Melanotan II
Melanotan II is a synthetic analogue of alpha-MSH, studied for melanin stimulation. It is one of the most searched-for compounds in the UK research market.
Also known as: MT-II
Research context
- Synthetic analogue of the naturally occurring alpha-MSH.
- Studied for melanin (pigmentation) stimulation.
- Single 10mg presentation.
Melanotan II
from £7.65 per vial
| Strength | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| 10mg | £7.65bank £6.89 | Buy vial |
Bank transfer prices shown under each card price (10% off). Checkout runs on Stripe; bank orders confirm on clearance.
What Melanotan II is
Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), the endogenous peptide that sits on the melanocortin pathway. Where the body's own alpha-MSH is short-lived, MT-II is a cyclic analogue studied because it binds the same melanocortin receptors — principally MC1R in melanocytes, which is the receptor linked to melanin (pigment) production. It is supplied as a lyophilised powder and reconstituted for research use.
It is one of the most searched-for compounds in the UK research market, and one of the most frequently confused. The two practical confusions are worth separating up front: MT-II is not MT-I (see the table below), and MT-II is not a tanning product — it is a research chemical, sold for laboratory study, not a cosmetic or a medicine.
Where it sits in the tanning / melanocortin category
Melanotan II is the melanocortin-ligand member of our skin, hair & tan range. Its research interest is narrower than the category name suggests: it is studied specifically through MC1R-driven pigmentation, whereas the rest of the range acts on different systems entirely (GHK-Cu on copper-peptide / collagen signalling; Snap-8 on acetylcholine release). If you are comparing 'tanning' compounds, the meaningful comparison is MT-II against MT-I and against PT-141 — not against the cosmetic-peptide shelf.
Melanotan II vs other compounds
| Compound | What it is studied through | Relationship to MT-II |
|---|---|---|
| Melanotan I & II (hub) | Alpha-MSH analogues, melanocortin pathway | The category hub — start here if you are comparing the two |
| Melanotan I (afamelanotide) | Linear alpha-MSH analogue, studied more selectively at MC1R | The 'cleaner' pigmentation-side analogue; MT-II is the broader-receptor analogue |
| PT-141 (bremelanotide) | Central melanocortin signalling (MC4R) | Same receptor family, different research interest — not a tanning analogue |
| GHK-Cu | Copper-peptide / collagen signalling | Different system entirely; marketed alongside, not equivalent |
How it is supplied & handled
Melanotan II is stocked in a single 10mg presentation as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder in a sealed vial, which is the format that keeps a peptide stable for storage. Handling follows the same standard as any research peptide: keep the lyophilised vial cool, dark and dry before use, and reconstitute with bacteriostatic water when ready. Our reconstitution guide covers the general method, and every batch ships with a certificate of analysis available on request — see the lab & COA policy.
Ordering, payment & delivery
Pricing is per single vial — no minimum order, so you can order one vial or twenty. Card checkout runs through Stripe using the button on this page; bank transfer is priced 10% lower and the order confirms on clearance. Orders dispatch from the UK with cold-chain handling. Full timelines and payment details are on the delivery & payment page, and any question can go to us via contact.
Frequently asked questions
What is Melanotan II?
It is a synthetic cyclic analogue of alpha-MSH (alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone), studied through the melanocortin receptors — principally MC1R, the receptor linked to melanin production. It is supplied as a research chemical.
Is Melanotan II the same as Melanotan I?
No. They are different analogues. Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear alpha-MSH analogue studied more selectively at MC1R; Melanotan II is a cyclic analogue with a broader receptor profile. We stock both and the Melanotan hub compares them.
Is it a medicine or a tanning product?
Neither, as sold here. It is a research chemical only. It is not a licensed medicine, it is not for human or veterinary use, and nothing on this page is medical advice, a cosmetic claim, or a dosing recommendation.
What strength do you stock, and what does it cost?
A single 10mg presentation, from £7.65 per vial, with a 10% discount on bank transfer. Pricing is per vial so there is no minimum order.
Does it come with a COA and how is it shipped?
Yes — a certificate of analysis is available on request for every batch. It ships as lyophilised powder with cold-chain UK dispatch; see the delivery page for timelines.
How should the powder be stored and reconstituted?
Keep the sealed lyophilised vial cool, dark and dry, and reconstitute with bacteriostatic water when ready. The general method is set out in our reconstitution guide.