Warning over ‘dangerous’ nasal tanning sprays with cancer risk sold online

Unregulated nasal tanning sprays, touted across social media, are raising alarms with Trading Standards due to potential health risks, including a possible link to melanoma skin cancer.

These sprays, which contain Melanotan 2, a chemical that darkens skin pigmentation, are being sold outside current UK regulations.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has issued a warning about these products, highlighting potential dangers beyond skin cancer. Users have reported nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, and even changes in mole size and shape.

While marketed as cosmetics, bypassing regulations applied to medicinal products containing Melanotan 2, these sprays aren't subject to the same scrutiny as other beauty products.

This regulatory gap raises concerns about long-term health consequences, with studies suggesting a potential link to melanoma.

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Source: The Independent, 16 May 2025