Need to know
- Tanning nasal sprays with illegal ingredients are being openly advertised and sold online in Australia
- Doctors and experts say these products are dangerous and potentially harmful
- The Therapeutic Goods Administration says they are taking action, though some experts say more needs to be done
Australia is the skin cancer capital of the world, but despite strong messages about the risks, young people are increasingly engaging in tanning culture in new and dangerous ways.
Influencers promoting tanning nasal sprays are popping up on the social media feeds of people around the world, especially targeted at teens and young people – including Gen Z Australians.
Tanning nasal sprays contain an agent that can boost certain hormones to help people achieve a natural-looking tan and sell for around $100 for a single bottle.
But they're potentially dangerous. In Australia, many of the tanning nasal sprays sold online contain ingredients such as melanotan, that can only be prescribed by a doctor and issued by a pharmacist. CHOICE found several examples of melanotan products being sold online without requiring a prescription.
CHOICE found several examples of melanotan products being sold online without requiring a prescription
With social media influencers and user-generated content pushing these dangerous products to a young audience, experts are concerned – and some say regulations aren't keeping up.
What's in tanning nasal sprays?
In Australia, tanning nasal sprays sold online contain a variety of ingredients, but according to a spokesperson for the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), those containing Melanotan I and II are classified as "Prescription only medicines (Schedule 4)" and are illegal to sell as tanning agents in Australia.
Associate Professor Deshan Sebaratnam, a dermatologist at Liverpool Hospital, says the Melanotan II found within some tanning nasal sprays is "a synthetic form of the alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone".
There is a hypothetical risk that by increasing the activity of melanocytes, they could convert into melanoma
Associate Professor and dermatologist, Deshan Sebaratnam
"Melanotan II sends signals to your melanocytes, the cells of the body which produce the pigment melanin, to increase their activity," says Seberatnam. "This leads to increased melanin production giving a sun-tanned look."
Melanotan I and II are available in different forms, such as an injectable powder, injectable pen, pills, creams and the more recently popular format of nasal sprays, all of which "have significant health risks, and side effects", according to a TGA spokesperson.
CHOICE visited St Kilda Pier on a sunny day to ask some locals for their thoughts.
Tanning nasal spray risks and side effects
Side effects from using tanning nasal sprays can include changes to your moles, nausea, flushing, yawning, painful erections and a possibility of developing melanoma, according to Sebaratnam.
"There is a hypothetical risk that by increasing the activity of melanocytes, they could convert into melanoma – one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer," says Sebaratnam.
The evidence isn't conclusive – there are other factors at play – but due to a lack of good safety information, Sebarantam doesn't recommend using these sprays for cosmetic purposes.
There is also no guarantee that the products are free of other toxins or dangerous chemicals
TGA spokesperson
Dermal clinician and social media content creator Madeleine O'Brien says she knows people who have used tanning nasal sprays, as well as the injectable form of the tanning agent. One of the side effects they reported was severe nausea.
"The side-effects, to me, [outweigh] the benefits, and that's what people tend to realise after using them for a while," says Madeleine.
The TGA says nasal tanning sprays are not listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and there has been no assessment of the safety, quality or efficacy of tanning nasal sprays by the TGA.
"This means that there is no guarantee that they are safe for use," says a TGA spokesperson. "There is also no guarantee that the products are free of other toxins or dangerous chemicals."
Tanning trends among young people
Cancer Council Australia CEO Mark Nevin is very concerned with the recent glamorisation of suntanning culture, whether the tan is real or fake.
"Suntanning behaviour is dangerous as young people are purposefully exposing themselves to harmful UV radiation, significantly increasing their risk of developing skin cancer."
Almost one in three young Australians believe it is fine to suntan at their age, according to research by both the government and the Cancer Council, indicating that fewer than one in 10 are using adequate sun protection.
Australians typically love the outdoors, but according to the Cancer Council, two out of three will be diagnosed with some sort of skin cancer in their lifetime.
Busting the safe tanning myths
O'Brien started her Tik Tok account @Mads.Skin whilst studying her dermal science degree. She uses the platform to bust myths and misinformation about sun damage, promote sun safety and give general skin advice and skincare recommendations.
She is especially concerned with the recent social media trend of glamourising tan lines, with influencers showcasing before and after videos.
"It performs really well with the algorithm, so seeing a really defined tan line is something that excites people and motivates them to achieve the same thing, which is why it is so concerning because you know things can be faked," says O'Brien.
They can target a younger generation who is maybe more vulnerable and gullible to that sort of messaging
Dermal clinician and social media influencer Madeleine O'Brien
Videos are being targeted at younger demographics, she says, as older individuals are seen to be past this stage of influence or not interested.
"They can target a younger generation who is maybe more vulnerable and gullible to that sort of messaging."
When O'Brien sees videos promoting tanning nasal sprays on her social media feeds, she reports them. But, she says, social media platforms aren't removing the videos she reports.
The videos she comes across are usually posted by influencers from the UK, with some videos featuring the individual administering the spray before using a solarium.
Social media platforms aren't removing the videos she reports
The TGA says that under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, "with very limited exceptions, it is unlawful to advertise prescription-only medicines, such as Melanotan products, to the public".
"The advertising rules apply to anyone who disseminates information about therapeutic goods, including influencers and all media types visible to the public, such as web pages, social media and targeted sponsored posts."
Two of the websites CHOICE found selling tanning nasal sprays in Australia.
Tanning nasal sprays found online in Australia
A simple online search reveals several sites selling tanning nasal sprays in Australia, although some sites are unclear on whether the products they are selling contain Melanotan I or II.
However, some Australian sites explicitly state on their website that their tanning nasal sprays do contain some form of Melanotan.
CHOICE reached out to three separate companies – Evolve Tanning, Melbourne Melanopeptides and Prestige Tans – to ask why they had advertised tanning nasal sprays that they claim contain Melanotan and whether they comply with TGA laws and regulations.
After receiving our request for comment, we noted that Prestige Tans altered their website copy to remove a claim that their product contained "MT2 Powder", another form of Melanotan II.
After receiving our request for comment, we noted that Prestige Tans altered their website copy to remove a claim that their product contained 'MT2 Powder', another form of Melanotan II
Their response to us was: "To clarify, our product does not contain melanotan. We ensure that all products sold comply with relevant regulations and take compliance seriously."
Evolve Tanning and Melbourne Melanopeptides did not respond to our requests for a comment.
More needs to be done
A spokesperson for the TGA said it has been aware of tanning nasal sprays and other products containing melanotan for some time and in the last five years it has received several reports of alleged non-compliance with the TGA Act.
The TGA says it is working closely with social media and online platforms when alleged unlawful advertisements come to their attention, alerting the platforms to take action on the posts. Last financial year they requested the removal of over 4800 unlawful ads from various digital platforms, including social media platforms.
In the first half of the current financial year, the number of requests for removals was close to 12,000.
"Many of these relate to wellness and beauty products, including Melanotan products," says a TGA spokesperson.
In January, the TGA published new information detailing the risks of using melanotan products and issued guidance on advertising therapeutic goods on social media, with tips for influencers.
We strongly advise consumers not to use prescription medications offered or issued without a prescription and consultation from a health practitioner, whether purchased online or in person
TGA spokesperson
O'Brien says there needs to be stricter policing around these products and observes that, despite efforts to take down unlawful advertising, "it just pops up elsewhere".
The TGA says: "We will continue to take strong enforcement actions to address unlawful advertising and supply of therapeutic goods consistent with our regulatory compliance framework."
"We strongly advise consumers not to use prescription medications offered or issued without a prescription and consultation from a health practitioner, whether purchased online or in person."
Professor Sebaratnam adds, "It's very difficult to stop people buying Melanotan II online and importing it. I think the TGA is doing the best it can."
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Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
