A new warning has been issued over the dangers of nasal tanning sprays as the products experience a resurgence in popularity online.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has issued an urgent warning over the growing popularity of these sprays – often marketed on TikTok and Instagram as fast-acting bronzing solutions.
Beauty professionals are being urged to remain vigilant and educate their clients as a wave of unregulated nasal tanning sprays floods online marketplaces.
Unlike traditional spray tans, these nasal products are inhaled and contain substances not approved for cosmetic use in the UK.
Of particular concern is the synthetic hormone Melanotan 2, frequently found in these sprays.
In the UK it is illegal to sell injectables or nasal sprays containing untested drug melanotan-II, but it is not illegal to use the products.
The unlicensed drug works by replicating the function of naturally occurring melanocortin peptides, which are involved with the pigmentation of your skin, acting as a catalyst to stimulate the production of melanin throughout the body, darkening your skin colour.
However, reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, elevated blood pressure, and mole discolouration.
Experts have even warned of a possible link to melanoma, although further research is needed to understand long-term health risks.
The situation has escalated with the emergence of flavoured variants including peach, bubblegum, grape, and even energy drink-inspired scents, designed to appeal to young audiences.
These are often promoted by influencers and third-party sellers who also push tanning drops and gummies, prompting fears of a youth trend similar to that of disposable vapes.
The warning follows the harrowing account of Edith Eagle, a consumer hospitalised after using an online-purchased nasal tanning spray. “It felt like I was drowning from the inside,” she said.
CTSI’s concerns come alongside the launch of its #CostofBeauty campaign, which highlights three high-risk areas currently threatening the UK beauty industry: nasal tanning sprays, nail glue, and professional-use lash lift and tint kits.
According to a recent CTSI survey, unsafe cosmetic products now represent the fastest-growing risk to UK consumers.
The professional tanning industry, particularly spray tan artists and beauty salons, is being called upon to distance itself from these illicit products and to reinforce the use of safe, regulated alternatives.
“Nasal sprays have absolutely no place in a professional tanning salon,” said Gary Lipman, Chairman of the Sunbed Association. “We fully support CTSI’s campaign. The end goal must be to eradicate access to these illegal and unregulated products.”
CTSI Lead Officer for Cosmetics and Beauty, Richard Knight, emphasised that these products lack the safety assessments required for cosmetic items. “No influencer or seller can accurately communicate the risks…because no one truly knows them.”
The CTSI is advising consumers to opt for safer self-tanning options, like lotions or sprays applied to the skin, which are regulated under the UK Cosmetics Regulation and come with clear user guidelines.
Are nasal tanning products a new threat?
No, concerns were also raised during an investigation in 2019 and another in 2022.
The BBC carried out an Inside Out Investigation on beauty salons and barber shops selling illegal tanning products. in 2019.
Then in 2022, The BBC sent off samples of the products to a lab to be tested, where it was discovered to contain around 100 unidentified ingredients – 10 times the expected 10 ingredients in most licensed medicines.
Professor Tony Cass, head of chemistry at Imperial College London, warned of the dangers of taking unlicensed medications and products at the time, saying: “If you don’t know what you’re taking, you should probably avoid it.”
