TikTok vendors are trying to exploit the popular Barbie movie to sell illegal nasal tanning sprays that have been linked to skin cancer, kidney disease and erection problems, it has been found.
The sprays contain the banned chemical melanotan II which, when sniffed or injected, tricks the body into producing the pigment that darkens the skin.
The social media villains are selling the unregulated products in 20mg bottles with Barbie-inspired designs for up to £25 each, which they claim is a ‘special offer’ or a ‘limited time deal’.
Despite the fact that the sprays are illegal, the products can be ordered online without any problem and are delivered the next day, The mirror reported.
The push to sell the tanning sprays comes as melanoma cases hit an all-time high this year. Experts think the number of cases is likely to rise by 50 percent over the next two decades.
TikTok vendors are trying to exploit the popular Barbie movie to sell illegal nasal tanning sprays that have been linked to skin cancer, kidney disease and erection problems. The sprays are pictured
The sprays contain the banned chemical melanotan II which, when sniffed or injected, tricks the body into producing the pigment that darkens the skin. The social media villains are selling the unregulated products in 20mg bottles with Barbie-inspired designs for up to £25 each, which they claim is a ‘special offer’ or a ‘limited time deal’
The products were reportedly delivered the next day in sparkly packaging and featured pictures of Barbie dolls, as well as the logo from the hit movie starring Margot Robbie. the actress, who is not linked to any products, is pictured in the movie alongside her co-star Ryan Gosling
A journalist from the Mirror ordered bottles of the illegal tanning sprays from three TikTok sellers – whose accounts have since been suspended by the platform.
The paper claimed the bottles arrived in sparkly packaging and featured pictures of Barbie dolls as well as the logo of the hit movie starring Margot Robbie.
The products were shipped ‘next day delivery’ with no ‘questions asked’. One even included free candy.
Gillian Nuttall, of Melanoma UK, has now spoken out against the products, claiming that the sellers are an example of ‘everything bad about social media’.
Ms Nuttal said: ‘TikTok is mainly used by children, so it is shameful that a company sells illegal, untested products to young people and uses the success of a cinema hit to do so.’
Consultant dermatologist Dr Emma Wedgeworth also encouraged tanners to avoid the products. She warned that because the sprays are distributed “illegally” and not controlled by “strict medical regulations,” they pose serious health risks.
The doctor claimed that use of the products could “overstimulate melanocytes” and increase the development of melanoma, especially in individuals with “an underlying tendency to skin cancer.”
“In addition, melanotan II is often associated with other risky sun-seeking behaviors, such as tanning bed use,” she added.
According to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulation Agency, the sale and promotion of melanotan II products is illegal. The government watchdog has been actively working to remove them from the market for over 10 years.
The products are not endorsed by Barbie trademark holder Mattel. Nor have Margot Robbie, co-star Ryan Gosling, or the film’s producers been linked to the sale of the illegal nasal sprays.
Dermatologists warned that because the sprays are “distributed illegally” and not controlled by “strict medical regulations,” they pose serious health risks. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, who are not associated with the products, are depicted in the Barbie movie
Mealnotan II, which is also available in injection or powder form, has been banned in some countries, including the UK, US and Australia, due to the serious side effects it can cause, including kidney damage.
Under British law, it is illegal to sell the hormone. Anyone caught breaking the rules could face up to two years in prison and an unlimited fine. But it is not illegal to buy the substance.
Long before the Blockbuster hit came out, the sprays were being promoted online. Influencers including Geordie Shore star Bethan Kershaw and Charlotte Crosby have previously promoted the sprays and injections to their millions of followers as a way to tan faster.
Gyms and salons have also been caught selling it in recent years.