LoginCTSI Sounds Alarm on Unsafe Cosmetics
Unregulated products such as nasal tanning sprays present serious health risks.
Journal of Trading Standards Staff
Posted 19 May 2025 | JoTS Online
Content Tags: Updates|Product Safety|National
Nasal tanning sprays being marketed on social media platforms have been linked with an increased risk of skin cancer and other health problems, CTSI has warned as it launches a new campaign to raise awareness of threats posed by unsafe cosmetic products.
Unregulated cosmetics such as nasal tanning sprays, which have risen in popularity in recent years partly as a result of their promotion by social media influencers, have also been linked to respiratory problems, nausea, vomiting and high blood pressure.
Richard Knight, CTSI Lead Officer for Cosmetics and Beauty, said: “Nasal tanning sprays are unlikely to have had expert safety assessment, and use of relevant health warnings and instructions for safe use are rare. This means that no-one, including influencers, can truly know the risks of using these quasi-medical potions.”
These unregulated and illegal products not only pose serious health risks but also encourage harmful behaviours, particularly among young consumers
Nasal tanning sprays are designed to be sprayed into the nostrils and are claimed by their manufacturers to darken skin pigmentation. Some sprays have been found to contain dangerous ingredients including Melanotan 2, a synthetic hormone that can accelerate tanning, but is not approved by health authorities.
It is illegal to sell medicinal products containing Melanotan 2 in the UK, but as the tanners are sold cosmetically they fall outside that remit. However, they are not covered by UK cosmetics regulations, meaning they are not subjected to the same scrutiny as other over-the-counter beauty products.
Influencers on Facebook and TikTok have promoted nasal tanning sprays in flavours such as peach, bubblegum, grape, strawberry and lime. Unscrupulous sellers are also marketing tanning drops and gummies designed to be ingested. CTSI says it is aware that these products are being marketed at children, and is concerned of a ‘youth epidemic as we saw with disposable vapes’.
CTSI is urging the public to:
- Avoid any type of tanning products that are ingested or inhaled
- Use safer tanning options, such as creams and sprays and buy these from reputable retailers
- Report any unsafe products to Trading Standards via consumer helplines
CTSI’s most recent Member Survey revealed widespread concern about unsafe cosmetic products including nasal tanning sprays, nail glue, and lash lift and tint kits.
Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, said: “We’re becoming increasingly concerned about the use of both nasal tanning sprays and tanning injections and their potential links with melanoma skin cancer. These unregulated and illegal products not only pose serious health risks but also encourage harmful behaviours, particularly among young consumers. We urge the public to consider the long-term impacts on their health and avoid using these substances altogether.”
PLEASE NOTE: This content originally appeared on our standalone Journal of Trading Standards website (www.journaloftradingstandards.co.uk), which we are gradually migrating over to the Journal's new home on the CTSI website. Please bear with us while we complete this process. This will not affect the production of our Print Edition.
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Content Tags: Updates|Product Safety|National
