Nasal Tanning Sprays Are Back Because Apparently We Learned Nothing

Just when we thought we had collectively moved past the chaotic era of nasal tanning sprays (also known as the Barbie drug), they’ve made a comeback. Yes, the trend that had dermatologists sweating and TikTok in a chokehold back in 2023 resurfaced, because nothing says “healthy glow” like snorting your way to a tan.

If you missed the first wave of this questionable beauty hack, nasal tanning sprays contain a synthetic hormone called melanotan that supposedly darkens your skin from the inside out (and could give you a melanoma!). The process? A few spritzes up the nostrils, some exposure to the sun (or a sunbed, yikes), and boom, golden glow achieved.

Sounds easy and convenient, right? Well, also unregulated and potentially (very) risky, but hey, what’s a little science when there’s a tan at stake?

Now just like low-rise jeans and side parts, the nasal tanning trend is back, and TikTok is once again obsessed. Scroll through your FYP, and you’ll likely stumble upon a sun-kissed girly declaring, “This is the best tan of my life!” while conveniently ignoring the minor detail that melanotan isn’t exactly approved for cosmetic use.

 

@mb00xx #stitch with @Mb Learnt this lesson the hard way 🥲🥲🥲🥲 #fyp #makemefamous ♬ original sound – mb00xx

In fact, in the UK and EU, melanotan-based products are not legally regulated for sale, meaning anyone buying them is essentially playing ingredient roulette (literally). Some of these sprays don’t even disclose their full ingredient list, so you’re not just inhaling a tan, you could be inhaling literally anything (terrifying!).

But why are we still doing this? Well, let’s be honest, everyone loves a shortcut. Between the never ending rain and the sun that never shines, the idea of a quick spritz and glow-up is tempting.

Plus, social media has a habit of making the most unhinged beauty trends seem like a good idea. Remember the fake freckles phase, or the time we all put lube on our faces as primer? Yeah, sometimes the internet is not our friend.

@drsophieshotter♬ Glad U Came (feat. ZieZie) – Liilz

Of course the real MVP in this is SPF, and dermatologists everywhere are begging people to reconsider inhaling god knows what to achieve a tan. While melanotan might make you look like you just got back from a month in the Maldives, it doesn’t protect your skin from UV damage. But hey, we do know the side-effects.

Using nasal tanning sprays come with a tan… and a side of nausea, loss of appetite, sudden dark freckles, vomiting, sky high libido (yes, really), and even sometimes heart issues! And given the whole “we don’t fully know the long-term effects” situation, it’s giving major proceed with caution energy. 

So, is it worth it? Look, if the fear of accidentally turning into a streaky Dorito with a side of nausea doesn’t put you off, maybe just ask yourself: would you rather inhale a mystery hormone or invest in a really good bronzer? We’re thinking the latter. 

We can’t stop you from choosing the spray, but we can warn you and beg you to look at the side effects, short-term and long-term and choose with your health in mind.

Words by Emilia Cercel