Insights into Tanning Biology and Tanning Products JCAD The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology It doesn't take much to fall down the Barbie Drug rabbit hole. In self tanner subreddits and on TikTok Shop, the tanning injectionaka Melanotan IIis marketed as a self tanner alternative that works by Viral 'Barbie drug' for tanning can cause brain swelling and even cancer, experts warn 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 II (Tan Jabs): Why They're Not Worth The Risk