Illegal tanning products containing melanotan

Australians using tanning products that contain ‘melanotan’ are exposing themselves to serious health risks. These products, including nasal sprays and other injectable or ingestible tanning agents, are being illegally advertised and sold online.

Melanotans are synthetic peptides designed to increase melanin production, giving the skin a tanned appearance. They are often labeled as Melanotan I or Melanotan II.

HEALTH RISKS OF MELANOTAN

Despite claims that these tanning products are "safe" or "natural", melanotan is known to cause significant side effects and should only be used under medical supervision.

Common side effects include headaches, nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, and facial redness. More concerning, however, is the increased risk of serious skin cancers. Reports of melanotan-II use have also linked it to increased moles and freckles, kidney dysfunction, and brain swelling.

Melanotan has not been approved for sale or use as a tanning agent in Australia. These products have not been assessed for safety or quality, meaning their composition is unknown—regardless of what the label states. They may contain harmful, low-quality, or counterfeit ingredients.

A tan—whether real or fake—does not protect the skin from sun damage. Artificially darkening the skin with melanotan does not provide the UV protection that a properly formulated sunscreen does.

LEGAL CONSEQUENCES OF SELLING OR ADVERTISING MELANOTAN

It is illegal to supply melanotan-based tanning products in Australia without a doctor’s prescription, regardless of whether they are in spray, tablet, injectable, or topical form.

Advertising melanotan to the public is also prohibited, including advertising by social media influencers. These illegal marketing tactics often target young people who may be more susceptible to misleading claims due to body image pressures.

Breaching the advertising requirements under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 can result in significant fines and penalties for individuals and businesses.

The TGA actively investigates the illegal manufacture, sale, importation, and promotion of therapeutic goods. Working with online retailers, digital platforms, and law enforcement agencies—including the Australian Border Force and the Australian Federal Police—the TGA takes action against unlawful advertising and distribution.

In 2023–24, the TGA facilitated the removal of over 4,800 illegal advertisements for therapeutic goods with many linked to the wellness and beauty industry.