some male reports
Rare / serious side effects
- Reported priapism (prolonged, painful erection)
- Reported new or rapidly changing moles, raising melanoma concerns
- Reported blood-pressure changes
- Reported severe nausea with vomiting
Reported misuse & overdose risks
What has been reported to happen with overuse, excessive dosing, or long-term misuse of Melanotan II. Listed so you can make an informed decision, not to suggest any use is safe.
- Reported new or changing moles and melanoma concerns linked to repeated use, prompting TGA warnings
- Reported nausea and vomiting, sometimes severe, with dosing
- Reported priapism (prolonged painful erection) that can be a medical emergency
- Reported uneven or excessive skin darkening and pigmented-lesion changes
- Reported use of unregulated, potentially contaminated grey-market product of unverifiable purity
Reported results timeline
Roughly how long people report it takes to notice effects. A general guide from reports, not a promise, and not advice. Reported onset of pigment change is described as building up over days to weeks of repeated dosing, framed strictly as reported and not encouraged.
First effects
reported nausea and flushing within hours; pigment change builds over days
Noticeable change
reported skin darkening building up over weeks of repeated dosing
Clear results
reported cumulative darkening over an extended period; not a safe or approved use
Commonly reported dosing & protocol
Reported figures only, NOT a recommendation or dosing advice. These are numbers people report using, compiled for education so you can make an informed decision. We do not advise anyone to take Melanotan II. Many peptides are not approved for human use in Australia. Speak to a qualified healthcare professional.
| Route | Reported as subcutaneous injection in unregulated use; not approved, and the TGA warns against melanotan products |
|---|---|
| Typical reported dose | Reported around 250-500 mcg per day during an initial loading phase, then around 500 mcg for maintenance |
| Frequency | Reported daily during loading, then about two to three times per week for maintenance in anecdotal accounts |
| Cycle length | No established cycle length; reported in anecdotal accounts only, with no safety basis |
Reported reconstitution (mg → units)
Reported example: a 10 mg vial plus 2 mL bacteriostatic water gives 5 mg/mL. A reported 500 mcg (0.5 mg) dose is about 0.1 mL, which is roughly 10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Work out the units for your vial → CalculatorCommonly reported as a loading phase of small doses followed by occasional maintenance dosing; this is reported information only, not advice or encouragement to use an unapproved product.
Best used with / commonly stacked with
Combinations people report using together. Reported, not recommended, stacking can increase risks.
Reported together as related melanocortin agonists
Reported together as related melanocortin compounds, which compounds side-effect overlap
Reported alongside it anecdotally for interest in libido pathways
Safety notes
Melanotan II is not approved for human use in Australia and the TGA has warned against melanotan products; reported concerns include nausea, blood pressure changes and changes to moles or pigmented lesions. Product purity from unregulated sources cannot be verified. Anyone with skin or health concerns should consult a qualified healthcare professional.