Melanotan II
The tanning peptide — a melanocortin receptor agonist that stimulates your body's own melanin production for a deeper, faster tan with less UV exposure.
10 mg is the whole vial — not your dose
The most common mix-up with Melanotan II is confusing the vial size with the dose. Here's how it breaks down.
The Vial
Your vial contains 10 mg total of Melanotan II. That is roughly 20 starting doses — it should last you a while.
Your Dose
A starting dose is 500 mcg (0.5 mg) — that's 10 units on an insulin syringe after mixing with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water. Never inject 10 mg at once.
Mixing your vial
You only do this once per vial. After mixing, the vial lives in the refrigerator.
Add the Water
Draw up 2 mL of bacteriostatic water and inject it slowly down the inside wall of the vial — don't spray it directly onto the powder.
Swirl, Don't Shake
Gently swirl or roll the vial until the powder fully dissolves and the solution is clear. Shaking can damage the peptide.
Refrigerate
Once mixed, keep the vial in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect it from light.
The Math
10 mg in 2 mL = 5 mg per mL. On a standard U-100 insulin syringe, every 1 unit = 50 mcg.
Dosing
Start low. Nausea and flushing are dose-dependent, and most people need far less than they expect.
Starting Dose
500 mcg = 10 units on the insulin syringe. Stay here for your first several doses so you know how you respond.
Maximum Dose
1 mg = 20 units. Only work up to this if you tolerate the starting dose well and your provider agrees. Do not exceed it.
When to Inject
Take your dose before tanning or planned sun exposure. Melanotan II works with UV light — it enhances your response to it.
How to Inject
Subcutaneous into the abdomen, like other peptides. Rotate injection sites. Use a fresh insulin syringe every time.
What to expect
Everyone responds differently, but here's the typical pattern.
First doses
Some nausea or facial flushing is common early on and usually fades with continued use. This is why we start at 500 mcg.
1-2 weeks
With regular dosing plus moderate UV exposure, skin begins to tan noticeably faster and deeper than usual.
Ongoing
Once you reach the color you want, less frequent maintenance dosing holds it. Your provider can help you dial in a schedule.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and dose-related. Contact your provider if anything feels off.
- Nausea (most common, usually first doses only — starting low helps)
- Facial flushing or warmth after injection
- Darkening of existing moles and freckles — monitor your moles, and see your provider about any that change shape or grow
- Decreased appetite
- Spontaneous erections in men (it's a melanocortin agonist, related to PT-141)
- Still use sunscreen and common sense in the sun — a tan is not full UV protection
Common questions
Can I just draw up 10 mg?
No — 10 mg is the entire vial (about 20 starting doses). Your dose is 500 mcg, which is 10 units on an insulin syringe after mixing with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water.
Should I work my way up?
Yes. Stay at 500 mcg (10 units) for your first several doses. If you tolerate it well, you can increase gradually toward the 1 mg (20 units) maximum with your provider's guidance.
Do I need sun exposure for it to work?
Yes. Melanotan II amplifies your melanin response to UV light — it doesn't replace it. Moderate, sensible sun or tanning exposure alongside dosing is what produces the tan.
How long does a mixed vial last?
Kept refrigerated, a mixed vial stays good for several weeks. At the starting dose, one vial covers roughly 20 doses.
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