Melanotan II

Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic peptide analog related to alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Its cyclic structure makes it more stable and gives it activity across several melanocortin receptors.

It is a frequently used reference compound in melanocortin-receptor and pigment-biology research.

It is widely known in tanning and biohacking circles as a melanocortin peptide popularly associated with stimulating skin pigmentation and a deeper tan.

Melanotan-2 is a melanocortin receptor agonist that the sunless-tanning community reputedly discusses for its purported ability to boost melanin synthesis and produce a darker skin tone, making it a frequent keyword in pigmentation and tanning-research conversations.

Researchers are investigating melanocortin signaling for eumelanin production and pigmentation response, effects enthusiasts popularly associate with tanning independent of extended UV exposure.

Community interest here centers strictly on pigmentation and tanning research framing; these remain areas of active or preclinical investigation and community interest, not outcomes established in humans.

Research has examined Melanotan II as a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors, including MC1R associated with melanogenesis and other subtypes involved in various signaling pathways, in cell and animal models.

Studies focus on receptor activation and downstream pigment-related and signaling markers in the laboratory. These are laboratory observations, not human outcomes.

Melanotan II ships lyophilized and is stored at -20°C, sealed and kept dark. It is commonly reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water; slightly acidic (dilute acetic acid) water may be used in research handling to improve solubility. Copper is not involved and no blue tint is expected.

Reconstituted solution is held at 4°C for short-term research use or aliquoted at -80°C to reduce freeze-thaw cycles. Each lot ships with an HPLC certificate of analysis.