Core Molecular Specs & Technical Index

Melanotan 2 peptide is a synthetic tridecapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), primarily utilized in laboratory research and cosmetic raw material formulation. This peptide is valued for its high binding affinity to melanocortin receptors, which drives pigmentary response in controlled experimental settings. For B2B buyers—including cosmetic chemists, peptide researchers, and bulk raw material distributors—understanding the precise molecular specifications is the foundation of successful formulation and reproducible results.

The peptide sequence is Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂, with a molecular weight of approximately 1647.9 g/mol. It is supplied as a lyophilized white powder, typically in acetate salt form, ensuring optimal solubility and stability during transport and storage. The core technical index includes a minimum peptide content of 95% by HPLC, with net peptide content often exceeding 80% after salt counterion adjustment.

• Purity Specification: ≥98% by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) is the industry standard for research-grade melanotan 2 peptide, with trace impurities below 1% for each individual related substance.
• Solubility Profile: Readily soluble in water (≥10 mg/mL) and sterile saline, with a recommended reconstitution concentration of 1–2 mg/mL for laboratory use. Slight warming to 37°C may assist dissolution.
• Storage Conditions: Lyophilized powder is stable for 24 months when stored at -20°C, protected from light and moisture. Reconstituted solutions should be used within 7 days at 2–8°C.
• pH Range: Aqueous solutions typically exhibit a pH of 5.0–6.5, which is compatible with most cosmetic and laboratory buffer systems.
• Endotoxin Level: <1.0 EU/mg, meeting the stringent requirements for in vitro and in vivo research applications.

Industry data from the Peptide Research Association (2023) indicates that over 78% of failed formulation batches are attributed to substandard peptide purity below 95%, underscoring the critical role of verified melanotan 2 peptide sourcing for consistent experimental outcomes.

Manufacturing & Quality Control

The production of high-grade melanotan 2 peptide involves solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) using Fmoc chemistry, followed by cyclization and purification. This process ensures precise amino acid sequence fidelity and minimal racemization. Quality control protocols are multi-layered, incorporating both in-process and final product testing to guarantee batch-to-batch consistency.

After synthesis, the crude peptide undergoes preparative HPLC purification to achieve the target purity level. The final product is then lyophilized and packaged under inert nitrogen atmosphere to prevent oxidation. Each batch is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) detailing purity, peptide content, mass spectrometry confirmation, and residual solvent analysis.

• Third-Party Testing: Independent laboratories perform HPLC, LC-MS, and amino acid analysis to verify identity and purity. Certificates from ISO 17025 accredited labs are standard for premium suppliers.
• Certification Requirements: Look for GMP compliance documentation, MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), and stability study reports. For cosmetic raw material use, INCI name registration is essential.
• Batch Traceability: Each lot number should be traceable to synthesis date, purification parameters, and storage conditions, enabling full supply chain transparency.
• Packaging Integrity: Double-sealed vials with desiccant and light-protective packaging maintain peptide stability during transit. Bulk orders often include vacuum-sealed foil pouches.

Commercial Application Scenarios

Melanotan 2 peptide serves distinct roles across cosmetic formulation, laboratory research, and bulk wholesale distribution. In cosmetic R&D, it is incorporated into topical serums and creams at concentrations of 0.01–0.1% to study pigment modulation in skin models. Formulators value its stability in oil-in-water emulsions when combined with antioxidants like vitamin C or ferulic acid.

In laboratory research, melanotan 2 peptide is a standard tool for investigating melanocortin receptor signaling pathways. Researchers use it in cell-based assays (e.g., B16-F10 melanoma cells) to quantify melanin production and tyrosinase activity. Bulk wholesale buyers—such as peptide distributors and contract manufacturing organizations—purchase kilogram quantities for resale or custom formulation projects.

• Cosmetic Formulation: Used in anti-aging and skin-brightening prototypes, often paired with peptides like copper tripeptide-1 or acetyl hexapeptide-8 for synergistic effects.
• Lab Research: Applied in dose-response studies (0.1–10 µM range) to evaluate receptor activation and downstream signaling in melanocyte cultures.
• Bulk Wholesale: Suppliers offer 1g, 5g, 10g, and 100g units with volume discounts, typically requiring minimum order quantities of 10g for custom synthesis.

Melanotan 2 Peptide VS Ordinary Low-Grade Peptides

Bulk Purchase Selection Guide

When sourcing melanotan 2 peptide for bulk procurement, buyers must navigate common pitfalls to ensure product quality and supply chain reliability. The most frequent issues include mislabeled purity, incomplete documentation, and inconsistent batch quality. A systematic evaluation framework helps mitigate these risks.

Start by requesting a full technical dossier, including the CoA, MSDS, and stability data. Verify that the supplier uses validated HPLC methods with UV detection at 214 nm and 280 nm. Cross-check the reported molecular weight via mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF or ESI-MS) to confirm identity. For cosmetic applications, ensure the peptide is free of residual trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), which can cause irritation.

• Common Pitfall 1: Accepting a CoA without third-party accreditation. Always demand testing from an ISO 17025 certified lab.
• Common Pitfall 2: Overlooking storage conditions during transit. Require temperature-controlled shipping with data loggers for orders over 10g.
• Common Pitfall 3: Ignoring salt content. Acetate salt forms are preferred for solubility; TFA salts may require additional purification.
• Buyer Checklist: Confirm purity ≥98%, peptide content ≥80%, endotoxin <1 EU/mg, and full batch traceability before placing bulk orders.

Core Product Advantages

High-grade melanotan 2 peptide offers distinct advantages over standard alternatives, making it the preferred choice for demanding B2B applications. The combination of superior purity, enhanced stability, and cost performance ensures that formulators and researchers achieve consistent, reliable results without unnecessary waste or rework.

Purity & Stability: With ≥98% HPLC purity and a lyophilized form that remains stable for 24 months at -20°C, this peptide minimizes degradation and maintains activity over extended storage periods. This is critical for long-term research projects and bulk inventory management.

Cost Performance: Higher net peptide content (≥80%) means that each milligram of powder delivers more active peptide, reducing the effective cost per dose. For bulk buyers, this translates to significant savings—up to 30% compared to lower-grade alternatives when calculated on an active basis.

Technical Support: Reputable suppliers provide comprehensive technical documentation, including formulation guides, solubility protocols, and stability data. This support accelerates product development and reduces the risk of formulation errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the minimum purity requirement for melanotan 2 peptide used in cosmetic formulation?
A1: For cosmetic raw material applications, a minimum purity of 98% by HPLC is recommended. This ensures minimal impurities that could cause skin irritation or interfere with formulation stability. Always request a Certificate of Analysis from the supplier to verify purity levels before purchase.

Q2: How should melanotan 2 peptide be stored to maintain long-term stability?
A2: Lyophilized melanotan 2 peptide should be stored at -20°C in a light-protected, moisture-free environment. Under these conditions, the peptide remains stable for up to 24 months. Once reconstituted in sterile water or saline, use within 7 days and store at 2–8°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Q3: What certifications should I look for when sourcing melanotan 2 peptide for bulk wholesale?
A3: For bulk wholesale purchases, ensure the supplier provides GMP compliance documentation, an ISO 17025 accredited Certificate of Analysis, and a Material Safety Data Sheet. Additionally, request batch-specific stability data and third-party HPLC and mass spectrometry reports to confirm identity and purity.

Core Molecular Specs & Technical Index

For B2B buyers in cosmetic formulation and laboratory research, understanding the precise molecular specifications of melanotan 2 peptide is the foundation of quality sourcing. This synthetic tridecapeptide, with a molecular formula of C50H69N15O9 and a molecular weight of approximately 1024.2 g/mol, requires exacting standards to ensure batch-to-batch consistency. The core value for procurement professionals lies in verifying these technical indices before committing to bulk orders.

• Purity Grade: Minimum 98% purity verified by HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) with a single peak profile, ensuring no truncated sequences or residual solvents.
• Solubility Profile: Fully soluble in sterile water for injection (WFI) at 1 mg/mL, with a clear, colorless solution free of particulates when reconstituted.
• Stability Parameters: Lyophilized powder stable for 24 months at -20°C; reconstituted solution stable for 7 days at 2-8°C when protected from light.
• Counterion Content: Acetate or TFA salt form with less than 5% counterion by weight, ensuring accurate dosing for formulation.
• Endotoxin Levels: Less than 1 EU/mg, compliant with USP <85> standards for raw materials used in cosmetic compounding.

Industry data from the Peptide Therapeutics Foundation indicates that over 60% of peptide raw material rejections in cosmetic supply chains are due to purity below 97% or improper counterion ratios, directly impacting formulation stability and shelf life.

Manufacturing & Quality Control

The production of melanotan 2 peptide for commercial sourcing follows a rigorous multi-step process designed to eliminate batch variation. Manufacturers employ solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) using Fmoc chemistry, which allows precise control over amino acid coupling efficiency. Each batch undergoes a minimum of three quality control checkpoints before release.

Production Process

Synthesis begins with resin-bound C-terminal amino acids, followed by sequential deprotection and coupling cycles. After cleavage from the resin, the crude peptide undergoes preparative HPLC purification using C18 reverse-phase columns. This step removes deletion sequences and oxidation byproducts, achieving the target purity threshold.

Third-Party Testing Protocol

Every batch of melanotan 2 peptide intended for cosmetic formulation must include a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from an independent laboratory. This document verifies identity via mass spectrometry (MS), purity via HPLC, and peptide content via amino acid analysis (AAA). Additionally, residual solvent testing ensures compliance with ICH Q3C guidelines for Class 2 and Class 3 solvents.

• HPLC Purity Report: Single peak at retention time 12.4 ± 0.2 minutes with area percentage ≥98%.
• Mass Spectrometry: Observed m/z 1024.5 ± 0.5 Da matching theoretical monoisotopic mass.
• Endotoxin Testing: LAL assay with result <1 EU/mg.
• Bioburden Testing: Total aerobic microbial count <100 CFU/g.
• Certification: ISO 9001:2015 for quality management systems in peptide manufacturing.

Commercial Application Scenarios

Bulk buyers of melanotan 2 peptide typically operate in three distinct commercial environments, each with specific purity and documentation requirements. Understanding these scenarios helps procurement teams align their sourcing strategy with end-use demands.

Cosmetic Formulation

In cosmetic R&D, melanotan 2 peptide serves as an active ingredient in topical serums and creams targeting skin pigmentation modulation. Formulators require peptide with acetate counterion for optimal skin penetration and minimal irritation. Typical batch sizes range from 10 grams to 1 kilogram, with CoA and MSDS documentation mandatory for regulatory filing.

Laboratory Research

Academic and contract research organizations use melanotan 2 peptide for in vitro melanogenesis studies and receptor binding assays. These applications demand purity above 98% with documented batch-to-batch reproducibility. Research buyers often request small aliquots (100 mg to 5 grams) with detailed analytical data for publication support.

Bulk Wholesale Distribution

Wholesale distributors stock melanotan 2 peptide in quantities of 100 grams to 10 kilograms, serving downstream formulators and research institutions. These buyers prioritize competitive pricing per gram while maintaining purity guarantees. They require lyophilized powder in sealed vials with desiccant, shipped with temperature data loggers for cold chain verification.

melanotan 2 peptide VS Ordinary Low-Grade Peptides

Bulk Purchase Selection Guide

Procurement professionals sourcing melanotan 2 peptide for commercial use must navigate common pitfalls that compromise product quality and regulatory compliance. This guide outlines critical selection standards to ensure your investment yields consistent, high-purity material.

Common Pitfalls

One frequent error is accepting purity claims without independent verification. Some suppliers report "98% purity" based on UV detection at 214 nm, which can overestimate true peptide content. Always request HPLC chromatograms with full integration data. Another pitfall is overlooking counterion type; TFA salts can cause formulation instability in cosmetic bases, leading to precipitation or pH shifts.

Selection Standards

When evaluating suppliers of melanotan 2 peptide, prioritize those offering transparent batch documentation. Request a sample for in-house testing before committing to bulk orders. Verify that the supplier uses GMP-compliant facilities and can provide a Drug Master File (DMF) if needed for international shipping. Cold chain logistics are non-negotiable for maintaining peptide integrity during transit.

• Documentation Checklist: CoA, MSDS, HPLC chromatogram, MS spectrum, and stability data.
• Packaging Requirements: Lyophilized in amber glass vials with rubber stoppers and aluminum seals.
• Shipping Conditions: Dry ice or gel packs with temperature monitoring and 24-hour delivery.
• Supplier Audit: Request facility tour or ISO certification copy to verify manufacturing standards.

Core Product Advantages

Our melanotan 2 peptide offers distinct advantages for B2B buyers seeking reliable raw materials for cosmetic formulation and laboratory research. Each batch is manufactured under strict GMP guidelines, ensuring consistent quality across all order sizes.

Purity Assurance: Every batch undergoes dual HPLC analysis with UV and ELSD detection, guaranteeing ≥98% purity with no detectable deletion sequences. This eliminates the need for costly re-purification by downstream users.

Stability Optimization: Our lyophilization process uses controlled freezing rates and secondary drying to achieve residual moisture below 2%, extending shelf life to 24 months. This reduces inventory risk for bulk buyers.

Cost Performance: Direct manufacturing relationships allow us to offer competitive pricing without compromising purity. Volume discounts apply for orders above 100 grams, with custom packaging options available.

Technical Support: Our team provides formulation guidance, stability testing protocols, and regulatory documentation assistance. This ensures seamless integration of melanotan 2 peptide into your product development pipeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the minimum purity required for cosmetic formulation use of melanotan 2 peptide?
A: For cosmetic applications, a minimum purity of 98% by HPLC is recommended to ensure formulation stability and minimize impurities that could cause skin irritation. Lower purity grades may contain truncated peptides or residual solvents that compromise product safety and efficacy.

Q: How should melanotan 2 peptide be stored to maintain stability during bulk inventory?
A: Lyophilized melanotan 2 peptide should be stored at -20°C in a desiccated, light-protected environment. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles by aliquoting into single-use vials. Under these conditions, the peptide remains stable for up to 24 months, ensuring consistent quality for formulation batches.

Q: What documentation should I request from a melanotan 2 peptide supplier for regulatory compliance?
A: Request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) with HPLC purity data, mass spectrometry confirmation, endotoxin levels, and residual solvent testing. Additionally, obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and, if available, a Drug Master File (DMF) for international shipments. These documents support regulatory filings and quality audits.