Viral 'Barbie drug' for tanning can cause brain swelling and even cancer, experts warn No, you don't need the 'Barbie drug' to tan, whatever TikTok says. Here's why melanotan II is so risky There are two peptides people talk about for tanning: Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2. Melanotan 1 works slower and mainly targets the skin, leading to a more gradual and even increase in Clinically important side effects of Melanotan II and placebo Download Table Melanotan II an overview ScienceDirect Topics Melanotan What It Is and Its Relation to Skin Cancer