Your body already makes a hormone that tells your skin to tan. Melanotan 2 is a synthetic peptide engineered to mimic that hormone but in a version that's more potent and You Should Avoid Using Nasal Tanning Sprays Dangerous' tanning products promoted by influencers Melanotan is not a tan. It's an unregulated peptide with real risk. As a dermatologist, here's the reality: It has been linked to new and changing moles including cases of Melanotan What It Is and Its Relation to Skin Cancer Viral 'Barbie drug' for tanning can cause brain swelling and even cancer, experts warn