Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAre They Safe?How They WorkSide EffectsSafer Ways to Tan
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Are They Safe?
How They Work
Side Effects
Safer Ways to Tan
It is important to understand how tanning nasal sprays work, their possible side effects, and safer ways to achieve a tan.
Dusan Ilic / Getty Images.
Are Tanning Nasal Spray Products Safe?
Tanning nasal spray contains what is known as melanotan II, an ingredient that causes theskinto become more tan when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Melanotan II is not approved for any use and has been reported to cause a wide range of side effects. Melanotan II is illegal to sell in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.
Ingredients Not FDA-Approved
Tanning nasal sprays on the illicit market have varying concentrations of melanotan II and impurities. One study found that vials of injectable melanotan II that claimed to have 10 milligrams (mg) actually contained just 4.32 to 8.84 mg of the product. The vials also contained about 4% to 6% of impurities.While the injectable products are used differently from the inhaled nasal sprays, it shows the variation that occurs in these types of products.
Other concerns include that there is little research on the long-term effects.
Research Skin Care ProductsWhile cosmetic products like tanners and makeup may seem safe because they are applied to the skin and not ingested, some of these products can still be dangerous. One of the best ways to evaluate the safety of a brand is to look it up on the FDA’s website.
Research Skin Care Products
While cosmetic products like tanners and makeup may seem safe because they are applied to the skin and not ingested, some of these products can still be dangerous. One of the best ways to evaluate the safety of a brand is to look it up on the FDA’s website.
How Nasal Spray Allegedly Makes You Tan
Nasal sprays containing melanotan II are absorbed in thenasal mucosa(the lining of the nasal passages) and move quickly into the bloodstream. Melanotan II binds to the melanocortin receptors, which increases the production of melanin. With more melanin, the skin becomes darker, as happens with suntanning.
The nasal spray is not effective on its own. Users must be exposed to UV light for the nasal spray to activate.
Effectiveness and Side Effects to Consider
Due to the lack of research melanotan II has not been studied to evaluate its safety and effectiveness. Some trials have shown that users notice skin tanning within five doses.
One of the greatest concerns with tanning nasal spray is the side effects. Some of the short-term side effects are:
The long-term side effects of melanotan II include:
A Word From VerywellThe use of tanning nasal sprays is not recommended as there is little research to support their safety and efficacy. These nasal sprays may be associated with side effects including nausea and vomiting.—MARISA GARSHICK, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
The use of tanning nasal sprays is not recommended as there is little research to support their safety and efficacy. These nasal sprays may be associated with side effects including nausea and vomiting.—MARISA GARSHICK, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
The use of tanning nasal sprays is not recommended as there is little research to support their safety and efficacy. These nasal sprays may be associated with side effects including nausea and vomiting.
—MARISA GARSHICK, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Safer Ways to Get a Tan
There are several safe ways to get tanned skin without risky nasal sprays orUV light exposure.
Bronzers are tanning products that work like makeup. They come in liquids, creams, and powders. These products are applied to the skin and add a tanned appearance. Each product works a little differently, and the tan level will vary. Bronzers can typically be washed off in the shower with soap and water.
Self-tanners are similar to spray tans. They contain DHA and provide a longer-term tan. Self-tanners can come in lotions, foams, or serums. They are applied at home and slowly develop a tan on the applied skin.
Tanning During the Colder MonthsDuring the cold, dark months, it can be tempting to use atanning bed. However, research has repeatedly shown that tanning beds and UV light exposure greatly increase the risk of skin cancer.Instead, try self-tanners or bronzers to achieve that tanned glow.
Tanning During the Colder Months
During the cold, dark months, it can be tempting to use atanning bed. However, research has repeatedly shown that tanning beds and UV light exposure greatly increase the risk of skin cancer.Instead, try self-tanners or bronzers to achieve that tanned glow.
Summary
Tanning nasal sprays have entered the market as a way to achieve tanned skin. These products contain a substance called melanotan II, which increases the skin pigment melanin. While this sounds promising, these products have been found to cause numerous side effects and are illegal to sell in the United States and other countries. Tanning nasal sprays are not safe and should not be used.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cancer Research UK.Tanning, fake tan, and melanotan.
Australian Government Therapeutic Goods Administration.1.7. Melanotan II.
Petrou I.Say no to nasal tanning sprays.Dermatology Times. 2023;44.
Callaghan III DJ.A glimpse into the underground market of melanotan.Dermatology Online Journal. 2018;24(5). doi:10.5070/D3245040036
DermNet.Melanotan II.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Sunless tanners & bronzers.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.The risks of tanning.
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