Melanotan II is a lab-engineered analogue of the naturally occurring alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), which promotes the production of melanin in the skin. By increasing melanin levels, Melanotan II helps the skin tan faster and darker with less sun exposure, offering both cosmetic and protective benefits against UV damage.
In addition to tanning, Melanotan II has been noted for its side effect of increased libido and sexual arousal in both men and women. This effect is due to its stimulation of certain regions of the brain involved in sexual function.
It is commonly used in aesthetic, vacation-prep, or stage-prep contexts, often started a few weeks before desired tanning goals.
Benefits
-
Deepens and accelerates tanning with less UV exposure
-
Provides longer-lasting tan compared to sun alone
-
May reduce risk of sunburn by increasing skin pigmentation
-
Boosts libido and sexual arousal
-
May help even out skin tone and reduce appearance of sunspots
Side effects
While Melanotan II 10mg is generally well-tolerated, it may cause:
-
Nausea or dizziness (typically transient, especially early in the cycle)
-
Facial flushing or warmth
-
Mild fatigue or appetite suppression
-
Darkening of moles and freckles
-
Spontaneous erections or heightened libido (dose-dependent)
-
Injection site irritation
Starting at a low dose and titrating upward can help reduce early side effects.
Dosages & Protocol
Dosages for Men and Women:
-
Loading phase: 250–500mcg daily for 10–14 days (until desired skin tone is reached)
-
Maintenance dose: 500–1000mcg 2–3 times per week
-
Tanning beds or sun exposure (5–10 mins) help activate melanin production during the loading phase
-
Max dose: Do not exceed 1mg per day unless guided by experience and tolerance
PLEASE MAKE USE OF OUR PEPTIDE CALCULATOR FOR FURTHER DOSAGE GUIDANCE.
How to administer – reconstitution and injection
Reconstitution:
-
Mix the 10mg vial with 2ml of bacteriostatic water
-
Inject water slowly along the side of the vial
-
Swirl gently (do not shake) until fully dissolved
Injection:
-
Use a 1ml insulin syringe
-
Inject subcutaneously into abdominal fat or upper thigh
-
Dosing reference (if reconstituted with 2ml):
-
250mcg = 5 units
-
500mcg = 10 units
-
1mg = 20 units
-
Storage
-
Before reconstitution: Store the vial in a refrigerator or cool, dry place
-
After reconstitution: Refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 30 days
-
Do not freeze. Keep away from light
Half life & detectability
Half-Life: Approximately 30–60 minutes, but effects on melanin stimulation are long-lasting
Detection Time: Not typically tested in standard anti-doping panels, but may be detectable for several days to a week in specialized assays
For athletes subject to drug testing, it is crucial to consider these detection times to avoid positive tests for banned substances.