Melanotan II vs SHLP2

A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.

Melanotan II

Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide analog of α-MSH with broader receptor activity than Melanotan I. It produces tanning effects and has notable effects on sexual function and appetite suppression.

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SHLP2

SHLP2 (Small Humanin-Like Peptide 2) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide similar to humanin. It has shown insulin-sensitizing and cytoprotective effects in research, with potential metabolic benefits.

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect	Melanotan II	SHLP2
Dose Range	250 mcg–1 mg	1 mg–5 mg
Frequency	1x daily	1x daily
Cycle Length	1–2 weeks	4–8 weeks
Route	subcutaneous	subcutaneous
Mechanism	Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist affecting MC1R (tanning), MC3R and MC4R (sexual function and appetite). This broader activity explains its multiple effects beyond tanning.	Enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. Provides cytoprotective effects similar to humanin. May act through similar but distinct receptor pathways.
Typical Dosage	Typical protocols: 0.25-0.5mg daily during loading phase for 1-2 weeks, then 0.5-1mg before UV exposure for maintenance. Start low to assess tolerance.	Research compound with doses in the microgram to low milligram range studied in animal models. Human dosing not established.
Administration	Subcutaneous injection. Usually combined with UV exposure for tanning effects. Nasal spray formulations exist but have lower bioavailability.	Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection in research settings. Various SHLP analogs (1-6) have different properties.
Side Effects	Nausea (common initially), facial flushing, spontaneous erections, increased libido, appetite suppression, and mole darkening.	Limited data. Animal studies suggest good tolerability. May affect glucose metabolism.
Best For	Fat Loss Skin Health & Aesthetics Sexual Health	Fat Loss Anti-Aging & Longevity