Looksmaxxing Trends
Melanotan Nasal Sprays and Tanning Injections: Why They Are Risky
A tan is a big part of some looksmaxxing and beauty trends. One shortcut that keeps showing up on TikTok and Instagram is melanotan, sometimes called the "Barbie drug." It is sold as nasal sprays, injections, and even gummies. We are covering it so you know the facts. Melanotan can cause real harm, it is not approved for tanning, and we do not recommend it.
What it is
Melanotan I and Melanotan II are lab made peptides. They make your skin produce more melanin, the pigment that makes skin darker. Sellers promise a deep tan with less time in the sun.
What supporters say online
Promoters and some users online say:
- You get a dark, even tan quickly
- You need less sun, so they claim it is "safer" than tanning outside
- It is natural, because it just boosts your own pigment
- Some say it also lowers appetite, which they see as a bonus
Many videos show dramatic before and after tans, and comment sections ask where to buy.
What health agencies say
Australia's drug regulator, the TGA, warned in 2025 that melanotan products are "far from safe." Common side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, and facial flushing. The biggest worry is serious skin cancer. With melanotan II, there have been reports of more moles and freckles, kidney problems, and brain swelling. These products are not approved for tanning, and buyers have no way to know what is really inside, since many are made with no quality checks.
In the UK, the BBC reported on a person who said they ended up in the hospital struggling to breathe after using nasal tanners. UK trading standards also warned about these sprays in 2025.
Also important: a tan from melanotan does not protect your skin from the sun the way sunscreen does.
Positives
There are no safe positives for using unapproved melanotan for tanning. Any tan comes with real health risks and unknown ingredients.
Negatives
- Skin cancer worries. Changes in moles are a serious warning sign.
- Sickness. Nausea, vomiting, and headaches are common.
- Organ problems. Kidney issues have been reported.
- Unknown contents. Black market products may be fake, dirty, or the wrong strength.
- Breathing and nose problems from sprays.
- Legal issues. Selling it for tanning is illegal in many places.
Safer ways to get a glow
- Self tanner lotions, mousses, or drops from trusted brands
- Professional spray tans at a salon
- Tinted sunscreen or bronzer for a light warm look
- Healthy skin habits like sleep, water, and a simple routine
Always wear sunscreen, even with a fake tan.
If you have used melanotan, new or changing moles are the warning sign that matters most, since the drug darkens moles and makes changes harder to spot.
Bottom line
Melanotan is not a safe shortcut to a tan. Health agencies warn it can cause serious problems, and there is no way to know what you are really getting. Choose self tanner instead. If you want to see how a warmer look comes across in photos, The Face They See lets people of the opposite gender rank your photos for free.