The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- John Furner
TikTok sellers are trying exploit the popular Barbie film to sell illegal tanning nasal sprays that have been linked to skin cancer, kidney disease and erectile problems, it has emerged.
The sprays contain the banned chemical melanotan II which when snorted or injected tricks the body intro producing the pigment that darkens skins.
The social media rogues are selling the unregulated products in 20mg bottles that feature Barbie-inspired designs for up to £25 each, which they allege is a ‘special offer’ or ‘limited-time deal’.
Despite the fact that the sprays are illegal, the products are able to be ordered online without hassle and arrive by next-day delivery, The Mirror reported.
The push to sell the tanning sprays comes as melanoma cases have hit an all-time high this year. Experts believe cases will likely soar by 50 per cent over the next two decades.
TikTok sellers are trying exploit the popular Barbie film to sell illegal tanning nasal sprays that have been linked to skin cancer, kidney disease and erectile problems. The sprays are pictured
The sprays contain the banned chemical melanotan II which when snorted or injected tricks the body intro producing the pigment that darkens skins. The social media rogues are selling the unregulated products in 20mg bottles that feature Barbie-inspired designs for up to £25 each, which they allege is a ‘special offer’ or ‘limited-time deal’
The products reportedly arrived next-day delivery in sparkly packaging and featured pictures of Barbie dolls, as well as the logo from the hit film starring Margot Robbie. the actress, who has not been linked to products, is pictured in the film alongside her co-star Ryan Gosling
A journalist at the Mirror ordered bottles of the illegal tanning sprays from three TikTok sellers – whose accounts have since been suspended by the platform.
The newspaper alleged the bottles arrived in sparkly packaging and featured pictures of Barbie dolls, as well as the logo from the hit film starring Margot Robbie.
The products were shipped ‘next-day delivery’ with ‘no questions asked’. One even included complimentary sweets.
Gillian Nuttall, of Melanoma UK, has now spoked out against the products, alleging that the sellers are an example of ‘everything that is bad about social media’.
Ms Nuttal said: ‘TikTok is mainly used by kids, so for a business to be selling illegal, untested products to youngsters and using the success of a cinema hit to do so is shameful.’
Consultant dermatologist Dr Emma Wedgeworth also encouraged tanners to avoid the products. She warned that because the sprays are being ‘distributed illegally’ and not monitored by ‘stringent medical regulations’, they pose serious health risks.
The doctor claimed that using the products could ‘overstimulate melanocytes’ and increase the of developing melanoma, especially in individuals with ‘an underlying tendency to skin cancer’.
‘In addition, melanotan II often goes with other risky sun-seeking behaviour such as sunbed usage,’ she added.
According to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulation Agency, the selling and advertising of melanotan II products is illegal. The Government watchdog has been actively working to remove them from the marketplace 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 selling of the illegal nasal sprays.
Dermatologists warned that because the sprays are being ‘distributed illegally’ and not monitored by ‘stringent medical regulations’, they pose serious health risks. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, who are not associated with the products, are pictured in the Barbie film
Mealnotan II, which can also come as injections or powders, is banned in some countries, including the UK, US and Australia, because of the serious side effects it can trigger, including kidney damage.
Under British law, it is illegal to sell the hormone. Anyone caught breaking the rules can face up to two years in jail and an unlimited fine. But it is not illegal to buy the substance.
The sprays have been promoted online long before the release of the Blockbuster hit. Influencers including Geordie Shore stars Bethan Kershaw and Charlotte Crosby have previously promoted the sprays and injections to their millions of followers as a way to fast-track tanning.
Gyms and salons have also been caught selling it in recent years.
