Melanotan II vs Snap-8
Side-by-side comparison of Melanotan II and Snap-8: mechanism, half-life, dose range, safety profile, and vendor pricing.
Price snapshot
Melanotan II
Snap-8
Melanotan II
Melanotan-II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) engineered in the late 1980s by researchers at the University of Arizona, most prominently Mac Hadley and…
Lowest listed price: $34.99 across 5 listings
Full Melanotan II profileSnap-8
Snap-8 (INCI: Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-1) is a synthetic octapeptide designed as an analog of the N-terminal fragment of synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25), which is the molecular target of botulinum…
Lowest listed price: $34.99 across 4 listings
Full Snap-8 profileSide-by-side comparison
| Attribute | Melanotan II | Snap-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Skin, Hair & Aesthetics | Skin & Hair |
| Research Stage | Preclinical | Preclinical |
| Mechanism of Action | Melanotan-II works by binding to and activating all four G-protein-coupled melanocortin receptors expressed in mammalian tissue (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R - MC2R responds only to ACTH), with particularly high affinity at MC1R, MC3R, and MC4R. Melanocortin… | Snap-8 (INCI Acetyl Octapeptide-3; CAS 868844-74-0) is a synthetic octapeptide, Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2, whose sequence mimics the N-terminal domain of SNAP-25. SNAP-25, together with Syntaxin-1 and VAMP/synaptobrevin, forms the SNARE complex… |
| Half-Life | Approximately 30-60 minutes (subcutaneous; limited published human pharmacokinetic data). Peak plasma levels occur ~1-2 hours after injection, and subjective effects typically persist 4-8 hours. | Not characterized (topical peptide) |
| Typical Dose Range | — | — |
| Dosing Frequency | — | twice_daily |
| Administration | — | Topical |
| Side Effects | The side-effect profile of MT-II is dose-dependent and largely driven by pan-melanocortin receptor activation. Many users experience the acute side effects as more limiting than the tanning benefit. Very Common (50% of users): - Nausea — the single most common… | Topical use at cosmetic concentrations is generally well tolerated. The most commonly reported effects are mild, transient local reactions such as erythema, tightness, dryness, or stinging, usually at higher concentrations or on sensitive/periocular skin.… |
| Molecular Weight | ~1024.2 g/mol (average molecular weight; monoisotopic mass ~1023.5 Da). Molecular formula C50H69N15O9 (PubChem CID 92432). | 1075.16 g/mol |
| Common Vial Sizes | — | 10 |
Price History
3 data points- Half Nattys
- Ion Peptide
- Disguised Alpha
Price History
3 data points- Ion Peptide
- OF
- Disguised Alpha
Melanotan II: potential benefits
- Tanning without UV
- Appetite suppression
- Sexual arousal
- Photoprotection
- Fat loss
Snap-8: potential benefits
- Reduction of dynamic expression wrinkles (forehead, crow's feet, glabellar lines)
- SNARE complex interference — partial, reversible neuromuscular inhibition
- Topical alternative research model for neuromuscular relaxation without injected toxin
- Cosmetic peptide compounding research — high-purity raw powder applications
- Synergy with Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) in SNARE-targeting formulations
Frequently asked
What's the difference between Melanotan II and Snap-8?
Melanotan II is a skin, hair & aesthetics that melanotan-ii works by binding to and activating all four g-protein-coupled melanocortin receptors expressed in mammalian tissue (mc1r, mc3r, mc4r, mc5r - mc2r responds only to…. Snap-8 is a skin & hair that snap-8 (inci acetyl octapeptide-3; cas 868844-74-0) is a synthetic octapeptide, ac-glu-glu-met-gln-arg-arg-ala-asp-nh2, whose sequence mimics the n-terminal domain of snap-25.…. The two differ in mechanism, half-life (Approximately 30-60 minutes (subcutaneous; limited published human pharmacokinetic data). Peak plasma levels occur ~1-2 hours after injection, and subjective effects typically persist 4-8 hours. vs Not characterized (topical peptide)), and typical dose range.
Which has the longer half-life, Melanotan II or Snap-8?
Melanotan II has a half-life of Approximately 30-60 minutes (subcutaneous; limited published human pharmacokinetic data). Peak plasma levels occur ~1-2 hours after injection, and subjective effects typically persist 4-8 hours.. Snap-8 has a half-life of Not characterized (topical peptide). Longer half-lives generally mean less frequent dosing but slower on/off kinetics.
Which is cheaper, Melanotan II or Snap-8?
Lowest listed price on BodyHackGuide: Melanotan II from $34.99, Snap-8 from $34.99. Prices are pulled from the vendor listings tracked on BHG and change frequently. See the compare tables on each compound page for the current set of offers.
Can you stack Melanotan II and Snap-8?
Stacking depends on mechanism overlap, safety profile, and goals. Melanotan II and Snap-8 should only be stacked after reviewing each compound's individual protocol page, side effect profile, and any published interaction data. Use the BodyHackGuide stack builder for a structured review before combining research compounds.
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Related comparisons
Research use only. BodyHackGuide is a research and price-comparison reference. The compounds discussed on this page are not approved by the FDA for human consumption and are sold strictly for laboratory research. Prices shown are pulled from vendor listings tracked on BHG and are subject to change. Every vendor is ranked on the same public, reproducible methodology. See editorial standards and affiliate disclosure.