Peptides
Melanotan 2
What is it?
Melanotan 2 (MT-II) is a synthetic peptide related to alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It is different from afamelanotide, the approved Scenesse implant used for a rare photosensitivity disorder. MT-II is not an FDA-approved tanning medicine. [1,4]
How does it work?
MT-II activates several melanocortin receptors. Pigment signaling can darken skin; activity at other receptors helps explain effects such as nausea and spontaneous erections. A darker appearance is not a substitute for sunscreen or protection from ultraviolet exposure. [1,2]
What have human studies and users reported?
A very small phase 1 study in three healthy men observed tanning after five investigator-administered injections. A separate placebo-controlled crossover study in ten men with erectile dysfunction found erectogenic effects. These studies show that the molecule can affect people, but they do not establish a safe long-term cosmetic regimen. [1,2]
People also report strong pigmentation in real-world use. Case reports describe rapid darkening of moles and serious events including prolonged erection and systemic toxicity. A melanoma case occurred with MT-II use and tanning-bed exposure; a case report cannot show MT-II caused the cancer, while it does reinforce the need for skin monitoring and avoiding UV exposure. [3,4]
What should you know before considering it?
Online products may have uncertain identity and purity, and long-term safety has not been established. New or changing moles need prompt clinical assessment. [3,4]
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT · NOT A RECOMMENDATION
How much?
This is not an established safe or effective dose.
SCHEDULE DESCRIBED
How often?
1–2 injections per week
Historical practice only; no approved cosmetic schedule exists.
Not FDA approved; no established safe cosmetic dose.
This came from Jay Campbell’s older cosmetic-use account; he later said he stopped using MT-II. Small studies and case reports do not establish a safe self-use schedule. [1,4,5,6]
Read detailed dosing notes
0.25 mg — a once- or twice-weekly injection amount described in one older Jay Campbell cosmetic-use protocol. He later wrote that he no longer uses MT-II because of its strong tanning and unfavorable side-effect profile. This is an account of practice, not a clinically recommended or established safe dose. [5,6]
The three-person phase 1 protocol cannot validate self-injection, and MT-II has no FDA-approved cosmetic schedule. [1,4]
Sources & further reading
- Dorr et al. (1996). Evaluation of Melanotan-II in a pilot phase-I clinical study (opens in a new tab)www.sciencedirect.com
- Wessells et al. (2000). Effect of a melanocyte-stimulating hormone analog on erection in men (opens in a new tab)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Paurobally et al. (2014). Melanoma associated with melanotan-II and sunbed use: case report (opens in a new tab)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- FDA. Notice discussing Melanotan II as an unapproved new drug (opens in a new tab)www.fda.gov
- Jay Campbell (2026). Melanotan 2 tanning peptide protocol (opens in a new tab)jaycampbell.com
- Jay Campbell (2022). Personal peptide stack and reasons for no longer using MT-II (opens in a new tab)jaycampbell.com