Melanotan
Shop MelanotanAlso called: Melanotan I/II, MT-1/MT-2, Melanotan-1 Protocol Support Stack
Melanotan is a lab-made chemical that mimics a hormone found in the human body. It is often used by people who want to darken their skin without sitting in the sun. This substance is usually injected under the skin with a needle. It is not a vitamin or a natural food, but a synthetic peptide designed to change how the body works.
The main job of Melanotan is to make the skin produce more color, called pigment. It works by turning on specific switches in the skin cells that tell them to make the skin darker. This can happen even without sunlight, which is why some people use it to get a tan. It also affects other parts of the body and can cause feelings of sickness or tiredness.
Using this product comes with risks that are not fully understood. It is not approved by major health agencies for safe use. Some users have had serious side effects, including painful and long-lasting reactions. The long-term safety is unknown, and the quality of products bought online can vary greatly. Anyone considering it should be very careful and know that it is not regulated like medicine.
Benefits
What Melanotan Helps With
The main themes across 25 research studies, in plain language.
Neuroprotection & cognitive
Neuroprotection & cognitive support
40/100Rated 40/100Source typeVendor / seller pageIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 4 underlying claimsSome studies suggest neuroprotective properties and potential support for cognitive function and nerve regeneration.
Mood & behavior
40/100Rated 40/100Source typeVendor / seller pageIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 3 underlying claimsResearch suggests potential impacts on mood, outlook, and behavioral patterns such as cravings.
Pain reduction
30/100Rated 30/100Source typeForum or blogIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 1 underlying claimLimited research suggests potential for reducing pain associated with specific medical therapies.
Skin, hair & cosmetic
Skin pigmentation & tanning
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources5Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 50 underlying claimsResearch suggests that the compound stimulates melanin production to induce skin darkening, often resulting in tanning effects with minimal UV exposure.
UV photoprotection & tolerance
40/100Rated 40/100Source typeVendor / seller pageIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 29 underlying claimsStudies indicate that increased melanin production may provide protection against UV radiation, potentially reducing sunburn and cellular damage in conditions like EPP.
Skin condition management
50/100Rated 50/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 3 underlying claimsEvidence points to potential benefits for specific skin conditions like vitiligo and acne, often in conjunction with other therapies.
Pruritus (itch) relief
30/100Rated 30/100Source typeForum or blogIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 1 underlying claimStudies indicate potential for reducing the severity of itching in conditions like polymorphic light eruption.
Reproductive & hormonal
Sexual function & libido
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 29 underlying claimsResearch points to central mechanisms that may enhance sexual arousal, desire, and erectile function in both men and women.
Hormonal & gland regulation
30/100Rated 30/100Source typeForum or blogIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 2 underlying claimsResearch suggests a role in the regulation of cortisol production and sebaceous gland function.
Drug delivery & stability
40/100Rated 40/100Source typeVendor / seller pageIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 3 underlying claimsTechnical studies indicate that specific formulations, like nasal sprays, may improve systemic availability and protect against enzymatic degradation.
Muscle tissue repair & hypertrophy
40/100Rated 40/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 7 underlying claimsPreliminary research explores potential roles in activating satellite cells and promoting muscle fiber repair and growth.
Inflammatory & oxidative modulation
50/100Rated 50/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 4 underlying claimsFindings suggest the compound may stimulate anti-inflammatory and antioxidative pathways, potentially reducing lesions or oxidative stress.
Appetite & weight regulation
72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources4Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 18 underlying claimsEvidence suggests the compound may act on the brain to suppress appetite and reduce food intake, potentially influencing body weight.
Metabolic regulation
72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 4 underlying claimsResearch indicates potential effects on metabolic pathways, including insulin resistance and energy homeostasis.
Quality of life improvement
30/100Rated 30/100Source typeForum or blogIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 1 underlying claimResearch suggests significant improvements in quality of life scores for patients with specific photosensitive conditions.
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How People Use It
2 reported routines — each line links to the source it came from.
From published sources
Routines as reported in peer-reviewed papers, clinical guidance, or vetted media — each linked to the source it came from.
SubQ
- 16 mg controlled-release subcutaneous implant every two months 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources23Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ source
Self-reported & vendor-suggested
Routines shared by users and sellers in forums and product pages — anecdotal, not tested in clinical trials. We show them for completeness, not as a recommendation.
General
- 250–1000 mcg once daily SC (loading), then 500–1000 mcg 1–2×/week 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ source
- Week 1 — 250 mcg (0.25 mg) · 7.5 units (0.075 mL)
- Week 2 — 500 mcg (0.5 mg) · 15 units (0.15 mL)
- Week 3 — 750 mcg (0.75 mg) · 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(1–2× weekly) · 15–30 units(0.15–0.30 mL)
mg vs mcg: one milligram (mg) equals 1,000 micrograms (mcg) — multiply by 1,000 going from mg to mcg, divide by 1,000 going from mcg to mg. Mixing the two up is a thousand-fold dosing error: 1 mg taken instead of 1 mcg is a 1,000× overdose; 1 mcg instead of 1 mg is a 1,000× underdose. Always double-check the unit label and the decimal place.
Safety
Known Side Effects
Adverse effects reported in the research and by community use.
- Somnolence and fatigue (Grade II)Moderate 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Mild nauseaMildReported in 4 sources 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources4Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov↗ peptide-db.com↗ thepeptidecatalog.com↗ thepeptidecatalog.com
- Stretching and yawning complexMild 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Uneven skin darkeningMild 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com
- New moles or enlarged existing molesMild 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com
- Dark lines on the nails (melanonychia)Mild 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com
- Facial redness or flushingMild 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com
- HeadacheMildReported in 5 sources 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources5Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com↗ thepreptide.com↗ thepreptide.com↗ peptidepedia.org+1
- Nausea or vomitingMild 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com
- Reduced appetiteMildReported in 2 sources 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com↗ peptide-db.com
- Priapism (painfulSevere 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com
- Melanoma (skin cancer)LifeThreatening 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com
- Severe allergic reactionLifeThreatening 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com
- Elevated body weightModerate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ nature.com
- Starvation from genetic ablation of AgRP neuronsLifeThreatening 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ nature.com
- Reduced appetiteModerateReported in 4 sources 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources4Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org
- Spontaneous erections (priapism) 1-5 hours after administrationSevereReported in 4 sources 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources4Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org
- Melanoma (potentially serious skin cancer)Severe 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org
- Deepening of mole colourModerateReported in 2 sources 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org
- Melanonychia (brown to black discolouration of nails)ModerateReported in 4 sources 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources4Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org
- Rhabdomyolysis (destruction of muscle cells)LifeThreatening 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org
- Encephalopathy syndromeSevereReported in 4 sources 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources4Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org
- Stomach crampsMild 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ rxlist.com
- Decreased appetiteMildReported in 3 sources 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ rxlist.com↗ thepreptide.com↗ peptideexaminer.com
- TirednessMildReported in 2 sources 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ rxlist.com↗ thinksteroids.com
- Spontaneous erections of the penisModerate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ rxlist.com
- prolonged erection)Severe 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com
- increased adiposityModerate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ nature.com
- and hyperglycemia from neonatal ghrelin inhibitionModerate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ nature.com
- nausea and vomitingModerate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org
- new moles and atypical melanocytic naeviModerate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org
- Deepening of the colour of molesModerateReported in 2 sources 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org↗ dermnetnz.org
- new moles and atypical melanocytic naeviModerate 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ dermnetnz.org
- Facial flushing and warmthMild 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ peptidepedia.org
- Fatigue or drowsinessMild 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ peptidepedia.org
- Spontaneous or prolonged erections in menModerate 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ peptidepedia.org
- Darkening of existing moles and frecklesModerate 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ peptidepedia.org
- Development of new nevi (moles)Moderate 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ peptidepedia.org
- Injection site reactions (redness, pain, swelling)Mild 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ peptidepedia.org
Reported in research and community sources — not exhaustive. Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if side effects occur.
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Evidence
Research Citations (9)
Every claim above traces back to a source you can check — here are 9 of them.
- Source
melanotan-II
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
PubChem - Compound - Melanotan II
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Does melanotan injections (TAN JAB) cause melanoma? A systemic review of the effects of melanotan injections
72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
The first preparative solution phase synthesis of melanotan II
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
The first preparative solution phase synthesis of melanotan II.
2008 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Effect of Melanotan-II on Brain Fos Immunoreactivity and Oxytocin Neuronal Activity and Secretion in Rats.
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Combining MALDI mass spectrometry imaging and droplet-base surface sampling analysis for tissue distribution, metabolite profiling, and relative quantification of cyclic peptide melanotan II
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
melanotan-II | C50H69N15O9 | CID 92432 - PubChem
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Melanotan Tanning Injection: A Rare Cause of Priapism
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
News
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Dated, sourced reporting that mentions Melanotan.
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