We Asked a Dermatologist If the ‘Barbie Peptide’ Can Tan Your Skin Safely

Key Takeaways

• The FDA has not approved melanotan I or melanotan II, the “Barbie peptide,” for cosmetic tanning.

• Using melanotan peptides can cause side effects like nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and changes in skin pigmentation, which may make skin cancer harder to detect.
• Sunless tanning lotions or sprays are safer alternatives for achieving a tan without UV exposure or the risks associated with unregulated peptides.

If you’ve been on TikTok or other social media recently, you may have seen people talking about the “Barbie peptide,” a nickname for melanotan II. Some people claim that it can give you a tan from the inside out, without spending time in the sun or using tanning beds. But is it actually safe? To find out, we spoke with Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD , a double board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist and founder of Dermatology Circle in Manhattan. *This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Q: What is the “Barbie peptide,” and can it actually tan your skin? Kazlouskaya: The “Barbie peptide” refers to melanotan II, a synthetic peptide that stimulates melanocortin receptors, which are involved in skin pigmentation and several other functions in the body. A similar peptide called melanotan I works in much the same way. These peptides activate melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It works by stimulating the body’s pigment-producing cells . These peptides can make the skin appear darker, creating the appearance of a tan without UV exposure—but just because they can darken the skin doesn’t mean they’re safe. The FDA has not approved melanotan I or melanotan II for cosmetic tanning in the United States. Most people buy these products from unregulated online sources, so there is no way to know how they are made or what they contain. Q: Some people online say the Barbie peptide is safer than tanning in the sun or using tanning beds. Is that true? Kazlouskaya: Absolutely not. These peptides might reduce UV exposure, but they introduce a different set of potentially serious and poorly understood risks. They have not undergone the rigorous testing required to show they are safe for cosmetic use. Many people think these are an easy way to get a tan without any downsides. In reality, these peptides are not regulated; we do not know how pure they are, and we still know little about their long-term safety. Products sold online can also vary in strength or contain ingredients not listed on the label. Some people have reported short-term side effects such as nausea, fatigue, facial flushing (redness), and dizziness, as well as rapid heartbeat and priapism (painful, long-lasting erection). We don’t know much about their long-term safety. One major concern is that these products can stimulate pigment cells, potentially causing changes in existing moles or the appearance of new pigmented spots. That could make skin cancer more difficult to recognize during a skin exam. Because we know so little about their long-term safety, I strongly discourage people from using them. Q: What do you recommend instead? Kazlouskaya: I recommend sunless tanning lotions or sprays. They provide temporary color that washes off or fades naturally over time, without exposing your skin to UV radiation or the unknown risks associated with unregulated nasal or injectable peptides. ​ Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our

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By Lindsay Curtis Curtis is a writer with over 20 years of experience focused on mental health, sexual health, cancer care, and spinal health. Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback?

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