TikTok sellers are attempting to exploit the popularity of the Barbie film by selling illegal tanning nasal sprays that have been linked to serious health risks, including skin cancer, kidney disease, and erectile problems. These sprays contain the banned chemical melanotan II, which can darken the skin by tricking the body into producing more pigment. Sold in 20mg bottles adorned with Barbie-inspired designs, the sellers market them for up to £25 each, claiming they are “special offers” or “limited-time deals.” Despite their illegal status, these products are easily ordered online and delivered the next day. This push to sell the tanning sprays is happening as melanoma cases are reaching record highs, with experts predicting a 50% increase in the next two decades.
To attract buyers, these tanning sprays feature pictures of Barbie dolls and the logo from the popular film starring Margot Robbie. The sprays were ordered by a journalist from The Mirror from three TikTok sellers, all of whom have since had their accounts suspended. The bottles arrived in sparkly packaging and even included complimentary sweets. Gillian Nuttall, from Melanoma UK, criticized the sellers, stating that they represent “everything that is bad about social media” as they target youngsters with illegal and untested products, leveraging the success of a cinema hit.
Consultant dermatologist Dr. Emma Wedgeworth also warned against using these products. She highlighted that since they are illegally distributed and lack stringent medical regulations, they pose significant health risks. Dr. Wedgeworth explained that using these sprays can overstimulate melanocytes, increasing the risk of developing melanoma, particularly in individuals with a predisposition to skin cancer. She further cautioned that melanotan II often accompanies other risky sun-seeking behaviors such as sunbed usage.
It is worth noting that the selling and advertising of melanotan II products is illegal, as confirmed by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulation Agency. The government watchdog has been actively working to remove these products from the market for over a decade. These products do not have the endorsement of Mattel, the trademark holder for Barbie, nor have the film’s stars, Margot Robbie or Ryan Gosling, been associated with the sale of these illegal nasal sprays.
Melanotan II, which can also be administered through injections or powders, is banned in several countries, including the UK, US, and Australia, due to its severe side effects such as kidney damage. Selling the hormone is illegal under British law and can result in imprisonment and heavy fines. However, purchasing the substance is not illegal.
It is worth mentioning that influencers like Geordie Shore stars Bethan Kershaw and Charlotte Crosby have previously promoted these sprays and injections to their millions of followers as a quick tanning method. Additionally, gyms and salons have been caught selling melanotan II in recent years.
Melanotan is a synthetic hormone that stimulates pigment cells in the skin, resulting in darker skin color. There are two types of melanotan, melanotan I and melanotan II. However, selling tan injections like melanotan is currently illegal due to the lack of licensing and adequate safety, quality, and effectiveness testing. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulation Agency warns against the use of melanotan, stating that it is being advertised and sold illegally. Sources: Cancer Research UK and NHS.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
