Melanotan II

What is Melanotan II?

Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide that mimics the body's natural tanning hormone — alpha-MSH. Where alpha-MSH signals your melanocytes to produce pigment in response to UV, Melanotan II does the same thing systemically and without requiring sun exposure. The result is deep, even pigmentation that develops across the whole body, not just UV-exposed areas.

It acts on five melanocortin receptors simultaneously. MC1R drives the tanning response. MC4R is the receptor responsible for appetite reduction and — most notably — the libido-enhancing effects that have made Melanotan II one of the most discussed compounds in the peptide space. Its effects on sexual arousal and function in both male and female models are among the best-documented in melanocortin research.

Originally developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s, Melanotan II has decades of preclinical literature behind it and a uniquely well-characterised pharmacological profile. Sharp Labs supplies it as a lyophilized powder at ≥99% HPLC purity, with a Certificate of Analysis included with every order.