Remember when TikTok user Isabelle Lux went viral for saying she changed her skin tone just from eating carrots every day? The idea behind tanning pills is similar to that. Tanning pills and gummies are ingestible supplements that contain ingredients like astaxanthin, a chemical compound found naturally in several plants that can cause your skin to mimic a tan without sun exposure.
Astaxanthin is naturally found in certain like salmon, shrimp, carrots and tomatoes can mimic a tan as it deposits itself in the fat layers of the skin.

Do tanning pills work?

You might see a change in your skin tone, however it will be based on your natural skin tone as well as other factors.
Ingestible tanning supplements could leave you looking orange. The colour change from an astaxanthin supplement is purely cosmetic and not an increase of melanin, an artificial deposit of pigment in the skin.

What are the risks associated with tanning pills?

Before you go online to swipe your card and place an order, consider this. When it comes to lycopene and astaxanthin supplements, there isn’t much data on their risks and benefits, even when taken at the recommended dose. While generally considered safe, excessive beta-carotene intake can be harmful, especially for smokers, as it may increase their risk of lung cancer. L-tyrosine may interact with certain medications and can worsen pre-existing conditions like hyperthyroidism.

The benefits of using tanning pills

For those who prefer to avoid sun exposure but still want a tanned look, tanning pills may offer a convenient alternative. They allow users to achieve a bronzed appearance without the risks associated with sunbathing or tanning beds, such as skin cancer and premature ageing.