What Melanotan II is
Melanotan II is a synthetic version of alpha-MSH, the hormone that tells skin cells to make melanin. It is sold as a "tanning injection" or nasal spray.
It also acts on brain receptors involved in sexual arousal. Research on that effect led to bremelanotide (PT-141). A related compound, afamelanotide (Scenesse), is approved for a rare light sensitivity disorder. Neither is Melanotan II.
Regulatory status in 2026
Melanotan II is not approved and is not on the compounding list. Health agencies in several countries have warned consumers against it.
Melanotan II is removed from FDA's Category 2 list. Removal does not make it legal to compound.
Melanotan II is expected to go before FDA's advisory committee at a later meeting, reported to be by early 2027.
Not approved, not on the compounding list.
Regulatory status can change. Check the sources linked at the bottom of this page before relying on anything here.
Claims vs. what the research shows
Melanotan II reliably darkens skin. That is not the same as being safe.
Gives a tan without the sun.
It does darken skin. That darkening is not proven to protect against UV damage.
Animal or limited evidenceBoosts libido.
Early small studies showed sexual effects, which led to bremelanotide. Melanotan II itself was not developed further.
Insufficient dataSafe because it's like a natural hormone.
Not established. Mole changes and other problems have been reported.
Insufficient dataStorage and stability
Peptides break down with heat, light, moisture, and repeated freezing and thawing. Degraded product is one common reason two vials of the "same" peptide behave differently. These are general peptide handling practices. Your supplier's certificate of analysis or label takes priority.
Sealed powder (lyophilized)
- Refrigerate at 36 to 46°F (2 to 8°C) for routine storage.
- Freezer is generally used for long-term storage.
- Keep in its original sealed vial, away from light.
- Let a cold vial reach room temperature before opening to limit condensation.
After reconstitution
- Keep refrigerated. Do not freeze.
- Protect from light. Clear glass lets it through.
- Opened multi-dose bacteriostatic water is typically discarded 28 days after first puncture.
- Log the mix date so you know the vial's age at a glance.
Light exposure is easy to overlook in a fridge door that opens dozens of times a day. VIALTIGHT is building stackable cases that block light from every side. See vialtight.com for updates.
Reconstitution math
Concentration is just the amount of peptide divided by the volume of water added. On a U-100 insulin syringe, 100 units equals 1 mL, so each unit is 0.01 mL. Enter what is on your vial label and what you added to see the concentration.
This shows concentration only. It is not a dosing recommendation. VialTracker runs this math for every vial you log and keeps it with the vial's history.
Safety flags
Mole and skin changes. New moles, darkening moles, and changes in existing moles have been reported. Darkening can make skin cancer harder to spot. Get any changing mole checked.
Common side effects. Nausea, flushing, and unwanted erections are commonly reported.
Product quality is unverified. Gray-market vials have been found underdosed, mislabeled, or contaminated. A certificate of analysis from the seller is not the same as independent testing.
Not sun protection. A Melanotan tan doesn't replace sunscreen or shade.
FAQ
Is Melanotan II legal?
It is not FDA-approved and not on the compounding list, so it cannot be legally marketed for human use.
Is it the same as PT-141?
No. PT-141 (bremelanotide) was developed from Melanotan II research but is a different molecule with an approved brand, Vyleesi.
Does VialTracker tell me what to take?
No. VialTracker organizes the information you enter and runs the math. It does not recommend doses, products, or protocols.