Melanotan IIMelanotan · tanning injection

Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide, sold illegally as an injectable 'tanning' product, that stimulates melanin production to darken the skin.

It matters because it is unlicensed and unregulated: dermatology sources document melanoma and changes to moles in users, and the UK's MHRA warns that its safety and quality are not established.

In practice, it is not a safe route to a tan — and a tan is itself UV-induced DNA damage; the evidence-based 'glow-up' is sun protection, not more pigment.

Sources

• DermNet: Melanotan II, an unlicensed tanning peptide; documented melanoma and mole-change case reports; MHRA warns safety not established