18/11/2025
I’ve had a lot of questions recently about oral “skin tanners” - tablets, drops or gummies that promise a glow from the inside out.
Most of these use either:
🟠 Colouring agents (often carotenoids) that build up in the skin and can tint it a yellow-orange tone.
⚠️ Hormone-type substances - often unlicensed products related to melanotan, which mimic a natural tanning hormone and tell your pigment cells to make more melanin.
The issue? None of these products are authorised by medicines regulators as safe or effective ways to tan, the dose and quality can be very unpredictable, and we don’t have good long-term safety data. There are also case reports of mole changes, eye and liver issues.
Your natural skin tone is healthy and normal. The best thing you can do for your skin is to protect it - daily SPF, avoiding unnecessary UV, and regular mole/skin checks. If you do want the look of a tan, bottled fake tan is the safer option, but it never replaces sunscreen.
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Disclaimer:
This content is for general information and education only and is not personal medical advice. Please speak to your GP or a dermatologist if you have any concerns about tanning products, moles or your skin health.
