The Barbie craze has got many companies and sellers trying to capitalize on the trend with products being sold that have something to do with the style. As such, illegal tanning nasal spray has seen an uptick in attention as TikTok sellers are trying to sell online.
Barbie Craze Nasal Spray
According to Mail Online, TikTok sellers are trying to hop on the trend of the Barbie film, with some selling clothing and others selling tanning nasal spray. The problem with the latter is that the solution has been linked to many problems since it emerged.
The illegal tanning nasal spray included Melanotan II, which is a banned chemical, as the spray has been linked to multiple health problems like kidney disease, skin cancer, and even erectile problems. Melanotan II, upon being injected or snorted, would produce pigments that darken one's skin.
These unregulated products are being sold on social media in 20mg bottles, costing up to £25 each, which is being promoted as a "special offer" or limited deal. These bottles also come in Barbie-inspired designs.
The Mirror reports that the sprays are illegal; but despite that, they can still be easily ordered online. In fact, upon placing an order, the buyer would be able to receive these illegal products the next day.
Increase in Tanning Spray Sales
Recently, melanoma cases reached an all-time high; and experts believe that the trend could increase by 50% over the span of just two decades. A journalist from the Mirror tested out how easy it was to order the bottles; and upon placing an order, they all came in Barbie-themed packaging with pictures of Barbie dolls.
Upon ordering the illegal products, the journalist said that the orders were shipped the next day and that one of the packages ordered, out of three TikTok sellers, even came with complimentary sweets.
According to Medical News Today, Melanotan II isn't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to Dr. Anand N. Rajpara, a University of Kansas Health System dermatologist, it wasn't approved for human use.
Warning Against Its Consumption
Mail Online reports that Melanoma UK's Gillian Nuttall voiced concerns about the products. She alleged that the sellers were showing what was wrong with social media.
Nuttall noted that the majority of people using TikTok were kids, meaning it was shameful for businesses to be selling illegal, untested products to them. She also highlighted how the sellers were taking advantage of the popular cinema hit to do so.
Dr. Emma Wedgeworth, a consultant dermatologist, also encouraged those who wanted to get tan to avoid the products. She said that the sprays were illegally distributed and that they pose serious health risks despite not being monitored by "stringent medical regulations.
She highlighted how the use of these products could lead to skin cancer due to increasing melanoma development.
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