You might have seen it all, the dangerous trends taking shape within the beauty industry or the fitness world, where a few of them are truly beneficial, while the rest are just as perilous as the use of nasal tanners. Yes, the ongoing buzz around a tanned body is undeniable.
With tons of such solutions emerging in the market, nasal tanners are basically a shortcut to achieving a bronzed physique and rapid muscle gains. But the reality says otherwise; these “supposedly” tanning products are shrouded in a fog of misinformation that puts users at severe risk.
Despite the claims of lasting results, this is a gray area that invites risks. This post hopes to cut through the hype and expose the truth. Thus, here are the top 10 common yet dangerous myths about nasal tanners you need to stop believing now.
Table of Contents
Myth 1: It’s safer because you don’t use a needle
Fact: Same dangerous drug, different entry point.
A common misconception is that nasal tanners are safer than using a syringe. However, nasal tanners contain the same substance as in any other tanning products, the Melanotan II, which is a synthetic peptide to stimulate melanin production. Even though you are not injecting, you are still administering a potent, unapproved drug directly into your highly vascular nasal passages, linked to your bloodstream. So, the risk is not the method, it’s the ingredient itself.
Myth 2: It’s a “natural” or “herbal” hormone.
Fact: It’s a synthetic, lab-created substance.
Since it mimics the actual thing, many believe that Melanotan II is also a “natural” version of the hormone alpha-MSH. Now that’s a deliberate misrepresentation. Melanotan II is an artificially engineered peptide, chemically modified to be more potent and longer-lasting than the natural hormone produced in the body. But since the human body has intricate systems for naturally occurring processes, calling this product “natural” is nothing more than a dangerous and unguarded marketing ploy.
Myth 3: You can’t overdose.
Fact: Overdosing is alarmingly easy and common.
Unlike pharmaceutical-grade medications with precise dosages, these unregulated products are often marketed as “research chemicals” with no quality control or any standardized dosage. Documented cases contain reports of users frequently experiencing nausea, vomiting, and intense facial flushing, which are clear symptoms of inaccurate drug intake.
Myth 4: The only side effect is a great tan.
Fact: The list of documented side effects is alarming.
While nausea is common, many users and medical case studies have reported a host of serious side effects. These include:
- Skin damage (appearance of new moles and freckles, darkening or enlargement of existing ones, risk of Melanoma)
- Spontaneous priapism (persistent and painful erection despite zero sexual stimulation, risk of permanent erectile dysfunction)
- Increased risk of Melanoma (Forced melanin production in the body may be stimulating potentially cancerous cells)
- Cardiovascular issues (may increase blood pressure, induce other cardiovascular stress)
Myth 5: It’s an FDA-approved product.
Fact: It is 100% not approved for human use.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) never approved Melanotan II for any cosmetic or therapeutic purpose. Instead, they have repeatedly issued warnings against those selling these products illegally, often online or in gyms, with the deceptive “for research only” label to skirt regulations.
Myth 6: It’s a safe alternative to UV tanning.
Fact: It’s a different, not safer, risk.
While sunbeds and sunbathing damage your skin with UV radiation, nasal tanners introduce an artificial substance that alters your body’s fundamental chemistry. You’re simply choosing between two different methods of harm. For instance, the systemic cardiovascular and neurological effects of the drug are far more unpredictable than the documented risks of UV exposure.
Myth 7: It’s just for cosmetic tanning.
Fact: It’s often abused as an unregulated aphrodisiac.
While widely marketed as a product for tanning, Melanotan II is also administered for its potent libido enhancement effect. Abusing this drug beyond bodybuilding, with increased and frequent use, is especially reckless, with potential for more unpredictable consequences, amplifying all associated health risks.
Myth 8: It’s legal and regulated like a supplement.
Fact: It is an unapproved drug, not a dietary supplement.
Dietary supplements are defined as vitamins, minerals, or herbs. However, Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide, a drug by any legal or medical definition. Its sale for any purpose other than research is illegal in the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. You will have no legal recourse if you are harmed after using it.
Myth 9: Short-term use is risk-free.
Fact: The effects can be immediate and long-lasting.
There’s a myth that “using only once” poses no dangerous effects. But in reality, even a single or minor dosage can trigger severe allergic reactions, intense nausea, or dangerously high blood pressure. Plus, the drug’s effect on melanocytes (skin pigment cells) can be permanent, leaving you with an altered skin condition and a potentially higher lifetime risk of skin cancer.
Myth 10: It’s a “well-kept secret” of the fitness industry.
Fact: It’s a publicly known health hazard.
Although it circulates within the depths of the black market, it remains an open secret. It is a health hazard that reputable fitness coaches, medical professionals, and health organizations universally condemn. So, the only thing “secret” about it is the severely lasting extent of the damage it can cause.
Closure
As a shortcut to achieving a quick body tan, nasal tanners are an alluring solution. But since it is an unapproved, synthetic drug that hijacks your body’s hormonal systems, it is in no way safe to use for human consumption. The myths surrounding it are a house of cards built on desperation, misinformation, and marketing benefits. As a conscious customer, prioritizing your health is your most valuable asset. Don’t gamble it on something illegitimate and dangerous.
