Hustlers use ‘Barbie’ craze to hock illegal nasal spray tan

Come on Barbie, let’s go … exploit the film’s success for profit.

The wildly popular “Barbie” movie has inspired a cultural style phenomenon that sees entrepreneurs and con artists alike racing to take advantage of the highly merchandised brand.

The film, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, has broken multiple records and joined an elite group of films that have all surpassed $1 billion in global box office sales.

Its success, along with the inception of the “Barbiecore” trend, has led to one of the most potentially harmful social media grifts yet: nasal sprays that claim to give skin a natural boost of bronze.

The product, which has been linked to skin cancer, kidney disease and erectile, comes in 20mg bottles for a roughly $30 price tag — promoted as a “special offer” and a “limited-time deal.”

Bottles are being marketed with Barbie-inspired designs, pink packaging and stamped with a seemingly official “Barbie” logo.

Experts are not at all surprised that the nasal tanning spray trend has the wits of “Barbie” fans on TikTok.

“People always want to be tan, especially during the summer,” Dr. Jennifer Levine, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, told The Post. “The Barbie movie has also added to the ‘beach’ trend.”

The nasal spray contains the chemical melanotan II, an artificial hormone that causes pigmentation of the skin. Its commercial use is prohibited in countries including the US, UK and Australia due to its harmful side effects.

“Melanotan is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use, so there can be additives or other chemicals in the spray,” Dr. Levine explained. “There are many side effects associated with the spray. Many are GI related including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Priapism, or a prolonged erection, may also occur. There is an increased risk of melanoma as well.”

According to DermNet, long-term side effects of melanotan II exposure can also include new or darkening moles, discoloration of nails, potentially fatal destruction of muscle cells and brain function disorders. In the short term, effects can include facial flushing and reduced appetite.

The emergence of nasal spray tans comes as rates of melanoma have rapidly increased in recent years, according to the American Cancer Society. And some experts worry that melanotan II could exacerbate latent cancer cells.

“The concern is that if you overstimulate melanocytes, particularly in someone who has an underlying tendency to skin cancer, you could increase the risk of melanoma developing,” Dr. Emma Wedgeworth, a consultant dermatologist, told the Mirror. “In addition, melanotan II often goes with other risky sun-seeking behavior such as sunbed usage.”

Aside from the safety aspects, the nasal sprays containing melanotan II aren’t going to give people the year-round tan they might expect.

Levine noted that the “tan” achieved from the product is not permanent, and disappears soon after the product is no longer in use.

She also added that there are plenty of safe — and legal — ways to get an attainable summertime look. “Self-tanner and body makeup can give a sunkissed glow that is perfectly safe. A spray tan is another good option,” Levine suggested.

In spite of the law, nasal tanning sprays have been made available from online sellers who will ship next-day, “no questions asked,” The Mirror reported.

A reporter from the outlet ordered the products from three sellers on TikTok — @Supasuppsuk, @Melanin_MagicTanning and @tropicbarbiex — all of which arrived in sparkly pink packaging, with one including complimentary candy, too.

All three of these accounts have since been suspended for violating community guidelines since the outlet reached out.

The Post has reached out to TikTok for further comment.

Gillian Nuttall of Melanoma UK called these sellers “shameful” in a statement to the Mirror. “This is everything that is bad about social media,” said Nuttal, noting that “TikTok is mainly used by kids.”

This isn’t the only trend inspired by “Barbie” that has sparked concern among doctors and experts.

The hashtags #BarbieFeet and #BarbieFeetChallenge have garnered a combined total of over 80 million views on the platform, and search interest for “Barbie Foot Challenge” increased 2,950% over the course of one week, Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center reported.

The trend sees people rising on the tips of their toes while their heels remain in the air — an ode to the way the Mattel doll’s feet are designed — and the massive interest in the trend has podiatrists concerned as the high-arched position of the Barbie foot can lead to muscle and spine issues since it strains the lower back.