§ 01 Overview
Overview
Synthetic α-MSH analog producing tanning and libido effects; non-selective melanocortin agonist.
Small safety reports and case studies. Not formally approved.
§ 02 Mechanism
Mechanism of action
Melanotan II is a non-selective agonist of MC1R (melanogenesis), MC3R/MC4R (sexual function, appetite), and MC5R. MC1R activity drives tanning; MC3/4R produces the libido effects.
- 01Tanning without UV exposure
- 02Libido enhancement
§ 03 Dosing
Dosing protocol
Standard Protocol
- Vial
- 10 mg
- BAC Water
- 2 ml BAC water
- Dose Range
- 100 – 500 mcg
- Starting Dose
- 100 mcg
- Route
- SubQ
- Timing
- Before sun exposure for tanning
- Frequency
- 2–3x weekly during loading
- Cycle
- Loading 2–4 weeks; maintenance after
§ 04 Evidence
Evidence & research
Small safety reports and case studies. Not formally approved.
FDA Status
Not FDA-approved. Sold as research chemical.
§ 06 News
In the news
8 articles from the last 12 months · updates hourly
Black market floods Gold Coast with ‘Barbie drug’ - Gold Coast Bulletin
Black market floods Gold Coast with ‘Barbie drug’ Gold Coast Bulletin
The ‘Barbie drug’ can be deadly - Tucson Local Media
The ‘Barbie drug’ can be deadly Tucson Local Media
Man Injects Gym-Bought Tanning Peptide, Gets a New Melanoma - Gizmodo
Man Injects Gym-Bought Tanning Peptide, Gets a New Melanoma Gizmodo
Influencers Are Peddling Peptides, but Is Tanmaxxing Worth the Risk? - KQED
Influencers Are Peddling Peptides, but Is Tanmaxxing Worth the Risk? KQED
TikTok-famous nasal spray taken for tanning has litany of side effects: Study - NewsNation
TikTok-famous nasal spray taken for tanning has litany of side effects: Study NewsNation
Is Everyone Secretly Tanning With The “Barbie Drug?” - Byrdie
Is Everyone Secretly Tanning With The “Barbie Drug?” Byrdie
Fines issued over unlawful tanning peptide supply - Australian Journal of Pharmacy
Fines issued over unlawful tanning peptide supply Australian Journal of Pharmacy
MT2 ‘Barbie-tan’ peptide warning as TGA seizes nasal spray with wildly different doses - 7NEWS
MT2 ‘Barbie-tan’ peptide warning as TGA seizes nasal spray with wildly different doses 7NEWS
§ 07 Sourcing
Sourcing & supply
Regulatory status
Restricted from compounding
Placed on the FDA's 503A Category 2 list and cannot be lawfully compounded in the US. No brand pharmacy alternative exists. US buyers encounter only research-use-only (RUO) channels, which the FDA's Intended Use Doctrine treats as unapproved drug sales.
International · 2
Rupharma
12+ year Russian pharmacy reseller. Reviews.io 4.84/5 (81+). Has a genuine US warehouse for common peptides.
Trident Peptides
1,299+ Trustpilot reviews (5-star). Strongest review base in UK research peptides. No visible ISO/GMP; COAs not posted.
Research-use-only · 3
Swiss Chems
Established SARMs/peptide vendor. FDA warning letter Dec 2024 for GLP-1s. Weaker peptide QC than SARMs QC.
Limitless Life Nootropics
'Only BBB-accredited peptide company' (since 2020). Claims three-lab third-party testing. Broad catalog.
Core Peptides
Broad catalog, widest payment range. Mid-credibility: Knoji 2.5/5 and one scam-impersonation report.
Listings are informational, not endorsement. Verify credentials and flags against FDA and PCAB databases before purchasing. Full directory & how to verify →
§ 09 Safety
Safety & side effects
Side effects
- 01Nausea
- 02Darkening of moles (monitor for dysplastic changes)
- 03Increased libido
- 04Blood pressure changes
Contraindications
None specified.
§ 10 Questions
Melanotan II FAQ
- What is Melanotan II?
- Synthetic α-MSH analog producing tanning and libido effects; non-selective melanocortin agonist. Melanotan II is a non-selective agonist of MC1R (melanogenesis), MC3R/MC4R (sexual function, appetite), and MC5R. MC1R activity drives tanning; MC3/4R produces the libido effects.
- What is Melanotan II used for?
- Reported uses include tanning without uv exposure and libido enhancement. Evidence strength is rated Preclinical — see the evidence section for detail.
- How is Melanotan II dosed?
- Commonly referenced dosing is 100 – 500 mcg, typically 2–3x weekly during loading, administered SubQ. This is educational reference only; consult a licensed clinician before use.
- How do you reconstitute Melanotan II?
- For Melanotan II, vials commonly come in 10 mg and a common reconstitution is 2 ml BAC water. Use the reconstitution calculator to convert any vial size and water volume into exact insulin-syringe units.
- What are the side effects of Melanotan II?
- Commonly reported side effects include nausea, darkening of moles (monitor for dysplastic changes), increased libido, and blood pressure changes. This list is not exhaustive.
- Is Melanotan II legal?
- Placed on the FDA's 503A Category 2 list and cannot be lawfully compounded in the US. No brand pharmacy alternative exists. US buyers encounter only research-use-only (RUO) channels, which the FDA's Intended Use Doctrine treats as unapproved drug sales. FDA status: Not FDA-approved. Sold as research chemical..