Home / Peptides

Also called: Melanotan-2, MT II, MT2

By The Health Stacks Research TeamUpdated September 15, 2026

Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide and non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist (MC1R/MC3R/MC4R/MC5R). MC1R agonism darkens skin (tanning); MC4R effects increase libido and induce erections. It is NOT approved by the FDA/TGA/EMA and is sold illicitly; regulators warn against use due to significant safety risks.

Research-stageEarly-stage — evidence so far is mostly cell, animal, or preliminary human studies. Not an approved medicine. High confidence60–79 — backed by solid sources with good corroboration across multiple citations.

Benefits

What Melanotan II Helps With

The main themes across 3 research studies, in plain language.

Neuroprotection & cognitive

Neuroprotection & cognitive repair

40/100Rated 40/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 9 underlying claims

Animal model research points to potential mechanisms for reducing brain inflammation, protecting against ischemic damage, and promoting nerve regeneration.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Autism symptom modulation

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 claim

Limited research suggests potential for modulating neural circuits associated with social behaviors and autism symptoms.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Skin, hair & cosmetic

Skin pigmentation & tanning

50/100Rated 50/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 34 underlying claims

Research suggests that stimulation of melanin production may lead to darker skin pigmentation and tanning effects, potentially with reduced UV exposure.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Hair pigmentation changes

35/100Rated 35/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 2 underlying claims

Evidence indicates that increased melanin activity may result in the darkening of facial and body hair.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Appetite & weight control

40/100Rated 40/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 4 underlying claims

Preliminary findings suggest a role in regulating hypothalamic pathways to potentially suppress appetite and decrease food intake.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Blood flow & circulation

30/100Rated 30/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 1 underlying claim

Research notes potential effects on vascular function that may improve circulation.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Sexual function & libido

50/100Rated 50/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 12 underlying claims

Studies indicate that modulation of specific pathways may influence sexual desire, arousal, and erectile responses.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Thermogenic response

40/100Rated 40/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 1 underlying claim

Some studies point to an ability to trigger metabolic heat production processes.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Alternative delivery methods

40/100Rated 40/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 4 underlying claims

Consumer interest exists in needle-free formulations, though comparative efficacy data is limited.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Free: The Peptide Stack Cheat-Sheet

You just read the research on Melanotan II. The cheat-sheet maps the most-used peptide stacks — doses, timing, and what to check before buying — on one page.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Safety

Known Side Effects

Adverse effects reported in the research and by community use.

  • Uneven skin darkeningModerate 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →webmd.com
  • New moles or enlargement of existing molesModerate 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →webmd.com
  • Melanonychia (dark lines on nails)Moderate 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →webmd.com
  • NauseaMildReported in 19 sources 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources19Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →webmd.compuremt2.compuremt2.comtrutan.net+15
  • Facial redness or flushingMild 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →webmd.com
  • Reduced appetiteMild 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →webmd.com
  • Priapism (painful prolonged erection)Severe 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →webmd.com
  • Melanoma (Skin Cancer)LifeThreatening 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →webmd.com
  • Severe Allergic ReactionSevere 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →webmd.com
  • VomitingMildReported in 11 sources 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources11Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →webmd.comcanada.pharmalabglobal.comamerica.pharmalabglobal.comitaly.pharmalabglobal.com+7
  • HeadacheMild 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →webmd.com

Reported in research and community sources — not exhaustive. Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if side effects occur.

Get Melanotan II

Compare research-grade suppliers with third-party COAs and published purity data. For in-vitro and laboratory research use only — not for human consumption, diagnosis, or treatment.

Technical Details (sequence & mechanism — click to expand)

Mechanism of Action

Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide and non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist (MC1R/MC3R/MC4R/MC5R). MC1R agonism darkens skin (tanning); MC4R effects increase libido and induce erections. It is NOT approved by the FDA/TGA/EMA and is sold illicitly; regulators warn against use due to significant safety risks.

Evidence

Research Citations (3)

Every claim above traces back to a source you can check — here are 3 of them.

  • TGA warning: tanning products containing melanotan

    Guideline2023 Key study 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeRegulator or clinical registryIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
    Source
  • Melanotan-induced priapism: a hard-earned tan

    CaseReport2019 60/100Rated 60/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
    Source
  • Convergence of melatonin and serotonin (5-HT) signaling at MT2/5-HT2C receptor heteromers

    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

News

Latest on Melanotan II

Dated, sourced reporting that mentions Melanotan II.

Wondering how Melanotan II pricing compares across suppliers? Our original market data shows the full picture.

See the State of the Peptide Market 2026 →

Related on The Health Stacks

Free: The Peptide Stack Cheat-Sheet

The most-used peptide combinations, what the research actually says, and where to buy — one page, one email.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.