BC05 Money in melanotan

Abstract

The online availability of unregulated tanning agents poses an increasing challenge to dermatological practice and public health. Melanotan II is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-­stimulating-hormone, which stimulates melanin production, resulting in a tanned appearance. It is often used as an adjunct to sunbeds. Despite its unregulated and illegal status, it can be readily purchased on a number of online stores as a nasal spray, injectable formulation or powder. A cross-sectional analysis of melanotan II advertisements on Google was conducted in October 2025. In total 100 searches were included in the study. Of these, 37 websites sold melanotan II products. These websites included marketing techniques with persuasive language that can influence consumers into purchasing melanotan II to achieve ‘a desired tanned skin tone’. This advertisement also used unsubstantiated claims describing melanotan II as providing a ‘photoprotective suntan’ with a design to ‘potentially reduce cancer rates’. These claims may influence consumers to purchase these products without knowledge of the associated health risks. Some websites explained they were selling ‘for research purposes only’. The prices of melanotan II varied between £20 and US$700, and dosages between 2 mg and 100 mg were available for purchase, with the option to buy in bulk. A number of these listings were further promoted via social media platforms despite bans. No advertisements included health warnings on melanotan II usage. The ongoing availability of illegal substances such as melanotan II highlights the challenge of regulating online marketplaces that enable seller anonymity. Dermatologists should be informed regarding melanotan II misinformation online, as we are in a unique position to educate patients on the risks of the unregulated substance. By enhancing regulatory laws, raising consumer awareness and rapidly shutting down these online platforms, we may begin to mitigate the public health and dermatological risks associated with melanotan II.