Beta Carotene

INCI: Beta-Carotene

What is it?

A carotenoid pigment and antioxidant, used both as an orally-ingested "sunless tan" agent and as a topical antioxidant in some formulations.

What does it do?

According to PubMed, a 2026 systematic review of self-tanning agents found that ingested carotenoids (including beta-carotene) accumulate in skin and subcutaneous fat, producing a yellow-orange cosmetic tint, but concluded that carotenoids "remain underresearched in human populations" for this use, with limited long-term safety and efficacy data -- an honestly-reported, still-thin evidence base rather than a validated topical-antioxidant or tanning claim.

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Sources

Insights into Tanning Biology and Tanning Products

Important disclaimer

This page provides general skincare information and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ingredient interactions and evidence summaries reflect published, cited sources — not a personal assessment of your skin. For medical skin conditions, rashes, pregnancy/lactation questions or persistent concerns, please consult a licensed dermatologist or HPCSA-registered practitioner.