Skin Cancer Foundation Warns Melanotan II and IV Glutathione Can Trigger Cancer, Organ Damage
Updated
Updated · skincancer.org · Jun 29
Skin Cancer Foundation Warns Melanotan II and IV Glutathione Can Trigger Cancer, Organ Damage
3 articles · Updated · skincancer.org · Jun 29
Summary
Melanotan II and intravenous glutathione can cause severe harm — including melanoma risk, kidney dysfunction, thyroid impairment and systemic toxicity — the Skin Cancer Foundation said.
Melanotan II, a synthetic pigment-boosting peptide promoted online as the “Barbie Drug,” still requires UV exposure and can turn benign moles into atypical moles or melanomas.
IV glutathione is marketed as a safer skin-lightening option, but the foundation said reports have linked it to organ damage and possible long-term cancer risk.
Many topical lightening products in Asian-Pacific markets also contain arsenic, lead or mercury, underscoring that both tanning and bleaching trends can carry serious health dangers.
The foundation said Melanotan II is banned in countries including the U.S. and Australia, yet it still circulates through illegal sales and “for research” labeling loopholes.