Asger Risom
Marketed as a beauty shortcut, the “Barbie drug” may be far more dangerous than it looks.
In the age of viral beauty hacks and social media-driven trends, what seems like a shortcut to perfection can carry hidden risks.
The latest example: a nasal spray that promises a sun-kissed glow without stepping into the sun.
Marketed in pastel packaging and promoted as an “inside-out tan,” the product has exploded in popularity online, especially ahead of the summer season.
But doctors and health agencies are now sounding the alarm. The product, known as Melanotan II, is not approved by health authorities — and may cause far more than a glow.
From severe allergic reactions to cancer risks and potential brain swelling, experts say this synthetic tanning agent is a serious threat masquerading as a cosmetic fix.
What Is Melanotan II?
Melanotan II is a lab-made version of a naturally occurring hormone that increases melanin production — the pigment that gives skin its color.
The drug is typically sold as a nasal spray, though it’s also available in injectable or topical forms. Users report bronzed skin within days, with no UV exposure needed.
But it is completely unregulated.
The FDA has not approved it, and health officials warn that many products contain inconsistent dosages, unknown ingredients, or even microbial contaminants.
People always want to be tan, especially during the summer… the Barbie movie has also added to the ‘beach’ trend.
said Dr. Jennifer Levine, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon.
Serious Health Risks
Doctors are now linking Melanotan II to a wide range of severe side effects. These include changes in mole pigmentation, new mole growth, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
In rare cases, it may cause brain swelling, dangerous blood pressure changes, or trigger rhabdomyolysis — a condition where muscle breakdown can lead to kidney failure.
In men, it has also been linked to priapism — a painful, prolonged erection that can result in permanent damage if untreated.
One user told the BBC she collapsed on the second day of her holiday after using a tanning spray, describing the experience as “drowning” in her own body.
She has since called for governments to adopt a “zero tolerance” stance.
TikTok has banned hashtags related to the drug, but sales continue through black-market channels. Despite warnings, influencers are still promoting the product under coded tags and aliases.
As reported by UNILAD, global regulators are urging consumers to avoid Melanotan II altogether — and to remember that a healthy tan should never come at the cost of serious health risks.