Rankings / Hormones & Endocrine
Melanotan II (MT-II)
Hormones & Endocrine · Non-selective melanocortin agonist
Tier C-
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Melanotan II (MT-II) as C- (4.5/10) based on moderate evidence, med-high benefit magnitude, and a high-risk safety profile.
Popular for simultaneous tanning + sexual function effect.
Typical use: 0. — Not FDA-approved anywhere; research peptide; gray market.
What this is
Popular for simultaneous tanning + sexual function effect. Mole darkening case reports and at least several melanoma case reports raise concern — not causation-established but concerning in people with dysplastic nevi. Counterfeit/underdosed products widespread.
Mechanism
Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist (MC1R/3R/4R/5R); MC1R activation induces tanning (melanogenesis); MC4R activation drives libido/erection; never FDA-approved for any use
Dose & route
0.25-1 mg subQ per dose (highly individual tolerance)
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9609743/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19558395/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2656445/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
Common questions
- Does Melanotan II (MT-II) work?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Melanotan II (MT-II) as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as med-high, producing an overall grade of C- (4.5/10). Popular for simultaneous tanning + sexual function effect.
- Is Melanotan II (MT-II) safe?
- Melanotan II (MT-II) has a high risk profile in published human data. Legal status: Not FDA-approved anywhere; research peptide; gray market. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for Melanotan II (MT-II)?
- 0.25-1 mg subQ per dose (highly individual tolerance)
- How does Melanotan II (MT-II) work?
- Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist (MC1R/3R/4R/5R); MC1R activation induces tanning (melanogenesis); MC4R activation drives libido/erection; never FDA-approved for any use
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.