With summer approaching, many people are looking for ways to achieve a golden tan without spending hours in the sun. But a trend gaining popularity on TikTok has dermatologists concerned. Tanning pills and injectable tanning drugs, often called the “Barbie drug”, promise darker skin with minimal effort. Unfortunately, these products can carry serious health risks.
What is the Barbie drug?
The term usually refers to melanotan II, a synthetic compound that stimulates the body’s production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. It is marketed online as a shortcut to a darker complexion, often through injections or nasal sprays.
Despite its popularity on social media, melanotan II is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for tanning. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established, and products sold online may contain unknown ingredients or contaminants.
What are the risks?
One of the biggest concerns is how melanotan II affects moles and other pigmented skin lesions. Users have reported new moles and changes in existing ones, potentially making it harder to recognise suspicious skin changes. Melanoma cases have also been reported following use, although these reports do not establish that the drug directly caused the cancer. Other reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, headaches, facial flushing and changes in appetite. More serious complications, including kidney injury and muscle damage, have also been documented.
There are additional risks associated with injecting unregulated substances, including infection, contamination and incorrect dosing. Because these products are not subject to the same quality controls as approved medicines, there is no reliable guarantee that the contents match the label.
Importantly, a darker complexion does not mean your skin is protected from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Melanotan products should not be considered a substitute for sunscreen or other sun protection.
Are tanning pills any safer?
Not necessarily. Some tanning pills contain canthaxanthin, a colour additive that can accumulate in body tissues when consumed in large amounts. The FDA has warned about risks including deposits in the retina, which can affect vision, as well as liver problems and other adverse effects. These products are different from topical self-tanners, which colour the outer layer of the skin without requiring a drug to stimulate pigmentation.
Why are experts warning against the trend?
Social media can make these products appear more appealing than they really are. Influencers may showcase dramatic results without discussing side effects, the uncertainty surrounding long-term safety or the risks of buying unregulated substances. Just because a product is popular online, it does not mean it has been properly tested. Medical experts advise against using melanotan injections and unapproved tanning products because their potential harms are significant and their benefits are cosmetic.
How can you get a safer summer glow?
If you want a sun-kissed look, topical self-tanning lotions are generally safer alternatives when used according to their instructions. Remember that these products do not protect against UV damage, so broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing and shade remain essential. The Barbie drug may promise a convenient tan, but the risks are not worth the cosmetic results. With safer alternatives available, avoiding unapproved tanning injections and pills is the sensible choice this summer.
