Loading...
Injection Guide
A powerful synthetic peptide that mimics your body's natural tanning hormone, giving you a deeper, longer-lasting tan with minimal sun exposure while also showing surprising benefits for libido and appetite.
Route
Subcutaneous
Sites
3 recommended
Frequency
Once daily
Preparation
Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)—the preservative allows multiple uses
Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge) for precise dosing
Alcohol swabs for sterilization
Your Melanotan-2 powder vial (typically 10mg)
Pro Tip
Prepare all supplies on a clean surface before you begin. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more sterile.
Mixing
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Gather all supplies on a clean, flat surface.
Remove the plastic cap from the peptide vial and wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab. Let it air dry.
Draw the appropriate amount of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
Insert the needle into the vial at an angle, aiming at the inside wall of the vial. Slowly push the plunger to let the water trickle down the glass wall -- do NOT squirt directly onto the powder.
Once all water is added, gently swirl the vial in a slow circular motion. Never shake the vial, as this can damage the peptide bonds.
Continue swirling until the powder is completely dissolved and the solution is clear. If particles remain, let the vial sit for a few minutes and swirl again.
Label the vial with the date of reconstitution, the peptide name, and the concentration (e.g. 250mcg per 0.1mL).
Example Calculation
If you have a 10mg vial and add 2mL of BAC water, you get a concentration of 5mg/mL (or 5000mcg/mL). So every 0.1mL (10 units on an insulin syringe) equals 500mcg of MT-2.
Dose Calculation
For a 250mcg dose at 5mg/mL concentration: draw 0.05mL (5 units on a standard insulin syringe). For 500mcg: draw 0.1mL (10 units). Many users add 2mL to a 10mg vial for easy math.
Pro Tip
Always add the bacteriostatic water slowly, letting it run down the side of the vial. Never shake the vial -- swirl gently to avoid damaging the peptide.
Location
Site 01
Abdomen
Pinch the skin 2 inches from navel. Avoid the area directly around the belly button. Rotate between left and right sides.
Site 02
Outer Thigh
Middle third of the outer thigh. Keep at least 4 inches above the knee and below the hip. Alternate legs each injection.
Site 03
Upper Arm
Back or outer area of the upper arm. This site may require assistance from another person for proper technique.
Rotate between 3 sites to prevent tissue buildup and ensure consistent absorption.
Pro Tip
Rotate your injection sites with each dose to prevent lipohypertrophy (buildup of fatty tissue). Keep a simple log of where you last injected.
Step by Step
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it dry
Pinch about an inch of skin to create a fold
Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle
Inject slowly and steadily—rushing can increase nausea
Wait 5-10 seconds before removing the needle
Don't rub the site—just light pressure if needed
Pro Tip
This peptide uses subcutaneous injection (just under the skin)—this is the most common and effective method for mt-2. Inject at a 45-90 degree angle into pinched skin. Aspirate before injecting to ensure you haven't hit a blood vessel.
Timing
Optimal Timing
Best time
Evening or before bed works best for most people. This helps you sleep through any initial nausea or flushing. The long half-life (33+ hours) means timing isn't critical for effectiveness.
With food?
Taking MT-2 on an empty stomach speeds absorption but may increase nausea. If nausea is an issue, try a light snack 30-60 minutes before. Once you're past the first week, food timing matters less.
Stacking notes
If using with other peptides, inject at different sites. MT-2 is often the only peptide people use at bedtime due to the drowsiness it can cause. Don't combine with PT-141 on the same day—both affect the same receptors.
Sample Daily Schedule
Evening (before bed)
250-500 mcg during loading phase injection
Site: Rotate between belly, thigh, and arm
Evening dosing helps you sleep through nausea and flushing. During loading (first 2-3 weeks), dose daily. Get 10-20 minutes of UV exposure every few days to activate the melanin your body is producing.
Evening (1-3 times per week)
250-500 mcg for maintenance injection
Site: Rotate injection sites
Once you've reached your desired tan, switch to maintenance dosing. The long half-life means 2-3 doses per week usually maintains color. Brief UV exposure (even just sunlight) helps maintain the tan.
Dosing Tiers
Dose
100-250 mcg
Frequency
Once daily
Duration
5-7 days
Start low to assess your tolerance. Nausea and flushing are common at first but usually decrease. Taking it before bed helps you sleep through any nausea. This loading phase builds up melanin in your system.
Dose
250-500 mcg
Frequency
Once daily or every other day
Duration
2-4 weeks
This is the typical loading phase. Use daily until you reach your desired tan (usually 2-3 weeks), then switch to maintenance dosing. Brief sun or UV exposure (10-20 minutes) speeds up results.
Dose
500 mcg
Frequency
2-3 times per week (maintenance)
Duration
Ongoing as needed
Once you've achieved your desired tan, maintenance doses keep it topped up. Some users only need 500mcg once or twice weekly to maintain color year-round. The long half-life means you don't need daily dosing.
Preservation
Before Mixing
Store your MT-2 powder in the refrigerator (36-46°F / 2-8°C) for up to 12 months or in the freezer (-4°F / -20°C) for up to 2 years. Keep in original sealed vial away from light. The powder is quite stable when stored properly.
After Mixing
Refrigerate at 36-46°F (2-8°C) immediately after mixing. Never freeze reconstituted MT-2—it will be destroyed. Keep away from light and use within 28-30 days for best potency.
Shelf Life After Mixing
28-30 days
Signs of Degradation
Discard the vial immediately if you notice any of these:
Cloudy or hazy solution (should be crystal clear)
Visible particles or floaters in the solution
Any color change—solution should be colorless
Reduced effectiveness (if your tan is fading faster than usual)
Important
When to Stop
Any mole shows concerning changes (growth, irregular borders, color changes, bleeding)
You develop new moles that appear atypical or concerning
Nausea or flushing remains severe beyond the first week
You experience priapism or prolonged erection
Any signs of allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, significant swelling)
You've achieved your desired tan and completed your cycle
Melanotan-2 is not FDA approved and is considered a research compound. The long-term effects on skin cancer risk are not definitively known. Regular dermatological monitoring is essential for anyone using MT-2. This information is educational only—consult a healthcare provider before use.
Clean Technique Checklist
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling supplies
Swab vial tops and injection site with alcohol and let dry
Never touch the needle tip or allow it to contact non-sterile surfaces
Use a new syringe and needle for each injection
Dispose of used sharps in a proper sharps container
Store reconstituted peptides according to the storage instructions above