New York, NY (July 7, 2026) — The Skin Cancer Foundation strongly discourages the use of Melanotan II and other unapproved tanning agents marketed as shortcuts to achieving darker skin. Melanotan II is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for any use, and its safety has not been established.
Published medical literature has raised significant concerns about the potential risks associated with Melanotan II. Case reports have documented the development of melanoma following Melanotan II use, as well as rapid changes in moles and pigmented lesions that can make the detection of skin cancer more difficult. Additional reports have linked the substance to serious adverse health effects, including systemic toxicity and muscle damage. While case reports cannot establish direct causation, they highlight important safety concerns that warrant caution.
One of the most troubling aspects of Melanotan II is that it is often obtained through unregulated online sources. Consumers may have no reliable way of knowing the purity, dosage or contents of the products they are purchasing. Because these substances have not undergone the rigorous testing required for approved medications, the full range of short- and long-term health effects remains unknown.
The desire for a tan should never outweigh concerns about health and safety. Individuals seeking a bronzed appearance should avoid injectable or intranasal tanning drugs and instead consider safer cosmetic alternatives, such as sunless self-tanners. The Skin Cancer Foundation urges consumers to approach Melanotan II with extreme caution and to discuss any concerns about changing moles, skin pigmentation or skin cancer risk with a board-certified dermatologist.
— Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation