Peptide Injections AI
Melanotan Ii peptide therapy
Skin, Hair & CosmeticModerate Evidence

Melanotan Ii Peptide Therapy

Benefits, Side Effects, Cost & Protocols

Melanotan Ii peptide molecular structure diagram from PubChem

Melanotan II is a synthetic analogue of the peptide hormone alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) that stimulates melanogenesis to facilitate tanning. It has also been studied for its effects on sexual arousal and appetite suppression.

ByChris Riley(CFA)&Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA(PharmD, MBA)|Updated

Clinically Reviewed

Reviewed by Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA · Updated May 2026

Evidence-Based

Sourced from FDA, PubMed & ClinicalTrials.gov · View sources

FDA Status
Research Only Not currently approved for human use in the US. Available as a research compound. Not eligible for compounding.
Evidence
Moderate Evidence
Category
Skin, Hair & Cosmetic

Who Is Melanotan Ii Best For?

Tanning without sun exposureLibido enhancementSkin darkeningLimited human trials or strong preclinical

How Melanotan Ii Works

Melanocortin receptor agonist that stimulates melanogenesis for tanning and activates pathways involved in sexual arousal.

Melanotan Ii FAQ

What is MELANOTAN II?

Melanotan II is a synthetic melanocortin peptide researched for its tanning and libido-enhancing effects. It stimulates melanin production and has notable sexual function effects.

How does MELANOTAN II work?

Melanocortin receptor agonist that stimulates melanogenesis for tanning and activates pathways involved in sexual arousal.

Is MELANOTAN II legal to buy?

MELANOTAN II is sold as a research chemical for laboratory use only. It is not approved for human use by the FDA. Regulations vary by jurisdiction.

Where can I buy MELANOTAN II?

MELANOTAN II is available as a research compound from verified online vendors. Always verify third-party testing before purchasing.

What category does MELANOTAN II belong to?

MELANOTAN II is primarily classified as a skin, hair & cosmetic peptide. Peptides studied for cosmetic applications including skin rejuvenation, collagen production, tanning, hair growth, and anti-wrinkle effects.

What are the research benefits of MELANOTAN II?

MELANOTAN II has been studied for: Tanning without sun exposure, Libido enhancement, Skin darkening. Tanning + libido effects; popular cosmetic/lifestyle peptide.

Key Studies

242 total on PubMed74 human trials

Melanocortin receptor agonists, penile erection, and sexual motivation: human studies with Melanotan II

Wessells H, Levine N, Hadley ME et al

Int J Impot ResPhase 2

Melanotan II induced penile erection in 85% of men with erectile dysfunction and increased sexual desire

Effect of an alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone analog on penile erection and sexual desire in men with organic erectile dysfunction

Wessells H, Gralnek D, Dorr R et al

UrologyRCT

6 hours per session

Melanotan II induced erections in 63% of injections and increased sexual desire versus placebo

Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study

Dorr RT, Lines R, Levine N et al

Life Sci · Life SciPhase 1

Melanotan II produced dose-dependent skin pigmentation, penile erections, and mild adverse effects in healthy volunteers.

Melanotan II produced dose-dependent skin pigmentation, penile erections, and mild adverse effects in healthy volunteers

Melanotan II User Experience: A Qualitative Study of Online Discussion Forums

Dermatology

Melanotan Ii Compound Data

Melanotan Ii peptide chemical structure and molecular formula from PubChem
Molecular Formula
C50H69N15O9
Molecular Weight
1024.2 g/mol
IUPAC Name
(3S,6S,9R,12S,15S,23S)-15-[[(2S)-2-acetamidohexanoyl]amino]-9-benzyl-6-(3-guanidinopropyl)-12-(1H-imidazol-5-ylmethyl)-3-(1H-indol-3-ylmethyl)-2,5,8,11,14,17-hexaoxo-1,4,7,10,13,18-hexazacyclotricosane-23-carboxamide
View full compound on PubChem
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Peptide therapies have not been evaluated by the FDA for most listed indications.All prices shown are estimates based on publicly available data and may not reflect current pricing — providers and brands set their own prices and can change them at any time. Always verify pricing directly with the provider before purchasing. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.

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