Melanotan 2

Melanotan 2 does the same pigment job as Melanotan 1 — it tells skin cells to make more eumelanin, producing a tan with less sun exposure — but it hits several melanocortin receptors instead of just one. That is why people also report two extra effects: a noticeable increase in sexual arousal and spontaneous erections (the same pathway behind the approved drug PT-141, which is derived from it), and a drop in appetite that some users notice within days. Because it is less selective, it also brings more nausea, flushing and that heavy, sleepy feeling after a dose than Melanotan 1 does. Most people dose in the evening for that reason, and start at a very low dose to build tolerance. The pigment effects are real but slow, and mole and freckle darkening is common. As with Melanotan 1, a tan is not sun protection and does not reduce skin cancer risk.

A cyclic analogue of alpha-MSH that activates several melanocortin receptors: MC1R (pigment), MC3R and MC4R (appetite and sexual arousal). MC1R activation raises cyclic AMP in melanocytes and drives eumelanin production; MC4R activity in the brain accounts for the appetite suppression and the erectile and libido effects. This lack of selectivity is the source of both the extra benefits people chase and the extra side effects.

Store the sealed powder vial in the fridge, protected from light. Stable for many months in that state.

Once reconstituted, keep it in the fridge at 2–8 C, out of the light, and use within about 4 weeks.

Common mix: 10 mg vial + 2.5 ml bacteriostatic water = 40 mcg per unit, so 250 mcg is about 6 units and 1 mg is about 25 units. Ramp up over the first three weeks — jumping straight to 1 mg is the usual cause of nausea and flushing.

• GHK-CuSkin and collagen support alongside the pigment effects.

Popular combinations reported in the community and research literature — not a recommendation. Adding peptides multiplies side-effect risk; check with a clinician.

• Nausea and occasional vomiting, worst in the first week
• Facial flushing and warmth
• Spontaneous erections in men
• Marked appetite suppression
• Yawning and drowsiness after a dose
• Darkening of moles, freckles and new dark spots
• Injection site stinging or redness
• Rare reports of blood pressure changes

• History of melanoma or other skin cancer
• Many atypical moles or a family history of skin cancer
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled blood pressure
• Liver or kidney disease
• Any changing or unexplained skin lesion
• Using Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2 at the same time — they act on the same pigment pathway, so people use one or the other, never both

Melanotan 2 has never been approved anywhere for human use, and most of what is known comes from small early studies and case reports. Published case reports link it to rapidly changing moles and melanoma diagnoses, and unregulated product purity is a real concern. Health agencies in several countries have issued warnings about it. Regular dermatologist skin checks are strongly advised for anyone using it, and any changing mole should be looked at promptly.