§ 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
Dermatologist warns about using ‘Barbie drug’ for tanning - WOWT
Dermatologist warns about using ‘Barbie drug’ for tanning WOWT
Hattiesburg dermatologist warns about using ‘Barbie Drug’ for tanning - WDAM-TV
Hattiesburg dermatologist warns about using ‘Barbie Drug’ for tanning WDAM-TV
FDA Set To Review Safety And Access To Peptides: What You Need To Know - Forbes
FDA Set To Review Safety And Access To Peptides: What You Need To Know Forbes
Man who spent three months injecting Melanotan II explains risky side effects he saw straight away - MSN
Man who spent three months injecting Melanotan II explains risky side effects he saw straight away MSN
Young guys are taking Melanotan II for the perfect ‘sunless tan’—and finding other results - MSN
Young guys are taking Melanotan II for the perfect ‘sunless tan’—and finding other results MSN
Young Guys Are Taking Melanotan II for the Perfect ‘Sunless Tan’—and Finding Other Results - Yahoo Health
Young Guys Are Taking Melanotan II for the Perfect ‘Sunless Tan’—and Finding Other Results Yahoo Health
UK becoming ‘wild west’ for experimental peptides, expert warns - AOL.co.uk
UK becoming ‘wild west’ for experimental peptides, expert warns AOL.co.uk
‘The Barbie Drug’ Tanning Hack Is Going Viral, But Experts Say It Isn’t Worth the Risk - VICE
‘The Barbie Drug’ Tanning Hack Is Going Viral, But Experts Say It Isn’t Worth the Risk VICE
§ 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..