"Tanning peptides" sold online. Health Canada lists melanotan I and II among seized unauthorized injectables. A regulated afamelanotide implant (Scenesse) for a rare light-sensitivity disease is a separate product.
How strong is the human evidence?
- Cell & animal
- Small human studies
- Some randomized trials
- Large randomized trials
What is Melanotan I and II?
Melanotan I and II are synthetic analogs of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that darken the skin. Melanotan II has also been linked to sexual arousal effects.
Afamelanotide, an alpha-MSH analog, is the active ingredient of Scenesse, an implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Health Canada's Drug Product Database lists Scenesse as Approved (July 9, 2026).
Is Melanotan I and II legal in Canada?
Melanotan I and II sold as tanning or libido products are not authorized; Health Canada lists both among seized unauthorized injectables. Scenesse is a specific prescription implant for EPP.
What the research shows
- Afamelanotide implants increased pain-free sun exposure in EPP patients in two RCTs (Langendonk et al., NEJM 2015).
What it doesn't show
- No trial shows melanotan injections are a safe way to tan.
Common questions
Is melanotan legal in Canada?
No. Health Canada lists melanotan I and II among seized unauthorized injectable peptides.
Is melanotan 2 safe?
It has never completed approval trials; published case reports describe serious harms.
What is Scenesse?
An afamelanotide implant for the rare disease EPP, listed as approved in Health Canada's Drug Product Database.
Sources
- Health Canada — Peptides: Overview
- Health Canada advisory RA-81874 (Apr 9, 2026): Think twice before injecting peptides bought online
- Health Canada Drug Product Database (searched Nov 10, 2026)
- Langendonk JG et al. Afamelanotide for erythropoietic protoporphyria. NEJM 2015
- Peters B et al. Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction. CEN Case Rep 2020
- Dreyer BA et al. Melanotan-induced priapism. BMJ Case Rep 2019
- Paurobally D et al. Melanotan-associated melanoma. Br J Dermatol 2011
Related
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