Skin & Pigmentation

Melanotan II

A melanocortin agonist studied for skin pigmentation.

What is Melanotan II?

Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of α-MSH studied for its ability to stimulate melanin production (tanning). It also interacts with appetite and sexual-function pathways due to its melanocortin activity.

Also known as: MT-II, MT2

Read the in-depth Melanotan II guide

How Melanotan II is studied

Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of α-MSH that stimulates melanocytes to produce more melanin, driving skin pigmentation. Because it is a broad melanocortin agonist, it also interacts with appetite and sexual-function pathways.

Commonly researched for

Skin pigmentationMelanocortin pathway studies

Research status

Limited/early research; not an approved product.

Important considerations

Unregulated use raises safety concerns, including effects on moles and blood pressure. Not medically approved.

View published research on PubMed

Melanotan II — frequently asked questions

It is studied mainly for skin pigmentation (tanning) and melanocortin-pathway effects. It is not a medically approved product.

Unregulated use raises safety concerns, including changes to moles and effects on blood pressure and nausea. It is not medically approved.

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) has an approved clinical form for a rare condition; Melanotan II is broader-acting and not approved.

This page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to use any compound. It contains no dosing or purchase information. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before considering any peptide.