Peptides
Melanotan II
A melanocortin analogue with very small early human studies and an official warning against unapproved tanning products.
Small human experiments; Australian regulator warning
Also known as: Melanotan 2 · MT-II
Practical use
Reviewed practical notes
- Retain the small sample
- Early biological activity is not a completed safety program.
- Keep skin protection separate
- Pigmentation does not establish protection from ultraviolet damage.
- Respond to changing skin lesions
- A changing mole or other concerning skin change needs clinical assessment, regardless of the product claim.
Overview
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Early investigators examined pigmentation and erectile responses. Demonstrating either response in a small experiment does not establish an acceptable tanning medicine or a durable treatment for sexual dysfunction.
Risks and limitations
Early studies reported nausea, fatigue or drowsiness, yawning and spontaneous erections. Australia’s TGA warns that melanotan tanning products are unapproved, may have uncertain contents and have been associated with serious reported harms. A darker appearance does not establish protection from ultraviolet injury.
How to read this
The TGA statement is specific to the Australian regulatory setting. Its warning and the pilot studies do not establish worldwide approval status, product quality or a safe self-use method. Other melanocortin medicines must be assessed under their own identities and indications.
Research explained
Initial pigmentation pilot
Who was studied
Three healthy male volunteers in an early phase 1 investigation.
What was found
Pigmentation increased in two participants, with systemic symptoms and spontaneous erections reported.
What it cannot establish
Three people cannot establish uncommon harms, long-term skin outcomes or the safety of products sold for tanning.
Read the original studyAcute erectile-response study
Who was studied
Ten men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction in a placebo-controlled crossover experiment.
What was found
Erectile responses occurred more often with Melanotan II, alongside symptoms including nausea and yawning.
What it cannot establish
Acute monitored responses in a small selected group do not establish a broadly effective, durable or safe treatment.
Read the original studyA tan does not resolve the safety question
The Australian regulator advises against melanotan tanning products and describes uncertain manufacturing and contents. Reports of mole changes or other serious events require evaluation; case reports alone cannot quantify each risk or prove every claimed causal association.
Supporting sourceSources
1996 phase 1 pigmentation study
Sources checked 2026-10-01.
General education; not a personal treatment plan.