What is melanotan and why is it so dangerous? 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 longer lasting than Changes in Oral Mucosa Associated with Melanotan II Injections: A Case Report Nasal sprays containing the 'Barbie Drug' melanotan are very, very dangerous and completely unregulated, according to leading dermatologist. Experts say there has been a surge in the use of the illegal tanning aid Afamelanotide tested as a new treatment for vitiligo Vitiligo Clinic Viral tanning 'Barbie drug' linked to cancer, experts warn