Cosmetic Protocol
Melanotan-2Complete dosing & administration 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.
Written & reviewed by Michael Carroll · Research, Peptide Initiative
Dose Range
0.5-0.5mg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
4-6 weeks
Dosing
How much
do I take?
Subcutaneous: A small injection into the fatty layer just under the skin — the same way insulin is given.
Bioavailability High — most of the dose reaches your bloodstream, just more gradually than an IV.
Starting Dose
0.25 mg (250 mcg)
Low loading dose used in practice; subcutaneous melanocortin agonism induced melanogenesis at doses as low as 0.25 mg in controlled study [1]. Start low to gauge nausea/flushing.
Standard Dose
0.5 mg (500 mcg)
Standard loading dose after initial tolerance; subcutaneous administration is the route characterized in clinical pharmacokinetic and tanning studies [1][2]. The erectile-function trials used a single 0.025 mg/kg subcutaneous dose (about 1.75 mg at 70 kg) under monitoring [6][7].
Timing
Best time to take
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.
If stacking
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.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've used starting doses for a week with minimal side effects
- +You're not seeing color development after 2 weeks with some UV exposure
- +Your maintenance dose isn't holding your tan between doses
Decrease if
- -Nausea persists beyond the first week
- -Flushing is severe or uncomfortable
- -You're experiencing unwanted sexual side effects
- -New moles are appearing (consult dermatologist)
Signs of right dose
- ✓Gradual, natural-looking tan development
- ✓Minimal nausea after the first few doses
- ✓Stable color that lasts between maintenance doses
- ✓No concerning changes to existing moles
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Step 1: Peptide Weight
Find the weight printed on your peptide vial label
Look here!
The peptide weight is printed on the label
Look here!
The weight is on the label
Select Weight
Look for a number followed by 'mg' on the vial label (e.g., 5mg, 10mg)
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •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)
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection (just under the skin)—this is the most common and effective method for MT-2
Best sites
- •Belly fat area (1-2 inches from belly button)—most popular site
- •Front or outer thigh (middle section)
- •Back of the upper arm (if you can reach)
Technique
- 1.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
- 2.Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it dry
- 3.Pinch about an inch of skin to create a fold
- 4.Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle
- 5.Inject slowly and steadily—rushing can increase nausea
- 6.Wait 5-10 seconds before removing the needle
- 7.Don't rub the site—just light pressure if needed
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Melanotan-2 has been studied in clinical trials and shows a generally acceptable short-term safety profile when used as directed. The most common side effects—nausea and flushing—are usually temporary and decrease with continued use. However, MT-2 is not FDA approved, and long-term safety data is limited. The main safety concern is the unknown effect on melanocytes (pigment-producing cells), particularly in people with a history of melanoma or atypical moles.
MT-2 was developed at the University of Arizona and has undergone multiple clinical trials for tanning and sexual dysfunction. While short-term studies show reasonable safety, long-term effects on skin cancer risk are not definitively known. Anyone using MT-2 should get regular skin checks from a dermatologist.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Facial flushing
Your face may turn red and feel warm shortly after injection. This is one of the most common effects, especially in the first week. It's caused by MT-2's effects on blood vessels.
Management: Usually subsides within 30-60 minutes. Taking MT-2 before bed helps. Flushing typically decreases significantly after the first week as your body adjusts.
Nausea
Many users feel queasy after injection, especially at higher doses or during the first week. This is the most common reason people struggle with MT-2.
Management: Start with lower doses (100-150 mcg) and work up. Take before bed to sleep through it. A light snack beforehand may help. Anti-nausea medications can be used if needed.
Darkening of moles and freckles
Existing moles, freckles, and any pigmented areas will darken along with your skin. This is expected but needs monitoring.
Management: Get a baseline skin check before starting. Monitor moles for any changes in size, shape, or color. See a dermatologist if any mole looks concerning.
Spontaneous erections (men)
MT-2 activates the same pathways as PT-141, so increased erections are common, especially during the loading phase.
Management: Usually decreases as your body adjusts. If problematic, reduce dose. Never combine with ED medications like Viagra—risk of priapism.
Drowsiness and fatigue
Many people feel tired or drowsy after injection, likely related to MT-2's effects on the nervous system.
Management: This is why evening dosing is recommended. Use it to your advantage—inject before bed and let it work while you sleep.
Less Common
- •New mole formation
- •Headaches
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×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.
Interactions
With other peptides
- !PT-141 (Bremelanotide) - Both act on melanocortin receptors. Don't use on the same day—effects may compound unpredictably. PT-141 is more targeted for sexual function.
- ✓BPC-157 - No known interaction. Can be used together safely for general wellness benefits. Inject at different sites.
- ✓GHK-Cu - Safe combination. GHK-Cu supports skin health through different mechanisms, complementing MT-2's tanning effects.
- ✓Growth hormone peptides - Generally safe to combine. Separate injection times by at least 30 minutes.
With medications
- !Erectile dysfunction drugs (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra) - NEVER combine—serious risk of priapism (dangerous prolonged erection). Wait at least 24-48 hours between MT-2 and ED medications.
- !Blood pressure medications - MT-2 can temporarily affect blood pressure. Monitor BP closely and inform your doctor about MT-2 use.
- !Antidepressants (SSRIs) - Potential for interaction affecting sexual side effects. Use with caution and monitor your response.
- ✓Antihistamines - Some antihistamines may help with nausea and flushing. Generally safe to combine.
With supplements
- ✓Vitamin D - Safe and potentially beneficial. Vitamin D supports skin health and you'll need less sun exposure with MT-2.
- ✓Antioxidants (Vitamin C, E) - Safe to combine. May offer additional skin protection.
- ✓Tyrosine - Tyrosine is a melanin precursor. Some believe it enhances MT-2 results, though this isn't proven. Safe to take together.
- ✓Ginger or anti-nausea supplements - Can help manage MT-2-induced nausea during the loading phase.
Published Research
What the studies show
Dorr RT, Lines R, Levine N, Brooks C, Xiang L, Hruby VJ, Hadley ME · 1996
Pilot phase-I human study: subcutaneous melanotan-II induced measurable skin tanning in healthy male volunteers after only 5 low doses (every other day), with pigmentation increasing in the face, upper body and buttocks. 0.025 mg/kg/day was recommended for subsequent phase-I work. Confirms MT-II induces UV-independent tanning in humans.
Sawyer TK, Sanfilippo PJ, Hruby VJ, et al. · 1980
The foundational research that led to MT-2 development showed that synthetic MSH analogs could be far more potent than natural hormones at stimulating melanin production. This work at the University of Arizona laid the groundwork for all tanning peptides.
Hadley ME, Dorr RT · 2006
This comprehensive review documented MT-2's effects on tanning, sexual function, and appetite across multiple studies. The authors noted its potential for treating various conditions while also highlighting the need for more long-term safety research.
Ugwu SO, Blanchard J, Dorr RT, et al. · 1997
Clinical testing showed MT-2 was well-tolerated at doses up to 0.03 mg/kg with predictable side effects (flushing, nausea). The study established effective dosing ranges that are still used today and confirmed the peptide's efficacy for skin pigmentation.
Abdel-Malek Z, Scott MC, Suzuki I, et al. · 1999
This research helped explain how MT-2 works at the cellular level, showing that melanocortin receptor activation leads to increased melanin synthesis in human melanocytes. This confirmed the peptide's mechanism of action in human skin cells.
Wessells H, Fuciarelli K, Hansen J, Hadley ME, Hruby VJ, Dorr R, Levine N · 1998
Double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover in ten men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Subcutaneous/intramuscular MT-II initiated erections without sexual stimulation, with a reported 75% response rate versus placebo over six-hour monitored sessions.
Wessells H, Gralnek D, Dorr R, Hruby VJ, Hadley ME, Levine N · 2000
Double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover in ten men with organic erectile dysfunction. MT-II 0.025 mg/kg subcutaneous produced RigiScan-recorded erections after 12 of 19 injections versus 1 of 21 placebo doses; mean rigidity score among responders was 6.9 of 10, and reported sexual desire was significantly higher than placebo.
Ellis R, et al. · 2014
Case report: histologically confirmed cutaneous melanoma in a 20-year-old woman (Fitzpatrick type II) whose MT-II use in combination with tanning-bed exposure coincided with the lesion's development. One of several published reports of melanoma or eruptive atypical nevi arising during melanotropic peptide use.
Nelson ME, Bryant SM, Aks SE · 2012
Case report: a 6 mg subcutaneous self-injection (with a co-ingested analgesic) was followed by sympathomimetic toxicity, renal dysfunction, and rhabdomyolysis requiring a three-day intensive-care admission. The dose was roughly 20 times the per-injection amounts used in clinical trials.
Mallory C, et al. · 2021
Case report: ischemic priapism after a 2 mg subcutaneous MT-II injection, refractory to maximal intracavernosal phenylephrine and requiring penoscrotal decompression. At least three peer-reviewed priapism cases after MT-II injection have been published (2013, 2019, 2021).
Head to Head
Melanotan-2 compared
Want the Full Picture?
View the complete Melanotan-2 research profile including mechanism of action, clinical studies, effectiveness timeline, and FAQ.