Melanotan II

How it works

Copies alpha-MSH, the skin-darkening hormone, at melanocortin receptors in skin and brain: sold for a sunless tan, plus libido.

What it's made of

7 amino acids closed in a ring: the core of alpha-MSH, the hormone that darkens the skin, with norleucine and a “mirror-image” phenylalanine. It was born in the same Arizona lab as Melanotan I.

What it's for

Prescribed for

Nothing.

Sold as

Get a tan without the sun and, as a bonus, more sexual desire.