Nasal Tanning Sprays Are All Over TikTok, and the FDA Says Stop
The viral nasal tanning sprays flooding TikTok contain an unapproved hormone the FDA has explicitly warned people to stop using.
Nasal tanning sprays contain melanotan II, a hormone the FDA has not approved and has warned consumers to stop using; it has been linked to the darkening and increase of moles and to melanoma risk.
Dermatologists quoted by TODAY and Cleveland Clinic warn that melanotan II is unregulated and can cause new or changing moles, a red flag for skin cancer, and stress there is no safe way to chemically force a tan through an unapproved nasal product.
Questions we get a lot
What's in a nasal tanning spray?
These products contain melanotan II, a synthetic hormone that stimulates melanin production to darken skin. The FDA has not approved melanotan II for this or any consumer use and has warned people to stop using it. Because the sprays are unregulated, their actual contents and doses are uncertain.
Are nasal tanning sprays linked to skin cancer?
Doctors warn that melanotan II is associated with the darkening and increase of moles, and with melanoma risk. New or changing moles are a known warning sign of skin cancer, which is why dermatologists advise against the trend entirely rather than treating it as a cosmetic shortcut.
What should I do instead of using a tanning spray?
Experts recommend skipping melanotan-based products entirely. If you want color, topical self-tanners that work on the skin's surface are the safer route, and dermatologists emphasize daily sun protection to lower skin cancer risk. If you've used a nasal tanning spray and notice new or changing moles, see a dermatologist.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'These nasal tanning sprays are all over my FYP and people swear by them. Are they actually dangerous or is that overblown?'