Best sun supplement: a pharmacist’s opinion (2025)

Best dietary supplement for tanning: our review

Our selection criteria

• Form: what form the dietary supplement comes in.
• Clinical study: has a clinical study on efficacy been conducted on any of the ingredients used?
• Number of actives: the number of ingredients contained in the supplement.
• Vegan: presence or absence of animal-derived ingredients.
• Price / day: the price for one day of treatment, using the daily dose recommended by the brand.
• Customer reviews: this average of customer reviews for the brand comes from the laboratory’s website, review platforms, or marketplaces like Amazon.
• Our opinion on the brand: based on the dietary supplement brand tests we perform each month and the analysis of 6 criteria such as transparency and expertise.

The supplements selected below are all manufactured in France, and are free of excipients and additives.

---

BEST SUN SUPPLEMENT

We selected the sun supplement offered by Nutri&Co because it is one of the only products on the market whose effectiveness is supported by an in-vivo clinical study.

The study shows that with 2 capsules per day for 1 month, natural skin tanning is 4 times faster. And 93% of users are satisfied with its effectiveness.

This dietary supplement contains Mélaline^®, a keratin hydrolysate rich in melanin and copper, a particularly bioavailable form. It also contains grapefruit and rosemary extracts that reduce the oxidative stress produced by UV rays, thereby protecting the skin.

We like the Nutri&Co brand because it is reliable and transparent (our full review here). We also note that customer reviews are very good. This brand is based in Aix-en-Provence and places particular importance on the quality of the active ingredients in its products.

Use promo code DARWINGIFT to receive a free surprise product (minimum purchase of €70).

---

BEST VALUE FOR MONEY

Novoma’s sun supplement is a more economical alternative.

The latter contains 7 actives with complementary benefits: natural carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals.

This 100% vegan supplement prepares the skin for sun exposure, boosts tanning, and protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals.

Novoma is a quality French brand offering supplements concentrated in active ingredients, at controlled prices (read our full review here).

Use promo code DARWIN-5 to get €5 off your order (no minimum purchase).

---

What are sun supplements used for?

When exposed to ultraviolet rays, the skin defends itself by thickening the stratum corneum and producing antioxidants and melanin, molecules able to block some of the UV.

It is this melanin that is responsible for tanning.  

There are dietary supplements, in the form of self-tanning capsules, that prepare the skin for sun exposure and help promote tanning. 

These dietary supplements improve the skin’s tolerance to sun exposure, and help limit the long-term effects of exposure, such as skin aging.

They also help strengthen the mechanisms of natural photoprotection.  

However, these products should not be taken long-term without medical advice. In addition, they do not provide sufficient protection on their own, and should always be accompanied by the regular application of sunscreen.  

How to prepare the skin for sun exposure?  

A diet rich in beta-carotene

Some fruits and vegetables contain beta-carotene and lycopene, pigments that naturally color the skin, and antioxidants that help protect the body against the harmful effects of the sun, provided they are consumed every day. 

To benefit from it, focus on carrots, grapefruit, watermelons, guava, peaches, apricots, red berries, as well as bell pepper or broccoli. 

Also remember to hydrate your skin, from the outside as well as the inside! Take a water bottle with you and drink regularly throughout the day.

Deeply hydrated skin helps cells regenerate and prolongs a tan.  

Daily habits

Did you know that you can still tan while protected? No sunscreen product can guarantee 100% protection; the tanning process begins as soon as you are exposed to the sun. 

You can therefore tan safely by applying sunscreen regularly and exposing yourself in moderation.

Regardless of your phototype (skin type based on sensitivity to UV rays), sun protection is necessary. All skin types can get sunburned. 

• Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher depending on your skin. Make sure it’s a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB.
• Reapply every 2 hours, and after each swim, even with a waterproof product! 
• Limit sun exposure, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, when its rays are strongest.   
• Don’t forget a hat and CE-certified sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays. Choose at least category 3 sunglasses, suitable for high sunlight (sea or mountains). 

Which active ingredients are the most effective?  

Carotenoids  

Beta-carotene 

Carrot is known to promote a sun-kissed complexion. The active ingredient responsible for its effect is beta-carotene: it is this plant pigment that gives fruits and vegetables their red and orange color.  

It is part of the carotenoids, powerful antioxidants that fight premature aging of skin cells.

They are included in many dietary supplements intended to prepare the skin for tanning, because they stimulate the production of melanin, responsible for skin pigmentation.  

This study published in The Journal of Nutrition showed that an intake of carotenoids, through diet or supplementation, has a significant influence on skin color.

Another study conducted by German researchers concludes that beta-carotene supplementation provides skin protection against UV rays.  

However, excessive consumption of antioxidants, particularly if your diet is balanced and a source of antioxidants, can lead to harmful effects.

Among smokers and former smokers, a meta-analysis showed that high-dose, long-term beta-carotene supplementation is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.

Lycopene  

This natural red pigment is the most abundant carotenoid in the human body. It is found mainly in tomatoes, but it is also present in other fruits and vegetables. 

Its consumption may play a beneficial role in the prevention of certain cancers. A study showed a reduction in UV-induced sunburns after daily consumption of dietary lycopene for 10 weeks.

Another study also suggests that oral lycopene supplementation protects the skin against dermatoses (polymorphous light eruption, solar acne, hives) and combats premature skin aging related to sun exposure. 

Borage oil

The essential fatty acids are fundamental components of our cell membranes. Borage oil is a vegetable oil used for its anti-inflammatory effects in skin conditions. 

It contains, in particular, omega-6s that strengthen the skin barrier and help protect it from the drying effects of sun exposure.  

Daily consumption of borage oil for 10 weeks in this study was associated with a reduction in skin inflammation and an improvement in skin quality.  

Vitamin E and selenium 

Substances intended to neutralize free radicals (or oxidative stress, leading to skin aging and the development of cancers) are often present in dietary supplements intended to prepare the skin for tanning. 

This is the case for vitamin E and selenium, which have antioxidant effects. 

Selenium protects the skin from oxidative stress induced by UV rays: these experiments demonstrated its preventive effect against the occurrence of sunburn. Its effect is potentiated by vitamin E.  

Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces the degradation of collagen. It is used to prevent certain photodermatoses such as summer lucite.

It helps preserve skin suppleness and hydration.  

A study concluded that the simultaneous intake of several antioxidant molecules provides protection for the skin against solar irradiation.  

L-tyrosine  

L-tyrosine is a form of the amino acid tyrosine. It is an amino acid present in all tissues of the human body and notably contributes to the production of melanin. 

It has antioxidant activity and thus acts on cellular aging. It is generally included in combination in dietary supplements for tanning.  

In which form?  

In capsules   

Hard gelatin capsules are gelatin-based, hard-shelled capsules. Check for the absence of artificial colorants and preservatives such as sodium benzoate and citric acid, which can cause gastrointestinal issues.  

I recommend avoiding drinkable ampoules when preparing for tanning; these often contain active ingredients diluted with water and flavorings and are less effective.  

In softgel capsules  

Soft capsules contain liquid forms or oils. The airtight sealing of the capsules protects the active ingredients and allows for better preservation. 

Carotenoids are generally found in the form of soft capsules and are dissolved in a vegetable oil for dietary supplement preparation. The same is true for borage. 

Capsules protect the active ingredients from oxidation, unlike liquid forms in bottles where the raw material can become unstable. 

Choose capsules of plant-based or marine origin, without additives or added sugar.  

Criteria to consider  

Origin of the active ingredient  

The market for tanning preparers and accelerators is dominated by chemically-derived products. These forms are not recommended, particularly for long-term use.  

For carotenoids, I recommend a natural origin, generally from the Dunaliella algae, which contains several types of carotenoids, including beta-carotene.  

And for borage oil, choose a 100% pure, natural oil obtained by first cold pressing, with no chemical processing. This information is shown on the back of the box. 

Dosage   

Dietary supplements provide on average 2 to 10 mg of carotenoids per day depending on whether they are used alone or in combination with other active ingredients.

It is recommended not to exceed these doses in order to avoid any toxicity.  

A daily dose of 1 to 2 grams of borage oil is necessary for a significant effect. 

Regarding tyrosine supplementation, the usual dosage is 500 mg of L-tyrosine per day, preferably taken in the morning. It is found at a slightly lower dose in multivitamins. 

Precautions for use 

Dietary supplements for tanning are all contraindicated in pregnant women and breastfeeding women.

In any case, these regimens should be of short duration and should not last more than 3 months maximum. 

For certain populations, beta-carotene supplementation is contraindicated or requires medical advice.

This particularly concerns people who smoke or former smokers, people with specific health conditions, and people taking cholesterol-lowering medications, retinoids (acne, psoriasis …), or oral contraceptives.

If this applies to you, I encourage you to favor dietary sources of beta-carotene.  

Tyrosine can interact with certain treatments or medical conditions, notably thyroid disorders and medications for Parkinson’s disease. 

Borage oil can interact with medications (separate dosing from other treatments by at least one hour) and should be used with caution in people with liver disorders. 

In summary

To make sure you choose quality sun supplements, check:

1. Form : choose capsules or softgels rather than drinkable ampoules
2. Origin: prefer plant-based supplements
3. Dosage : do not exceed 2 to 10 mg of carotenoids per day and for a short period
4. Precautions for use: there are contraindications if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, a smoker or ex-smoker, or receiving certain treatments… always seek medical advice.

---

OUR CHOICE

---

BEST VALUE FOR MONEY

---

BEST SUN GUMMIES

---

When you purchase the selected products, a commission may be paid to us to support the site, compensate our writers, and ensure quality information for you. This does not affect prices.