Melanotan II is a tanning / libido / melanocortin peptide. Typical research dosing is daily injection (loading) then maintenance, and the body of supporting research is phase 2 completed.
Melanotan II (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic analogue of alpha-MSH (alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone) that binds to melanocortin receptors MC1R through MC5R. This multi-receptor binding is why MT-2 has such diverse effects. MC1R activation triggers melanin production (tanning). MC4R activation in the brain suppresses appetite and increases libido. The broad receptor profile produces faster, darker tanning than Melanotan I, plus pronounced effects on sexual function. Browse the full peptide library for related compounds.
MT-2 became widely known in the biohacking community not only for its dramatic tanning effect but also because its MC4 receptor activation produces significant aphrodisiac effects. Men experience spontaneous erections. Both sexes report increased sexual desire. This dual function is either a benefit or side effect depending on your goals.
What should you actually expect? Tanning effect becomes noticeable within 5 to 7 days of use, even with minimal sun exposure. Nausea is common in the first few doses but usually subsides. Libido increase is often reported, sometimes significantly. Appetite suppression is mild to moderate. Moles may darken. Facial flushing after injection is common and lasts 30 to 90 minutes. Be honest with yourself about whether the cosmetic appeal is worth the side effect reality.
Dosing: Loading phase is 0.25mg to 0.5mg subcutaneous daily for 2 to 3 weeks. Maintenance is 0.5mg once or twice per week. Start LOW (0.25mg) because nausea is dose-dependent. Inject before bed to sleep through the nausea. UV exposure helps but is not required for the melanin response. Your body will produce melanin regardless, though sun exposure accelerates the visible darkening.
Safety considerations: MT-2 is one of the more side-effect-heavy peptides. Mole darkening requires monitoring. Any mole that changes shape or color should be seen by a dermatologist. The multi-receptor binding means unpredictable effects across different body systems. Not recommended for people with a history of melanoma or atypical moles. If you have significant mole history, stick to Melanotan I which is more selective.
In Philippines, MT-2 is popular among expats in Makati and Quezon City for the tanning effect in a tropical climate. Available research-grade from regional suppliers. For what to ask a seller, see the supply index. Verify purity via the COA guide. For legal context, see the peptide legality guide.
MC1 Activation (Tanning): Activates MC1 receptors on melanocytes, stimulating rapid, dense eumelanin production. The tan develops faster and darker than MT-1 due to greater receptor activation.
MC4 Activation (Sexual Effects): MC4 receptors in the brain hypothalamus regulate sexual function. Activation produces spontaneous erections in men and heightened sexual arousal in both genders. This is also why MT-2 causes appetite suppression.
MC3 Activation: Additional receptor activation in the CNS and peripheral tissues contributes to the broader side effect profile including nausea and energy changes.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test dose | 100–250mcg | Single dose | Day 1 (assess tolerance) |
| Loading | 500mcg | Daily | 1–2 weeks |
| Maintenance | 250–500mcg | Every 5–7 days | Ongoing |
Always start at the lowest effective dose and titrate up gradually.
Turning a dose in milligrams into units on a syringe is arithmetic, not judgement. The reconstitution calculator does it for any vial size, and the rest of the calculator set covers cost per milligram and route comparison.
Vials at Primara Labs, our partner and supplier, ship from stock already inside the Philippines, so an order has no customs leg. Their catalogue is the shortest route to what is listed locally and at what price, and anything outside it goes through the same WhatsApp thread. View the Primara Labs catalogue
Take 100–250mcg at bedtime to sleep through nausea. Assess tolerance. Strong nausea, flushing, and possible erections should be expected.
Rapid tan develops with UV exposure. Significant appetite suppression. Sexual effects peak during loading. Take doses at bedtime to minimize nausea disruption.
Transition to maintenance dosing. Tan is well-established and maintained with weekly injections. Side effects diminish as dose frequency decreases.
Everything above is research framing. If you have got as far as wanting a vial, the catalogue at Primara Labs, our partner and supplier, is the shortest way to see what is held inside the Philippines and at what price. View the Primara Labs catalogue
Our partner and supplier
Primara Labs, our partner and supplier, ships from inventory already inside the Philippines, so there is no customs leg: vials are batch-numbered, Metro Manila orders dispatch same day, the rest of the country lands in one to three business days, and every order gets 10% off. The current list sits on one page, and anything you cannot see on it goes through the same WhatsApp thread.
View the Primara Labs catalogueThe supply index covers what to ask a seller before paying, and why quoted prices vary so widely.
Risk · Disclosure · Editorial Status
This page is editorial information for adults researching peptide therapy. It is not medical advice, not a prescription, and not an endorsement of any specific product, supplier, or protocol. Side effects can be serious and individual response varies. Talk to a licensed physician (ideally one with peptide-specific clinical experience) before starting any compound, adjusting a dose, or discontinuing therapy.
In the Philippines, GLP-1 medications are prescription-only under FDA Philippines regulation. Research-grade peptides occupy a regulatory gray area: import for personal research use is generally tolerated, but the Bureau of Customs reserves the right to inspect and detain shipments. Do not import for resale.
Editorial Status
Independent · Non-clinical
Affiliation
Not a clinic · Not a pharmacy
Last Updated
August 27, 2026
