Best Solar Supplement: A Pharmacist’s Opinion (2025)

Best Dietary Supplement for Tanning: Our Opinion

Our Selection Criteria

• Form: the form in which the dietary supplement is presented.
• Clinical Study: whether a clinical study on effectiveness has been conducted on any of the ingredients used.
• Number of Actives: the number of ingredients contained in the sun supplement.
• Vegan: presence or absence of animal-derived ingredients.
• Price / Day: the price for 1 day of the regimen, with the brand’s recommended daily dose.
• Customer Reviews: this average of customer reviews on the brand comes from the lab’s site, review platforms, or marketplaces like Amazon.
• Our Opinion on the Brand: following tests of dietary supplement brands we conduct every month and analysis of 6 criteria such as transparency and expertise.

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

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BEST SUN SUPPLEMENT

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

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

Ce complément alimentaire contient du Mélaline^®, a keratin hydrolysate rich in melanin and copper, a particularly bioavailable form. It also contains grapefruit and rosemary extracts that reduce oxidative stress caused by UV, thereby protecting the skin

We like Nutri&Co because it is reliable and transparent (our complete opinion here). In addition, customer feedback is very positive. This brand is based in Aix en Provence and places particular importance on the quality of its product actives.

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

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BEST VALUE FOR MONEY

The sun supplement from Novoma brand is a more economical alternative.

This contains 7 actives with complementary virtues: natural carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals.

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

Novoma is a quality French brand offering supplements concentrated in actives, at controlled prices (read our complete test here).

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

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What are sun dietary supplements used for?

Faced with ultraviolet rays, the skin defends itself with thickening of the stratum corneum and the production of antioxidants and melanin, molecules capable of stopping some UV rays.

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 the sun and facilitate 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 for an extended period without medical advice. Moreover, they alone do not provide sufficient protection and should always be accompanied by regular application of sunscreen.  

How to prepare the skin for the sun? 

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 daily. 

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

Also, remember to hydrate your skin, both externally and internally! Carry a water bottle with you and drink regularly throughout the day.

Deeply hydrated skin helps cells regenerate and prolongs the tan.  

Daily gestures

Did you know that you can tan while being protected? No sunscreen 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 reasonably.

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 protection factor of 30 or more according to your skin. Ensure it is a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB.
• Reapply every 2 hours, and after every swim, even with a waterproof product! 
• Limit sun exposure, especially between 10 am and 4 pm, when its rays are strongest.   
• Do not forget the hat and CE certified sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays. Choose at least category 3 glasses, suitable for strong solar brightness (sea or mountains). 

What are the most effective ingredients?  

The carotenoids  

Beta-carotene 

The carrot is known for promoting a tanned complexion. The active principle responsible for its action is beta-carotene: it is this plant pigment that provides the red and orange color of fruits and vegetables.  

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

They are incorporated into many dietary supplements intended to prepare the skin for tanning, as they stimulate the production of melanin, responsible for skin pigmentation.  

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

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

Nevertheless, excessive consumption of antioxidants, especially if your diet is balanced and rich in antioxidants, can lead to harmful effects.

In smokers and former smokers, a meta-analysis highlighted that high-dose and 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 mainly found in tomatoes but is also present in other fruits and vegetables. 

Its consumption is believed to have a beneficial role in the prevention of certain cancers. A study showed a reduction in UV-induced sunburns following daily consumption of dietary lycopene for 10 weeks.

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

Borage oil

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 notably contains omega-6 fatty acids 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 improvement in skin quality.  

Vitamin E and Selenium 

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

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

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

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

It helps to preserve skin suppleness and hydration.  

A study concluded that taking several antioxidant molecules concomitantly provides skin protection against solar radiation.  

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 it notably participates in the production of melanin. 

It has an antioxidant action and thus acts on cellular aging. It is generally found in combination in dietary supplements for tanning.  

In what form?  

In capsules  

Capsules are hard-shell capsules made of gelatin. Check for the absence of artificial colorings and preservatives like sodium benzoate and citric acid, which cause gastrointestinal issues.  

I advise you to avoid drinkable ampoules for tanning preparation, as these often contain active ingredients diluted with water and flavors, and are less effective.  

In soft capsules  

Soft capsules contain liquid forms or oils. The airtight seal of the capsules allows protection of the active ingredients and better preservation. 

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

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

Choose capsules of vegetable or marine origin, without additives or added sugar.  

Criteria to consider  

Active ingredient origin  

The market for tanning preparers and accelerators contains a large majority of chemically derived products. These forms are not recommended, especially in the long term.  

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

As for borage oil, choose a 100% pure and natural oil, obtained by first cold pressing, without any chemical treatment. This information can be found on the back of the box. 

Dosage   

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

It is advised not to exceed these doses 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 dosage is generally 500 mg of L-tyrosine per day to be taken preferably in the morning. It is found slightly less dosed in multivitamins. 

Precautions for use 

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

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

For some populations, beta-carotene supplementation is contraindicated or requires a medical opinion.

This primarily concerns smokers or former smokers, people with a specific health condition, people taking lipid-lowering medications or retinoids (acne, psoriasis, etc.) or oral contraceptives.

If this is your case, I invite you to favor dietary sources of beta-carotene.  

Tyrosine may interact with certain treatments or conditions, particularly thyroid disorders and medications for Parkinson’s disease. 

Borage oil may interact with medications (allow at least one hour between taking it and other treatments) and should be used with caution by individuals with liver disorders. 

To summarize

To ensure you choose quality sun supplements, check:

1. Form: opt for capsules or soft gels rather than drinkable vials
2. Origin: prefer supplements of plant origin
3. Dosage: do not exceed 2 to 10 mg of carotenoids per day and for a short duration
4. Usage precautions: there are contraindications if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, a smoker or former smoker, under certain treatments…always seek medical advice.

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OUR CHOICE

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BEST VALUE FOR MONEY

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BEST SOLAR GUMMIES

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