If you have been looking into getting a tan without using sunbeds, you have probably come across tanning injections. The most common type you will hear about is MT2 tanning injections. People talk about the results online, but one question that often gets overlooked is the cost. What does it actually cost to use these products from start to finish? This blog breaks down the real numbers in a simple way.
What Are You Actually Paying For?
Before looking at prices, it helps to know what you are buying. Tanning injections usually refer to a peptide called Melanotan 2, or MT2 for short. This is a synthetic substance that tells your body to produce more melanin, the pigment that darkens your skin.
When you buy these products, you are not just paying for a single shot. You are paying for a small vial of powder. This powder has to be mixed with sterile water before you can use it. You also need syringes to measure and inject the mixture. So the total cost is more than just the price tag on the vial.
Breaking Down the Initial Costs
If you are new to this, the first expense is getting set up. Most people start with a starter kit or buy the items separately. Here is what that typically includes.
. The Vial of MT2 : This is your main expense. A standard vial of MT2 tanning injections usually contains 10mg or 20mg of the peptide. Prices vary between suppliers, but this is the core product you are shopping for.
. Sterile Water : The peptide powder does not come ready to use. You need to buy a small bottle of injectable water to mix it with. This is sometimes called bacteriostatic water. It is an extra cost, but one small bottle will last through several vials of peptide.
. Syringes : You cannot guess the dose. You need insulin syringes to measure the small amounts accurately. A pack of 10 x BD 29G Ultrafine Syringes is a common purchase for beginners. These are designed for this type of injection.
. Starter Kits : Many suppliers sell a Melanotan 2 Starter Kit. This usually bundles one vial of MT2 with a bottle of sterile water and a pack of syringes. This is often the most cost-effective way for a new user to buy everything needed in one go.
The Cost of the Loading Phase
The way these injections work means you use more product at the beginning. This is called the loading phase. You take small doses every day or every other day for a couple of weeks to build up the melanin in your skin.
How long a single vial lasts depends on your dose. If you are using a standard 10mg vial and taking a low daily dose, that vial might last you through the whole loading phase. If you are on a higher dose, you might need a second vial to finish loading. This is the most expensive part of the process because you are using the product most frequently.
Maintenance Phase and Ongoing Costs
Once your skin has reached a colour you are happy with, you switch to the maintenance phase. This means you take a shot much less often, maybe once or twice a week, just to keep the tan from fading.
This is where the cost drops significantly. A single 10mg vial can last for months during maintenance. So while the upfront cost to get started and load feels noticeable, the long-term cost to keep the tan going is much lower. This is why many people see it as a seasonal expense, doing a loading phase before summer and then maintaining through the warmer months.
Other Factors That Affect the Price
The price you see on a website is not the only number to think about. A few other things can change what you end up spending.
Shipping Costs : Always check the delivery price. Some suppliers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. For example, a company like MEGATAN offers free shipping on UK orders over £10. If you are only buying one small item, the shipping can add a lot to the total cost. It often makes sense to buy everything you need at once to qualify for free shipping.
Supplier Reputation : You will find a range of prices online. Very cheap prices might be tempting, but they can also be a red flag. Suppliers who have been around for a long time, like those operating since 2013, often have higher prices because they have built a reputation. Their higher rate of repeat customers suggests people are willing to pay for reliability.
Product Form : Tanning injections are the most common, but there are also options like a Melanotan 2 Nasal Spray. The nasal spray is often priced differently than the vials. It is a matter of personal choice, but the cost per dose can be different between the spray and the injections.
Is It Worth the Cost?
So what is the final answer on cost? For a new user, getting through the first loading phase might cost roughly the price of a couple of months at a tanning salon. The difference is that the tan from MT2 tanning injections is based on your own melanin and does not require burning on sunbeds.
The cost really depends on your goals. If you want a deep tan that lasts, you will pay for the loading phase upfront. If you just want to top up an existing tan, a single vial might last you a very long time. Like most things, you often get what you pay for. A slightly higher price from a trusted supplier might save you money in the long run by ensuring you are getting a product that actually works and is safe to use.
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