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Skin, tanning & libido

Melanotan II: Effects, Evidence and Risks

Research use only: Melanotan II is not approved as a medicine. It is offered as a research substance labelled “for research purposes only – not for use in humans or animals”. This page summarises the state of research and is not a recommendation to use it.

Also known as “Barbie drug”, tanning injection.

StatusNot approved
EvidencePreclinical
Drug classMelanocortin agonist
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We only show doses for approved medicines according to the prescribing information – in the calculator.

What is Melanotan II?

Triggers tanning without sun exposure and increases libido. Marketed mainly via social media.

How well studied is Melanotan II?

No approval trials. A related drug is afamelanotide (Scenesse), which is approved in the EU only for a rare light-sensitivity disorder (EPP).

What side effects and risks does Melanotan II have?

Nausea, flushing, prolonged erections; reports of moles suddenly changing or new moles appearing. Authorities in several countries explicitly warn against it.

Is Melanotan II approved in Germany?

In short: no. Not approved. Anyone using it should have their moles checked by a doctor.

Note: We deliberately do not list any doses here. For approved medicines, your doctor sets the dose; for unapproved substances there is no reliable information.