Trading standards officials are raising alarms about the dangers of nose tanning sprays, linking them to cancer, respiratory issues, and other health hazards. The rise in popularity of these risky and largely unregulated products, heavily promoted by social media influencers, mirrors a similar trend seen with vaping among youth, according to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI).
These sprays often contain melanotan 2, a synthetic hormone that hasn’t been approved in the UK. This substance can lead to nausea, hypertension, kidney complications, and an increased risk of melanoma.
Designed for nasal application, these sprays deliver melanotan 2 directly into the body to enhance melanin production and darken the skin. While they can work independently of UV exposure, their effects intensify with sun exposure or tanning beds.
Concerns are also being voiced regarding flavored variations of these sprays, which come in enticing options like peach and lime. The self-tanning market, valued at £582.2 million, is expected to reach £746.3 million by 2027, raising worries that nasal tanners could tap into this booming interest despite underlying health risks.
Social media showcases users applying these products. However, CTSI cautions that many sellers, though appearing professional, are also peddling tan drops and gummies meant for ingestion.
Richard Knight, chief cosmetics and beauty director at CTSI, urges the public to critically assess claims made by influencers, as many may be unaware of the actual risks themselves.
He explains, “Unlike traditional cosmetics, nasal tanning sprays bear a specialized safety rating, and guidance on health warnings is often absent. So, even influencers can’t truly grasp the risks associated with these semi-medical products.”
Although selling melanotan 2 as a medicinal product is illegal in the UK, these items are being marketed as cosmetics instead.
Often lacking ingredient lists, these sprays typically retail for about £20, while flavored variants can reach £30 each, with cheaper options around £25.
Reports of severe allergic reactions have emerged, leading some users to hospitalization.
One notable case involved Edith Eagle from Kingslin, Norfolk. After purchasing a nose tan spray online in April 2023 for a holiday, she experienced a serious reaction, feeling “suffocated” and trapped in her own body.
Knight pointed to Eagle’s experience as a cautionary tale of the dangers of unregulated products.
Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, expressed concern, stating, “These illegal products are not only a serious health risk but also encourage harmful behaviors, particularly among young consumers. We implore the public to consider the long-term consequences of using such substances.”
CTSI advises selecting safer self-tanning alternatives, such as lotions or sprays that comply with UK cosmetic regulations and come with clear application guidelines.
