Tan Skin + UV Protection

Melanotan I or II

Stimulate melanin production, darken skin tone, and support UV photo-protection.

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  • Ships from USA Pharmacy

  • Free Medical Consultation

  • Syringes Included

  • No Subscription Required

🚫Shipping Restrictions: Pharmacy can NOT ship directly to the following states: Alabama, California, DC, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia.

  • Licensed Provider

  • Licensed Pharmacy

  • HIPAA Compliant

  • LegitScript Certified

Overview

Pharmacology

Synthesized analog of alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone, a naturally occurring peptide that signals melanocytes to produce and release eumelanin, the pigment responsible for darker skin tone.

Mechanism of Action

Binds to the MC1 receptor on melanocytes to stimulate eumelanin production via activation of tyrosinase and other melanogenic enzymes, resulting in increased skin pigmentation and tanning independent of UV exposure.

Injection

Administered subcutaneously.

Information presented here is for educational purposes only and not intended to replace or substitute guidance from a healthcare provider. Compounded products are not FDA-approved nor evaluated by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Melanotan I vs. Melanotan II

Two distinct analogs of α-MSH with different receptor profiles, potency levels, and clinical applications. Find the right fit for your goals.

Melanotan I
Afamelanotide
Pharmacology
Peptide Structure Linear α-MSH analog
Receptor Binding Selective MC1R agonist
Half-Life ~1.5–2.5 hours
Administration Subcutaneous injection
Tanning & Skin Effects
Melanin Stimulation Strong
Tanning Speed Gradual — builds over weeks
Pigmentation Pattern Even & balanced
Tanning Without UV Yes
UV Photo-Protection Yes
Uniform Skin Tone Yes
Additional Effects
Libido / Sexual Function Minimal
Spontaneous Erections (Men) Uncommon
Appetite Suppression Minimal
Tolerability & Side Effects
Nausea Mild / Uncommon
Facial Flushing Occasional
Fatigue Mild
Overall Side Effect Burden Lower
Best Suited For
Primary Goal Pure pigmentation & UV protection with minimal systemic effects
Side-Effect Sensitive Patients Preferred
Seeking Libido Benefits Not Ideal

Benefits

Tan Skin

Melanotan activates MC1R receptors on melanocytes, triggering the body's own production and release of eumelanin to darken skin tone — achieving a natural-looking result without prolonged sun exposure.

UV Photo-Protection

Increased melanin in the skin provides a natural defense against UV radiation by absorbing and dispersing UV energy, reducing the risk of UV-induced damage to skin cells.

Uniform Skin Tone

By stimulating melanin production systemically through MC1R activation, Melanotan supports even pigmentation across skin, independent of localized UV exposure patterns.

Individual results may vary. Benefits described are based on clinical and pharmacological evidence and do not constitute a guarantee of treatment outcomes. All treatment requires evaluation and approval by a licensed provider.

Simple. Medical. Personalized.

Medical intake

Answer a few online questions about your health history, lifestyle, & goals. No clinic visits required.

Provider evaluation

A licensed medical provider reviews your intake to determine the safest, personalized treatment.

Personalized plan

Custom treatment plan built around your unique health needs, goals, medical history, & biology.

Ongoing support

Stay connected with your care team for follow-ups, adjustments, & expert answers 100% online.

FAQs

What is Melanotan?

Melanotan is a prescription therapy used for skin pigmentation support.

Who should use Melanotan?

Patients seeking support for skin pigmentation support may qualify after evaluation by a licensed provider.

Does Melanotan require a prescription?

Yes. Melanotan is a compounded prescription medication requiring a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. A telehealth consultation and medical intake are required before dispensing to confirm suitability, evaluate skin type and pigmentation history, and screen for all relevant contraindications.

What are the possible side effects?

Melanotan is generally well tolerated at prescribed doses. Common side effects may include nausea, facial flushing, and mild fatigue — particularly during initial dosing as the body adjusts to melanocyte stimulation. Spontaneous erections have been reported in male patients due to central receptor activity. Injection site reactions may occur. Skin darkening beyond the intended effect or uneven pigmentation has been reported in some patients. Any change in the appearance of a pre-existing mole or pigmented lesion during treatment should be evaluated by a dermatologist promptly.

Who should not use Melanotan?

Melanotan is not appropriate for patients with a personal or family history of melanoma or dysplastic nevi without explicit dermatologist clearance. Patients with pigmentation disorders, photosensitivity conditions, or hormone-sensitive cancers should discuss use with their provider before initiating. It is not appropriate for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those under 18, or those with significant hepatic or renal impairment. Patients with a history of cardiovascular conditions should disclose this, as Melanotan can influence blood pressure and heart rate.

Are there any drug interactions?

Formal drug interaction studies have not been conducted. Patients on medications that affect blood pressure, heart rate, or sexual function should discuss concomitant use with their provider, as Melanotan may have additive or interactive effects in these areas. Concurrent use of photosensitizing medications may amplify UV sensitivity during treatment, requiring additional sun protection measures. Always provide a complete medication list before beginning treatment.

Is Melanotan safe if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

Patients with a personal or family history of melanoma or those with numerous or atypical moles must not use Melanotan without dermatologist evaluation and explicit clearance. Those with hormone-sensitive conditions, cardiovascular disease, or significant renal or hepatic impairment require individualized provider assessment. All eligible patients should have a thorough skin evaluation before starting and perform regular self-examination of pigmented lesions throughout treatment.

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Start Your Journey

Your Skin. Your Tone.

Your Protocol.

Physician-supervised. Delivered to your door.

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  • HIPAA Compliant

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Optimize Your Protocol

These treatments work synergistically with your current protocol to accelerate results and improve long-term outcomes.

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The information and clinical services described on this website are for educational and informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All treatments require evaluation and approval by a licensed healthcare provider through a telemedicine consultation. Treatment approval is not guaranteed. Individual results may vary, and treatments may carry risks and side effects. Certain compounded medications, wellness treatments, or off-label uses may not be evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety, effectiveness, or quality unless explicitly stated. Testosterone Shots provides telehealth consultations, clinical review, care coordination, lab-related services, membership services, and ongoing treatment management. Testosterone Shots is not a pharmacy and does not manufacture, compound, dispense, sell, handle, warehouse, ship, or collect payment for prescription medication. Testosterone Shots collects payment only for consultations, clinical review, care coordination, lab-related services, membership services, and other non-pharmacy services. If treatment is approved, your prescription may be sent to a licensed pharmacy partner. The pharmacy contacts you directly to complete medication payment and shipping. Services are provided by licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, and/or other licensed healthcare providers in states where they are authorized to practice. This service is not intended for medical emergencies. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical care. We take reasonable measures to protect personal health information in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including HIPAA. By using this website or its services, you agree to our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Notice of Privacy Practices, Telehealth Consent, and Important Safety Information. You must be 18 years of age or older to use this service.