Melanotan 2 (also known as Melanotan II or MT2) is one of the best-known research peptides for tanning and pigmentation studies. It is a synthetic analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), developed to investigate how melanocortin signalling regulates melanin production and the skin’s physiological response to ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

Beyond pigmentation research, Melanotan 2 has played an important role in advancing our understanding of the melanocortin system. During early clinical investigations, researchers observed effects beyond skin pigmentation, leading to the later development of PT-141 (Bremelanotide), a more selective melanocortin peptide designed specifically for sexual function research.

Today, Melanotan 2 remains one of the most extensively investigated peptides for pigmentation biology, melanocortin receptor signalling and neuroendocrine physiology.

Why Melanotan 2 is widely investigated

Published research has investigated Melanotan 2 in relation to:

tanning research
skin pigmentation
melanin production
melanogenesis
UV-independent pigmentation
melanocyte biology
melanocortin receptor signalling
appetite regulation
neuroendocrine physiology

Its broad receptor activity has made Melanotan 2 one of the foundational research peptides for understanding the melanocortin system.

How Melanotan 2 promotes pigmentation

Published research demonstrates that Melanotan 2 primarily activates the MC1 melanocortin receptor, which regulates melanin production within melanocytes.

Research has explored its relationship with:

Melanin production

Activation of melanocytes and increased melanin synthesis, making Melanotan 2 one of the best-known peptides in pigmentation research.

UV response

Investigation of the relationship between melanocortin signalling, melanin production and the skin’s physiological response to ultraviolet exposure.

Pigmentation biology

Studies examining how melanocortin receptors regulate pigmentation across different skin types and experimental models.

Because Melanotan 2 also activates other melanocortin receptors, researchers have investigated additional physiological pathways involving appetite regulation, energy balance and central nervous system signalling.

Why Melanotan 2 became important beyond tanning research

Although Melanotan 2 was originally developed for pigmentation research, investigators later discovered that melanocortin receptor activation also influenced central nervous system pathways involved in sexual behaviour.

These findings ultimately led to the development of PT-141 (Bremelanotide), a more selective melanocortin peptide that focuses on sexual desire and arousal research rather than pigmentation.

This makes Melanotan 2 one of the most influential peptides in the history of melanocortin research.

Human and preclinical research

Melanotan 2 has been investigated extensively in both laboratory and human studies.

Published research includes:

tanning physiology
pigmentation biology
melanogenesis
UV response
melanocortin receptor pharmacology
appetite regulation
neuroendocrine signalling

Although newer melanocortin analogues have since been developed for more specific applications, Melanotan 2 remains one of the principal research compounds for studying the melanocortin receptor family.

How Melanotan 2 differs from related peptides

Research objective	Recommended peptide
Tanning & pigmentation research	Melanotan 2
Sexual desire & arousal research	PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
Reproductive hormone regulation	Kisspeptin-10
Social bonding & neuroendocrine behaviour	Oxytocin

Although Melanotan 2 and PT-141 share a common developmental history, they are now investigated for different research objectives. Melanotan 2 primarily focuses on pigmentation and melanocortin biology, whereas PT-141 investigates central pathways involved in sexual desire and arousal.

Published safety observations

Published human studies have most commonly reported nausea, facial flushing, yawning and transient increases in skin pigmentation. Researchers have also observed increased pigmentation of freckles and existing moles, which has become an area of continued investigation. Current knowledge is based primarily on controlled clinical studies and experimental research, and long-term safety remains an active topic within the scientific literature.

Product characteristics

Application: laboratory and analytical research
Use restriction: not for human consumption; not for medical, veterinary or cosmetic use
Produced in GMP-compliant facilities under strict QC protocols.
Each batch carefully lab tested after production (you can find Certificate of Analysis under product pictures).
Freeze-dried (lyophilized) for maximum stability and extended shelf life.
Sealed in sterile vials, ready for reconstitution.
Purity: ≥ 99% (HPLC)
Appearance: white lyophilized powder
Molecular formula: C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉
Molecular weight: 1024.2
CAS No: 121062-08-6

Storage: unopened lyophilized vials are best stored refrigerated at 2–8°C, which is the storage method confirmed by our manufacturing partner and suitable for up to 24 months. Refrigeration is preferred because it minimizes unnecessary freeze–thaw cycles during routine handling. If substantially longer-term storage is required, unopened lyophilized vials may also be kept frozen. Once reconstituted, always store at 2–8°C and do not freeze.

Reconstitution and handling

Melanotan 2 is supplied as a lyophilised vial and should be handled using standard peptide reconstitution procedures appropriate to the research setting. Must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use. To help preserve structural integrity, add the chosen solvent slowly against the inside wall of the vial rather than directly onto the peptide cake, and avoid vigorous shaking. Gentle swirling is generally sufficient once the peptide has fully dissolved. Standard laboratory practice also includes allowing refrigerated vials to reach room temperature before reconstitution to minimise condensation inside the vial.

For other solvent selection, concentration planning and storage guidance, see the full Peptide Reconstitution Guide and Reconstitution Calculator.

Selected research references

Hadley ME. Melanocortin Peptide Therapeutics: Historical Milestones, Clinical Studies and Commercialization, Peptides, 2006

A comprehensive review describing the development of Melanotan peptides, pigmentation research and the subsequent evolution of PT-141 from Melanotan 2.

Dorr RT, et al. Evaluation of Melanotan-II, a Superpotent Cyclic Melanotropic Peptide in a Pilot Phase I Clinical Study, Life Sciences, 1996

The first human clinical study evaluating Melanotan 2 and its effects on pigmentation.

Habbema L, Halk AB, Neumann M, Bergman W. Risks of Unregulated Use of Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Analogues: A Review, International Journal of Dermatology, 2017

A review summarising the published evidence on Melanotan analogues, pigmentation effects and reported safety considerations.

Wessells H, et al. Melanocortin Receptor Agonists and Human Sexual Function, International Journal of Impotence Research, 2000

One of the early human studies showing central nervous system effects beyond pigmentation, contributing to the later development of PT-141.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Melanotan 2?

Melanotan 2 is a synthetic analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is one of the world’s most extensively investigated research peptides for tanning, pigmentation and melanocortin receptor biology.

How does Melanotan 2 promote pigmentation?

Melanotan 2 primarily activates the MC1 melanocortin receptor, which regulates melanin production within melanocytes. This has made it one of the leading research peptides for pigmentation and tanning studies.

How does Melanotan 2 differ from PT-141?

Although PT-141 was developed from Melanotan 2, the two peptides are investigated for different purposes. Melanotan 2 primarily focuses on pigmentation and melanocortin biology, while PT-141 is a more selective melanocortin peptide investigated mainly for sexual desire and arousal research.

Why is Melanotan 2 associated with appetite and sexual function research?

Melanotan 2 activates several melanocortin receptor subtypes in addition to MC1R, including receptors involved in appetite regulation and central nervous system signalling. Early studies unexpectedly observed effects on sexual function, which contributed to the later development of PT-141.

What research areas commonly investigate Melanotan 2?

Published research includes tanning physiology, skin pigmentation, melanogenesis, UV response, melanocortin receptor signalling, appetite regulation and neuroendocrine physiology.

How does Melanotan 2 differ from Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide)?

Both peptides are derived from α-MSH, but Melanotan 2 activates multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes, whereas Afamelanotide is considerably more selective for MC1R. This broader receptor activity has made Melanotan 2 useful across a wider range of melanocortin research topics.

Is this product intended for human use?

No. Melanotan 2 supplied by LIFE Peptide is provided strictly for laboratory and analytical research. It is not intended for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment or prevention of disease. Any discussion of published studies summarises the current scientific literature relating to the Melanotan 2 molecule rather than the intended use of this product.

Related research context

Melanotan 2 belongs to the broader Melanocortin and neuroendocrine peptide research category, focusing on pigmentation pathways and central melanocortin signaling mechanisms.
Researchers exploring related melanocortin pathway models may also examine:
• PT-141 (Bremelanotide) — selective melanocortin receptor signaling research
• Cognitive & neuroresearch peptides — CNS peptide signaling models

NOTE: This is for educational reference only and does not constitute medical advice.

Disclaimer
This product is sold for research purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Buyer assumes full responsibility for proper handling and use.

Hypothalamic signaling

Melanotan 2 (MT2) / 10 mg