The Unregulated World of Tanning Gummies
Tanning gummies and pills are marketed as a convenient way to achieve a sun-kissed glow without exposure to harmful UV radiation. However, these products exist in a largely unregulated space. The FDA does not approve any pills or gummies for the purpose of tanning [1.4.2, 1.4.4]. This lack of regulation means the ingredients, their quantities, and the manufacturing standards are not verified, posing potential risks to consumers [1.6.2]. While some ingredients might be approved for other uses, like as food colorants, the high doses found in tanning supplements are not considered safe [1.3.5, 1.6.4]. Dermatologists warn that the potential risks associated with these products, such as liver damage, often outweigh any cosmetic benefits [1.3.1].
Key Ingredients and Their Associated Risks
The primary mechanism of most tanning supplements involves the ingestion of color additives that accumulate in the body. These pigments deposit in the skin, creating a color change that is often more orange than a natural tan [1.2.2, 1.6.2].
- Canthaxanthin: This is a common color additive in tanning pills [1.4.2]. While the FDA approves it in very small amounts for food coloring, it is not approved as a tanning agent [1.3.6, 1.4.4]. Ingesting the high doses required for skin color change is considered unsafe and can lead to a host of serious side effects [1.3.4]. These include liver damage, hives, gastrointestinal issues like cramping and diarrhea, and a serious blood disorder called aplastic anemia [1.2.3]. One of the most alarming side effects is canthaxanthin retinopathy, where yellow crystals form in the retina, potentially causing vision impairment or loss [1.2.2, 1.2.7]. These crystals can remain for years even after stopping the supplement [1.6.3].
- Beta-Carotene: Another carotenoid used in these products, beta-carotene can also cause the skin to turn yellow or orange, a condition known as carotenemia [1.5.5, 1.5.7]. While generally considered safe in food, high-dose supplements carry risks. For smokers or those exposed to asbestos, high doses of beta-carotene have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer [1.5.1, 1.5.4].
- L-Tyrosine: Some tanning supplements, often called "tanning accelerators," contain the amino acid L-tyrosine [1.7.1]. Marketers claim it stimulates the body's melanin production, but the FDA considers these unapproved new drugs with no proof of effectiveness [1.4.1, 1.7.3]. Taking too much tyrosine can be toxic, leading to side effects like increased blood pressure, nausea, anxiety, and migraine headaches [1.6.4].
- Astaxanthin: This pigment is also found in some tanning formulas. It has been associated with gastrointestinal side effects like abdominal pain and diarrhea [1.3.1, 1.7.2]. While some research suggests it may help absorb UV rays, it is not a substitute for sunscreen [1.2.1, 1.7.5].
Comparison of Tanning Methods
| Method | Active Ingredient(s) | FDA Approval Status | Key Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanning Gummies/Pills | Canthaxanthin, Beta-Carotene, Tyrosine | Not Approved for tanning [1.4.4] | Liver damage, canthaxanthin retinopathy (eye damage), aplastic anemia, digestive issues, unnatural orange skin color [1.2.3, 1.6.2]. |
| Topical Self-Tanners | Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) | Approved for external application [1.3.2, 1.4.6] | Generally safe for external use. Inhalation should be avoided. Does not provide UV protection [1.6.1]. |
| Tanning Beds | UV Radiation | Regulated by FDA as radiation-emitting products | Significantly increases risk of all types of skin cancer, including melanoma [1.6.1]. |
Long-Term Health Concerns
The risks of tanning gummies are not just temporary. The active ingredients can be deposited in various organs, not just the skin [1.6.2]. Canthaxanthin has been found to accumulate in the liver, potentially causing irreversible damage [1.2.7]. Furthermore, deposits in the eye can take up to seven years to resolve after discontinuing the product [1.3.7]. There has been at least one reported fatality linked to aplastic anemia after taking canthaxanthin tanning pills [1.6.3]. Given these serious, long-term health consequences, dermatologists and health organizations strongly advise against their use [1.3.1, 1.6.1]. These products also offer no protection from the sun's UV rays, creating a false sense of security [1.3.1].
Conclusion: A Risk Not Worth Taking
Tanning gummies and pills promise a simple path to a tan but come with a significant list of potential side effects and serious long-term health risks. They are not approved by the FDA for tanning, and their main ingredients, particularly canthaxanthin, have been linked to severe conditions including liver damage, a fatal blood disorder, and permanent vision problems [1.2.3, 1.6.3]. The resulting color is often an unnatural orange, concentrated in areas like the palms and soles [1.6.2]. Safer, FDA-approved alternatives for achieving a tan, such as topical self-tanners containing DHA, are available and recommended by health professionals [1.6.1]. Ultimately, the potential for irreversible harm far outweighs the cosmetic goal of achieving a tan through these unapproved and unsafe supplements.
For more information on cosmetic product safety, you can visit the FDA's official page on Tanning Pills.
