Understand the source comparison
Tanning Peptides 2026 Update: Comparison of Current Melanocortin Research Compounds
Melanotan II (MT-II) Broad-spectrum (MC1R/MC3R/MC4R) Daily subcutaneous Melanogenesis induction, legacy research protocols Unscheduled federally; restricted in CA/NY/IL for cosmetic use Effective but non-selective. Off-target effects limit utility in controlle
No winner is assigned.
This page preserves a source comparison for education. It does not add a rating, recommendation or clinical judgment.
- Melanotan II (MT-II)
- Broad-spectrum (MC1R/MC3R/MC4R)
- Daily subcutaneous
- Melanogenesis induction, legacy research protocols
- Unscheduled federally; restricted in CA/NY/IL for cosmetic use
- Effective but non-selective. Off-target effects limit utility in controlled studies
- Afamelanotide derivatives
- 10–15× MC1R vs MC3R/MC4R
- Every 48–72 hours
- MC1R-specific melanogenesis studies
- Research-grade only; pharmaceutical form (Scenesse) FDA-approved for EPP
- Preferred for research requiring melanocortin effects without systemic side effects
- Linear α-MSH analogs
- Moderate (3–5× MC1R selectivity)
- Daily
- Comparative receptor binding studies
- Unscheduled; no state-level restrictions
- Useful for receptor selectivity research but less practical for melanogenesis protocols
- Pegylated melanocortin fragments
- High (>20× MC1R selectivity)
- Every 72–96 hours
- Extended-release melanogenesis, reduced injection frequency studies
- Experimental; limited supplier availability
- Best option for minimizing injection frequency. Limited long-term safety data