Melanotan 2
A peptide. Not a lotion. Research only. Not a protocol.
Simple words
Sun makes skin cells add pigment. A receptor on those cells hears a hormone called alpha-MSH. Melanotan 2 is a lab chain that sticks to that family of receptors (melanocortin receptors). Skin can darken without the same UV dose. Other receptors in that family also affect stomach and sexual function. That is why nausea and unexpected arousal show up in reports.
What it is
A cyclic peptide from University of Arizona work (Victor Hruby, Mac Hadley). Never approved as a tanning drug. PT-141 later came from the same family and did get approved for one sexual-function use.
What researchers studied
Robert Dorr, Hadley, and colleagues gave melanotan 2 to people in small 1990s studies. Skin darkened. Nausea and stretching/yawning happened. Moles can darken. That last point is why doctors worry about watching skin, not just “a cheap tan.”
Papers
Dorr, Lines, Levine, et al., 1996 — Melanotan 2 in humans. Pigmentation and side effects. Life Sciences.
What this is not
Not a face cream. Not GHK-Cu. Not approved. This page does not tell you how much to take.
Related: PT-141