Claimed effect · Melanotan II

Does Melanotan II help with skin tanning?

C
Grade C — weak human evidencePilot studies (n≈3–12) · effect size: moderate
Short answerWeak human evidence. Pilot studies (n≈3–12): enough to be interesting, not enough to count on. Where an effect is seen it is a moderate effect. A pilot phase 1 study showed measurable tanning from a few low subcutaneous doses. The related peptide melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) went on to be developed properly and approved for a rare photosensitivity disorder; melanotan II did not.

What the studies show

A pilot phase 1 study showed measurable tanning from a few low subcutaneous doses. The related peptide melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) went on to be developed properly and approved for a rare photosensitivity disorder; melanotan II did not.

“These results demonstrate that MT-II has tanning activity in humans given only 5 low doses every other day by subcutaneous injection.”

Verbatim, from the abstractDorr RT, et al. Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide, in a pilot phase-1 clinical study. Life Sci, 1996;58:1777–1784

A few small or poorly-controlled human studies. Enough to be interesting; not enough to count on. Most of what gets called “clinically proven” online lives here.

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In context

Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic peptide that mimics α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Small early trials in the 1990s showed it darkens skin and, separately, triggers erections in men — the two effects it is still sold for. It has never completed later-stage trials and is not approved anywhere. Reported harms include nausea, uncontrolled erections, darkening and change of moles, and case reports of serious events such as kidney infarction, which is why regulators warn against it.

Melanotan II is not approved. Legal status differs by country — see the regulation section or the jurisdiction pages.

Questions

Is Melanotan II proven to help with skin tanning?
No. The human evidence is weak (Pilot studies (n≈3–12)); LYO grades it C.
What studies are behind the grade?
A pilot phase 1 study showed measurable tanning from a few low subcutaneous doses. The related peptide melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) went on to be developed properly and approved for a rare photosensitivity disorder; melanotan II did not.
Is Melanotan II approved for this?
No. Melanotan II is not approved; it is not an approved medicine for any indication in the jurisdictions LYO covers.

Other outcomes for Melanotan II

Written and maintained by LYO Research — how pages are written and checked. Reviewed 3 September 2026. Grades count human evidence only; see how LYO grades. Not medical advice. Correct this page →