Lower numbers = closer to natural. Higher numbers = more enhanced.
Why this rating?
Melanotan II is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist (MC1R, MC3R/MC4R) that stimulates melanin production for a UV-free tan and, via central MC3R/MC4R activity, produces libido increases and spontaneous erections as a side effect. It has no effect on muscle mass, strength, or the HPTA. It is purely a cosmetic/libido peptide with zero anabolic relevance. It is not approved for human use in any jurisdiction and is sourced grey-market with unverified purity. Rated 1 (basically natty): it does not move the natural muscular/physique/performance ceiling by any path. Its effects are limited to skin pigmentation and libido, with zero bearing on the muscle-building/enhancement scale.
Overview
A peptide that stimulates melanin production for tanning. Also increases libido as a side effect through melanocortin receptor activation.
Important Warnings
- •Not approved for human use
- •Monitor moles - can darken existing moles and mask or promote melanoma
- •Regular dermatology screening recommended - map moles before and during use
- •Almost always grey-market - purity and dose are unverified (contamination risk)
- •Can cause nausea, facial flushing and transient blood-pressure changes
Purpose & Use Cases
Rapid Tanning
Produces deep tan with minimal sun exposure.
Sun Protection
Increased melanin provides some natural UV protection.
Libido Enhancement
Side effect of increased sexual desire and function.
Benefits
- Rapid, deep tanning
- Requires minimal UV exposure
- Increased libido
- Some UV protection
- Long-lasting results
Good to Know
MC1R drives the tan; MC3R/MC4R drive libido and nausea
Melanotan II is a non-selective melanocortin agonist. MC1R activation stimulates melanocytes to make melanin (the tanning effect), while MC3R/MC4R activation produces the libido boost, appetite suppression, and the nausea/flushing. It is the same receptor family PT-141 hits, which is why MT-II doubles as a libido drug.
The melanoma caution is the real issue
MT-II darkens existing moles and can make new or changing pigmented lesions harder to spot; there are case reports of melanoma in users (confounded by heavy UV exposure). It is unapproved and almost always bought grey-market, so purity/dose are unknown. Get a dermatologist to map moles before and during use and watch for any changing lesion.
Load, then maintain: and it fades
A daily low-dose loading phase builds the tan (often with some UV exposure), then infrequent maintenance dosing holds it. The tan gradually fades once you stop. Starting very low and dosing before bed helps blunt the initial nausea.
Not hormonal in the anabolic sense; WADA status is genuinely unclear
It does nothing for muscle, strength or the HPTA. Its physique relevance is purely cosmetic (stage tan). It is not specifically named on the WADA Prohibited List, but as an unapproved research chemical it could fall under the S0 "Non-Approved Substances" catch-all for tested athletes, so status is uncertain rather than clearly permitted. The bigger real-world risks are dermatological and contamination, not performance-hormone effects.
Dosage Guidelines
| Experience Level | Dosage Range |
|---|---|
| Beginner | 250 – 250 mcg/day |
| Intermediate | 250 – 500 mcg/day |
| Advanced | 500 – 1000 mcg/day |
Community-derived protocol (no official prescribing information exists): start around 250mcg/day for the first 3-5 days, increasing by ~100mcg every 2-3 days as tolerated toward a typical loading target of ~500mcg/day; some users push to 1mg/day, with side effects (nausea, flushing) increasing at the higher end. Once tanned, maintenance is commonly just 500mcg 1-2x per week, much less frequent than the loading phase. The tan itself fades over roughly 4-8 weeks after stopping, so many users continue low-frequency maintenance indefinitely/seasonally rather than following a fixed "cycle." Injecting before bed is commonly recommended to sleep through the nausea window.
A widely cited estimate: there is no formal published human pharmacokinetic half-life study specific to MT-II.
Side Effects
Mole Darkening
very commonExisting moles and freckles darken significantly.
Monitor moles for changes; consult dermatologist if concerning.
Nausea
commonNausea, especially with initial doses.
Start with very low doses; take before bed.
Facial Flushing
very commonTemporary facial flushing after injection, reported in roughly half or more of users.
Normal and transient.
Spontaneous Erections
very commonSpontaneous, sometimes prolonged erections in men, typically 1-5 hours after injection, a well-documented effect of MC3R/MC4R activation reported in the majority of male users (and the reason MT-II was also studied as an erectile-dysfunction treatment). Rarely, erections lasting more than 4 hours (priapism) can occur and are a medical emergency.
Reduce dose if problematic; seek immediate medical attention for any erection lasting over 4 hours.
General Mitigation Strategies
Start with very small doses. Monitor skin changes closely. Regular dermatology checks recommended.
Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)
Not hormonal. No PCT required.
How It Works
Melanotan II activates melanocortin receptors, particularly MC1R which stimulates melanocytes to produce melanin. This results in skin darkening without UV exposure. Also activates MC3R/MC4R, increasing sexual arousal.
Fundamentals
Reference on the practices relevant to Melanotan II: how they are done and where they go wrong. Not a recommendation to use it.
Legal Status
Not approved for human use in any jurisdiction; sold grey-market as a research chemical. Health agencies worldwide have issued consumer warnings against unlicensed "melanotan" products since 2007.
Legal status varies by country and changes over time. This is a general summary, not legal advice.
WADA Status
Melanotan II is not explicitly named on the WADA Prohibited List and has no established performance-enhancing effect on muscle, strength, or the HPTA. However, as a non-approved research chemical (no regulatory approval for human use anywhere) it could plausibly fall under WADA's S0 "Non-Approved Substances" catch-all clause for tested athletes, so its status is genuinely uncertain. Verify current guidance before competition. Grey-market products also carry contamination risk regardless of status.