The Science
The Science Behind Tanning Supplements with Natural Carotenoids & Pigments
Health, Claims & Compliance
At PurelyTanned, honesty, transparency, and scientific evidence are at the heart of everything we do. Our ingredients are carefully selected and extensively researched for their role in supporting a healthy, naturally warm skin tone. Below, you’ll find scientific studies that explore the effects of our key carotenoids.
The supplement market is highly competitive. Some brands make bold statements that fall outside strict EU regulations. PurelyTanned takes the opposite approach: we stay fully compliant and base all communication on reliable, peer-reviewed science.
We place great importance on transparency and regulatory compliance, ensuring our products meet the highest European quality standards. While we strongly believe in the benefits of our ingredients, EU guidelines limit the health claims we can legally make.
What We Can Say
PurelyTanned contains a unique blend of natural carotenoids: astaxanthin, lycopene, and beta-carotene.
These compounds have been studied for their role in skin pigmentation and their potential to contribute—together with natural sunlight exposure—to a deeper and longer-lasting skin tone.
Carotenoids as a nutritional support for skin appearance are widely recognized in scientific literature. Supplementation offers a simple way to consume these nutrients daily.
📖 Study:
“Fruit over sunbed: carotenoid skin colouration is found more attractive than melanin colouration”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25014019/
What the Science Says
Below is a collection of independent, peer-reviewed research on PurelyTanned’s primary carotenoids.
1. Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin—the pigment responsible for the pink color of salmon and flamingos—is a natural red carotenoid that accumulates in the skin. Research shows that regular intake can visibly influence skin tone and support a healthy, even complexion.
Studies:
“Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies”
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19390211.2020.1739187
2. Lycopene
Lycopene—a carotenoid found in tomatoes—gradually builds up in the skin and contributes to a warm, even tone. Studies suggest that lycopene interacts synergistically with sunlight exposure, potentially leading to richer, healthier-looking skin pigmentation.
Studies:
“Evidence for antioxidant nutrients-induced pigmentation in skin”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9285071/
“Effects of carotenoids and vitamins E and C on pigmentation of human melanocytes”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15452410/
“Beauty from within: Improvement of skin health and appearance with Lycomato”
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.15650
“Tomato and lycopene on UV-induced skin deterioration”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36606553/
3. Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene, found in carrots and other orange-yellow vegetables, is known for its skin-supporting and color-enhancing properties. It stores in the skin and contributes to a warm, healthy-looking glow—without relying on heavy UV exposure.
Study:
“The carotenoid beta-carotene enhances facial color, attractiveness and perceived health”
https://academic.oup.com/beheco/article-abstract/28/2/570/2990210
Regulatory Compliance
PurelyTanned fully complies with European regulations for nutrition and health claims. All communication stays within the guidelines set by EU authorities.
🔍 More information on permitted claims can be found in the EU Register of Nutrition and Health Claims.
If you have any questions or want more details about the research behind our formula, feel free to contact us anytime.