Melanotan 2
Melanotan 2, the tanning peptide demystified.
Melanotan 2 is the peptide everyone knows as the tanning shot. PepEasy is where you cut through the folklore — learn how it actually works, ask grounded questions, and track it cleanly.
Educational only — not medical advice. Note: regulators including the FDA have warned against Melanotan 2; reported effects include nausea, blood-pressure changes, priapism, and darkening or new moles, with melanoma case reports. PepEasy never recommends a dose.
Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic peptide modeled on alpha-MSH that activates melanocortin receptors, driving melanin production and skin pigmentation. PepEasy is where you learn how it works, ask grounded questions, and calculate and track it accurately. We educate; we never diagnose, prescribe, or recommend a dose.
What Melanotan 2 is
The science behind the 'tanning peptide' reputation, in plain language.
A melanocortin agonist
A cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-MSH that activates melanocortin receptors non-selectively.
Pigmentation pathway
MC1 activation stimulates melanocytes to produce more melanin — the basis of its tanning reputation.
The PT-141 connection
Its refined relative, PT-141 (bremelanotide), became an FDA-approved sexual-health drug.
Engineered to last
Designed to be more stable and longer-acting than native alpha-MSH, which clears too fast to be practical.
Get the facts in PepEasy
Learn first
Read the evidence-graded summary and ask the peptide AI about mechanism and pigmentation.
Calculate cleanly
Use the calculator to turn vial size and target into exact, repeatable numbers.
Track every dose
Log doses in the Digital Fridge so your inventory and timing stay honest.
Understand Melanotan 2 — facts, not folklore.
Calculate, track, and learn about Melanotan 2 — grounded in real research, risks included.
Frequently asked
What is Melanotan 2?+
A synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist studied for skin pigmentation. It is sold as a research chemical and is not approved for human use. PepEasy is educational, not medical advice.
Is Melanotan 2 safe?+
It is not approved for human use, and several regulators have issued consumer warnings. Reported effects include nausea, flushing, blood-pressure changes, priapism, and changes to moles and pigmentation, with melanoma case reports in the literature. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified professional.
How is it different from PT-141?+
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a refined, FDA-approved relative focused on sexual desire. Melanotan 2 is the broader, unapproved parent compound. PepEasy explains both side by side.
Can PepEasy track Melanotan 2?+
Yes. The calculator handles the reconstitution math and the Digital Fridge logs every dose with freshness timers.
Everything peptides, made easy.
Join PepEasy and get the tools, the knowledge, and the care — in one place.
Explore more