Peptide Profile

Melanotan II

Unapproved Melanocortin Receptor Agonist

Research Only10 sourcesShop Melanotan II

Overview

Composition

Synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone with non-selective melanocortin receptor activity

Mechanism of Action

Activates melanocortin receptors, especially MC1R for melanogenesis and MC3R/MC4R pathways involved in central arousal and appetite signaling

Primary Effects

Associated in early research with pigmentation and sexual-arousal effects, but it is not an approved drug product and is safety-sensitive because unregulated tanning use is linked to nausea, flushing, mole changes, pigmentation changes, and product-quality risk

Discovery & Background

Developed from melanocortin analog research exploring alpha-MSH derivatives for pigmentation and sexual-function signaling

Small human studies in the 1990s explored erectile-function effects. Melanotan II itself did not become an approved medicine; the related derivative bremelanotide later entered approved HSDD use as Vyleesi.

Not FDA-approved for tanning, sexual function, weight loss, or any other indication; regulatory agencies warn against melanotan tanning products

Research Overview

Human evidence is limited to small early studies and case reports.

01
Non-selective melanocortin agonism can increase melanin production through MC1R activation
02
Early small studies evaluated erectile-function endpoints but did not establish a modern approved indication
03
Case reports describe systemic toxicity and changing/darkening melanocytic lesions after melanotan exposure
04
Regulators warn that melanotan tanning products are illegally promoted and may create serious safety risk
05
Pigmentation does not replace sunscreen, UV avoidance, or dermatologic screening
06
The related approved drug bremelanotide should not be treated as evidence that melanotan tanning products are safe

Unapproved; research-only and safety-sensitive

Safety Considerations

Monitoring

New, darkening, bleeding, asymmetric, or changing moles or freckles
Nausea, vomiting, flushing, headache, appetite changes, or dizziness
Blood pressure, heart rate, and neurologic symptoms if systemic reactions occur
Sterility and product-identity concerns in any research context

Side Effects

Commonly reported

Nausea and vomiting
Facial flushing
Headache
Loss of appetite
Darkening of moles or freckles

Serious concerns

Changing melanocytic lesions requiring dermatology evaluation
Systemic toxicity case reports
Unknown long-term cancer-risk profile
Unregulated product purity and sterility risk

Contraindications

Current or prior melanoma or suspicious skin lesions without dermatologist guidance
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease or severe adverse reaction history
Use as a substitute for sunscreen, UV protection, or dermatologic surveillance

Educational Notice

Melanotan II is unapproved and safety-sensitive. Use of melanotan products should not be promoted as safe, natural, or protective against UV exposure.

References