Are Tanning Gummies Safe? An Honest Australian Guide
By Flexies Team
Fair question, and the one we get asked the most. The TL;DR: for most healthy adults taking the labelled serve, yes, with one caveat for smokers we cover below. Carotenoid tanning gummies aren't a knockoff diet pill or a chemical bronzer in a capsule. They're plant pigments your body already handles every time you eat a carrot, sweet potato or piece of salmon.
That said, 'tanning gummies' is a category, and not all formulas are equal. Here's the honest safety breakdown, what's in them, who should be cautious, and what to actually look out for.
What's actually in a good tanning gummy
Start with a complete per-serve panel rather than one hero number. Beta carotene is an orange-gold pigment, lycopene is red, astaxanthin is reddish-pink, and lutein and zeaxanthin are golden-yellow.
Sun Kissed lists all five, plus L-tyrosine and supporting nutrients, with a two-gummy daily serve. It also carries specific smoker, pregnancy and breastfeeding guidance.
The safety profile (the actual answer)
Beta carotene and astaxanthin have both been studied in humans, but that does not make every dose or combination suitable for everyone. The product label and your health professional's advice take priority over a general article.
High, prolonged beta carotene intake can cause a yellow-orange skin tint. If that happens, stop taking the supplement and speak with a health professional rather than trying to diagnose it yourself.
Sun Kissed uses 25mg beta carotene as the lead pigment, alongside lycopene, astaxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin. Follow the two-gummy daily serve and all label warnings rather than taking extra.
Who should be cautious
Current and former smokers should speak with their GP before using beta carotene supplements. Sun Kissed's label says it is not suitable for smokers.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, follow the label and check with your GP or obstetrician before taking it.
Anyone on retinoid medication (oral isotretinoin etc.) should speak to their dermatologist first, as vitamin A pathways overlap.
Anyone with a known carotenoid allergy or rare condition like erythropoietic protoporphyria should speak to their specialist first.
What tanning gummies are NOT
They are not sunscreen. They give your skin a warmer tone but they do not protect you from UV damage. Wear SPF every single day, regardless. This is non-negotiable Australian life advice.
They are not melanotan injections. Melanotan (the injectable peptide some influencers post about) is a synthetic, unapproved substance with a real list of side effects. Carotenoid gummies are a completely different category.
They are not a weight-loss product. Anything marketed as 'tan and slim' has a bigger problem than its tanning ingredient.
Bottom line
The safest approach is the boring but useful one: read the full label, follow the daily serve, do not stack similar supplements without checking, and ask your GP when a warning applies to you.
Keep SPF and sun-safe habits unchanged. A tanning gummy can support a gradual warm-looking undertone, but it does not protect your skin from UV.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are tanning gummies safe to take daily?
Use only the labelled daily serve and follow every warning. Suitability depends on the formula and the person, so ask your GP if you smoke, previously smoked, are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or manage a health condition.
Are tanning gummies safe in Australia?
Check the complete Australian label, serving directions and warnings rather than assuming every product in the category is the same. Tanning gummies do not provide UV protection, so daily SPF still matters.
Can tanning gummies turn you orange?
Only at very high doses, and only the palms of your hands or soles of your feet.
High, prolonged beta carotene intake can cause a yellow-orange tint. Stop taking the supplement and speak with a health professional if you notice an unexpected colour change.
Who should check before taking tanning gummies?
Current and former smokers, anyone pregnant or breastfeeding, people taking medication and people managing a health condition should follow the label and check with their GP first.
Are tanning gummies the same as melanotan?
No, totally different. Melanotan is an injectable synthetic peptide with known side effects and isn't approved in Australia.
Tanning gummies are carotenoid-based supplements with a long safety record.
Related Reading
Do Tanning Gummies Actually Work? An Honest Review
You've seen them all over TikTok. But do tanning gummies actually deliver a golden glow, or is it just hype? Here's what's actually going on.
Tanning Gummies Dosage Guide: How to Read the Label
The ingredient list is only half the story. Here is how to read the serving size, amounts, directions and warnings without getting lost in hero-ingredient hype.
How Long Do Tanning Gummies Take to Work?
You've started taking tanning gummies and you're staring in the mirror every morning. Here's when you'll actually start seeing a difference.
Sources
- Cancer Council Australia: sunscreen and sun safety
- NIH: Carotenoids and skin colour
- PubMed: Astaxanthin safety assessment
General information only. It isn't medical advice — if you're managing a health condition or taking medication, check with your GP or pharmacist.