Library · Skin & hair · Melanin production and skin tanning enhancement
Melanotan II (MT2)
MT-II, Melanotan 2, Afamelanotide analog
A synthetic analogue of α-MSH sold illicitly for tanning, with no approval from any major regulator. Case reports from 2020 flagged renal infarction, rhabdomyolysis, and kidney failure, making its use a public-health concern.
Research score 55/100. Reference only, not a dose.
- Skin Tanning
- Melanin Production
- Photoprotection
- Appetite Suppression
- Libido Enhancement
- US status
- Research Chemical
- Approval
- Not Approved
- Evidence
- Synthetic alpha-MSH analog. Promotes melanogenesis (tanning) and sexual arousal. widely used but unregulated.
- Research score
- 55 / 100
- Indication
- Research Only - No Medical Indication
- Origin
- USA
- Source category
- Skin & Dermatology
- Status group
- Research chemical
Mechanism
Acts as a potent agonist at MC1R and MC4R; MC1R activation raises cAMP and tyrosinase activity, driving melanin production, while MC4R activation affects appetite and sexual-response pathways.
Safety file
Linked to kidney infarction, rhabdomyolysis, priapism, and possible melanoma risk, along with severe nausea and flushing.
- Nausea
- Facial flushing
- Increased libido
- Appetite suppression
- Darkening of existing moles
- Potential blood pressure changes