Experts warn of using nasal tanning sprays linked to skin cancer and ‘serious respiratory problems’

According to the CTSI, there is an “emerging threat/trend” of flavoured nasal tanning sprays:

“There is a real concern that these products are being marketed at children, which could lead to these becoming the latest ‘must have’ products leading to a youth epidemic as we saw with disposable vapes.”

What are ‘Tanning Nasal Sprays’?

Designed to be “sprayed into the nostrils”, the CTSI says they “claim to work by administering a substance known as Melanotan 2”.

According to The Irish Cancer Society, Melanotan 2 (and 1) is a “synthetic hormone designed to stimulate pigment cells to produce more melanin, which gives you a tan when exposed to UV rays”.

The hormone, which can either be injected or used in nasal sprays, is “illegal, untested and unregulated” and is “strongly" discouraged from being purchased.

How are ‘tanning nasal sprays’ dangerous?

According to The Irish Cancer Society, side effects can range from:

• Sickness and acne 
• High blood pressure 
• Flu-like symptoms
• All-over body swelling
• Feeling tired
• Indigestion
• A green tinge to the skin around the forehead 
• Developing darker coloured freckles and dark blotches on the lips

Nausea, vomiting, and “changes in mole shape and size” can occur, according to the CTSI.

According to the BBC, though selling medicinal products containing Melanotan II is illegal, the products were sold “cosmetically”. 

As tanners, they aren’t covered by UK cosmetics regulations, and therefore aren't subjected to the same scrutiny as other over-the-counter beauty products.

Experts also warn that these products are linked to the development of melanoma skin cancer.

Reports from the Irish Cancer Society and the CTSI say that research shows a "potential link" to a type of skin cancer called melanoma.

Statistics from the Irish Cancer Society show that skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in Ireland, with an estimated average of 11,358 diagnoses annually.

Of them, 1,289 are ‘melanoma skin cancer’, and 10,069 are ‘non-melanoma skin cancer’.

What are experts advising us to do?

The CTSI urges the public to:

• Avoid any type of tanning products that are ingested or inhaled
• Use safer tanning options, such as creams and sprays, and buy these from reputable retailers
• Report any unsafe products to Trading Standards via consumer helplines

The CTSI advises “to opt for safer self-tanning options” such as lotion applied to the skin, which are regulated under the UK Cosmetics Regulations and come with clear user guidelines.

The Irish Cancer Society advises not to purchase or use melanotan under any circumstances.