Melanocortin Peptide
Melanotan II is a melanocortin peptide that stimulates the skin to produce deep, even pigmentation without UV exposure while also enhancing libido and suppressing appetite through brain receptor activation. The resulting melanin provides genuine UV protection, reducing the sun exposure needed for colour while lowering cumulative photodamage risk.
Product
Research shows
Practical product identifiers and format details for professional review.
Content
30 mg
Format
Injectable
Composition
10 mg/ml per ml
Melanotan II binds to melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. Activation of MC1R in melanocyte cells stimulates eumelanin (brown-black pigment) production, increasing skin pigmentation through a process called melanogenesis. This melanin production occurs without UV exposure, though UV light enhances and accelerates the effect. MC4R activation contributes to appetite suppression and modulation of sexual response. The elevated melanin content provides measurable photoprotection by absorbing UV radiation and reducing DNA damage from sun exposure.
Based on published research and preclinical data. All benefits are documented under research-grade conditions.
Melanotan II stimulates melanocyte cells to produce eumelanin (the brown-black pigment responsible for tanning) without requiring UV exposure to initiate the process. The resulting pigmentation is deep, lasting, and provides genuine UV attenuation when sun exposure does occur.
Elevated melanin content achieved through Melanotan II treatment measurably reduces UV-induced DNA damage in skin cells. The increased pigmentation absorbs and scatters ultraviolet radiation, potentially reducing long-term photodamage and skin cancer risk from incidental sun exposure.
Through MC4R activation, Melanotan II produces similar effects to PT-141 on sexual arousal and function. In clinical studies, it demonstrated efficacy for erectile dysfunction in men and increased sexual desire in women: a secondary benefit well-documented in research literature.
MC4R receptor activation in the hypothalamus produces dose-dependent appetite suppression: a side effect in some clinical studies but a sought-after benefit in body recomposition contexts.
Unlike UV-induced tanning which can be patchy, Melanotan II produces a systemic, even distribution of melanogenesis across all pigment-capable cells. The result is a more uniform and cosmetically consistent pigmentation that persists for weeks after discontinuation.
Some users report secondary mood-lifting and energy-enhancing effects, consistent with the broad melanocortin receptor activity profile. MC3R and MC4R modulation in limbic areas may contribute to improved subjective wellbeing beyond purely cosmetic or sexual effects.
Explore selected publications and registered trials on Melanotan II, with links to the original sources.
5 publications from the research library.
Evidence type
Publication and key finding
Source
Evidence type
Preclinical study
Melanotan II mechanism or target context
Publication and key finding
alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) reversibly darkens frog skins by stimulating melanosome movement (dispersion) within melanophores.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Evidence type
Review
Direct or closely related Melanotan II evidence
Publication and key finding
The melanocortins (MCs) are a family of multifunctional peptidergic hormones.
Peptides
Evidence type
Human clinical study
Direct or closely related Melanotan II evidence
Publication and key finding
A pilot phase I study was conducted with a cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH).
Life sciences
Evidence type
Preclinical study
Direct or closely related Melanotan II evidence
Publication and key finding
Melanotan-II (1) is a cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) which tans the skin and is currently being evaluated for the prevention of sunlight-induced skin cancers.
Journal of pharmaceutical sciences
Evidence type
Review
Melanotan II mechanism or target context
Publication and key finding
The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is a melanocytic Gs protein coupled receptor that regulates skin pigmentation, UV responses, and melanoma risk.
Frontiers in genetics
1 selected study from the wider trial library, in the order chosen for this product.
NCT07437560
Labbieux pens are designed for 30 to 31 administrations of 10 clicks. With daily use, this corresponds to approximately one month. We recommend starting with 5 clicks and building up to 10 clicks per administration. More sensitive people may use fewer clicks.
Before using our pens, consult the manual.
Melanotan II has a moderately more complex side effect profile than more selective melanocortin agents due to its broad receptor activity. The most common effects are nausea (particularly with initial doses: typically manageable and dose-dependent), flushing, facial flushing, spontaneous erections in men, and fatigue. Hyperpigmentation of existing naevi (moles) has been reported and is the primary safety concern requiring monitoring: any changes in mole appearance should be assessed by a dermatologist. Pre-existing moles should be documented before use. The broad MC receptor activity also means appetite suppression is common. Strict cycling protocols are essential to minimise hyperpigmentation risk.
This public COA documents one selected production batch and is updated annually. It is not the COA for our latest available batch. Every batch has its own documentation, and partners can request the latest batch COA from our team.
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