New — Free Peptide Starter Guide (2026): 13 chapters, 34 cited studies

Get it free
ToolsCompareSelank vs Melanotan II

Selank vs Melanotan II

Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.

Cognitive Enhancement
Selank
Sexual Health & Libido
Melanotan II
Summary
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of tuftsin developed in Russia. It is a potent anxiolytic that reduces anxiety and enhances cognitive function without sedation or addiction. It is approved for clinical use in Russia for anxiety disorders.
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that stimulates melanin production (skin tanning), suppresses appetite, and enhances sexual function. It is not FDA-approved and has significant safety concerns including mole changes and cardiovascular effects.
Half-Life
Minutes (but effects persist for hours)
1–2 hours
Admin Route
SubQ, Intranasal
SubQ
Research
Typical Dose
250–500 mcg
0.25–0.5 mg
Frequency
1–3 times daily
Once daily
Key Benefits
  • Reduces anxiety without sedation
  • Enhances memory and learning
  • Improves focus and concentration
  • Stabilizes mood
  • Reduces physiological stress response
  • May enhance motivation
  • No addiction potential or withdrawal
  • Fast-acting — effects within 20–30 minutes
  • Approved clinically in Russia for anxiety disorders
  • Promotes skin tanning and melanin production
  • Reduces UV exposure needed to tan
  • Enhances libido and sexual function
  • May suppress appetite
  • Faster, deeper tan development
  • Longer-lasting tan maintenance
  • Potential photoprotective effects
Side Effects
  • Mild sedation at higher doses (paradoxical)
  • Fatigue (rare)
  • Irritability during discontinuation (uncommon)
  • Nausea (very common, especially in first days)
  • Facial flushing
  • Spontaneous erections in men
  • Darkening or changes in existing moles (monitor closely)
  • +3 more
Stacks With