Can You Eat Your Sunscreen?
No, But These Five Supplements Can Enhance Its Effectiveness
Oral sunscreen supplements have been all the rage lately, but can you effectively get sun protection from the inside out?
20 February 2025
Share this exclusive content from Saladplate
Photo Credit: Envato Elements
First of all, the answer is no.
Oral sunscreens are no replacement for sunscreens that create a physical barrier between your skin and the harmful UV rays emitted from the sun. Sun creams, sunblocks, sun lotions – however you wish to call them, will never not be essential.
That being said, oral sunscreen supplements can enhance and in a way, prolong the effects of sunscreens, while at the same time brightening and improving the tone and texture of the skin. “They are not meant to replace topical sunscreens, but rather to reduce the risk of sunburn and UV-induced damage to the skin,” says dermatologist Dr. Coni Liu of DermAlly Specialist Skin Clinic and Surgery. “You still need to apply the topical sunscreen for UV protection, then add on oral sunscreen for extra protection. I find them particularly useful for situations where you’ll get high UV or prolonged UV exposure where you may not have time to reapply the sunscreen or apply to all the areas on the body.”
Photo Credit: Envato Elements
There are key ingredients in oral sunscreen supplements that work to improve overall sun protection. One such ingredient is polypodium leucotomos, which comes from a tropical fern native to the Americas. A study in the US titled “Safety and Efficacy of Oral Polypodium leucotomos Extract in Healthy Adult Subjects reported that participants experienced a decrease in the number of sunburn episodes and lesser skin erythema (redness) when exposed to the sun after taking the extract orally.
Another key ingredient is Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that naturally occurs in the body. Benefits include supporting general immunity and breaking down free radicals. It can be taken orally as well as L-glutathione (a more processed form) with a study from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia stating “L-glutathione also reduced the oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant levels and preventing lipid peroxidation activity. Hence, it could protect the skin from photodamage and has potential as a natural alternative agent for photoprotection.”
Finally, many oral sunscreen supplements also contain white tomato, which contains powerful carotenoids’ phytoene and phytofluene that have strong skin rejuvenating properties. These antioxidants have been shown to combat inflammation, hyperpigmentation and premature ageing caused by UV. Studies have shown that these elements make white tomato a powerful ingredient in many sun-protecting products.
Here are five brands bringing these ingredients and more to the market, enabling users to extend and enhance the life of their sunscreens by popping a pill (or sachet) a day.
Photo Credit: Heliocare
1. Heliocare Luminance by Heliocare (Spain)
Globally recognised as one of the premier oral supplements for sun protection, Heliocare is made by Cantabria Labs in Spain and is available around the world. The company has worked with Harvard Medical School for over 12 years researching the ingredients and studying the efficacy of the product. Its star ingredient is its patented Fernblock, an extract of Polypodium Leucotomos that acts on all four types of radiation that damage the skin (UVA, UVB, visible and infrared) and can cause hyperpigmentation and premature skin ageing. Their star product, Heliocare Luminance also contains ingredients such as Glutathione to remove visible spots, Rosemary Extract to neutralise free radicals and Nicotinamide to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. Combined they help to fade discolouration in the skin while improving fine lines and wrinkles. The brand carries a range of oral products with the latest being a product for children aged four and above that comes in a powder that can be dissolved in drinks. The Heliocare 360 Junior Oral Sticks help to activate the skin’s immune defences during and after sun exposure, inhibit DNA damage to skin cells and reduce sun-induced allergic skin reactions.
Photo Credit: Vida Glow
2. Luminous by Vida Glow (Australia)
Created in Australia in 2014, Vida Glow’s supplement success has been built around their Natural Marine Collagen range which features a peptide powder that stimulates collagen production. Their Luminous Capsules contain two ingredients designed to brighten and protect the skin. Nano-bright(™) contains an advanced liposomal nano-glutathione with a 90% absorption rate and which enters the blood stream at higher levels for brighter skin and faster results. Their Phyto-Protect ingredient is a herbal complex that contains lemon verbena extract, rosemary, olive and Sophora japonica extract that protects the skin against oxidative stress and reduces its inflammatory responses, protecting the skin from harmful UV rays.
Photo Credit: Kyor
3. Outglow – Radiance Tri-Factor™ Jelly by Kyor (Singapore)
A relatively new product on the scene from Singapore brand Kyor, Outglow – Radiance Tri-Factor Jelly is manufactured in Taiwan and available around the region. Their signature jelly is packed with eight active ingredients formulated to repair, rejuvenate and protect the skin while triggering skin regeneration and acting as an oral sunscreen to prevent premature ageing. This is done through a signature, patented nano-molecule Marine Collagen Peptide that features collagen that is said to be up to fifteen times more absorbable than standard Japanese options, as well as White Tomato, sourced from Denmark, that contains Colourless Carotenoids which help protect the skin from UV radiation and environmental stressors. This ingredient is believed to reduce the appearance of age spots and hyperpigmentation. Finally, the inclusion of L-Gluthatione from Japan in the form of fermented Torula Yeast Extract, is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals while also helping to regenerate and restore new skin cells for a brighter complexion.
Photo Credit: Astalift
4. Whiteshield by Astalift (Japan)
A beauty brand created by a leading film company makes oddly good sense, and Fujifilm’s commitment to Astalift has resulted in many proprietary advancements in the brand’s history. Leveraging on the company’s technology and research, Astalift is well-known for its skincare, makeup and supplements ranges both in Japan and beyond. One such area has been in the research of UV protection technology, evidenced in their product Whiteshield which contains Astaxanthin, which belongs to the carotenoids family and is a known antioxidant. Taken regularly, it’s been shown to reduce redness caused by UV exposure and suppress the loss of moisture in the skin that can be caused by UV exposure. Whiteshield comes in either a capsule supplement or a drink, however capsules contain a higher dose of astaxanthin (6mg versus 4mg).
Photo Credit: Kyor
5. Sunshield Brilliant White Tomato(™) plus Vitamin C by LAC Taut (Singapore)
With a global presence in countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, China, Japan, Vietnam, USA, Central & South Americas, and the Middle East, LAC (which stands for Leader in Antioxidative Control) is a wellness supplement brand based in Singapore. Its LAC Taut(R) Sunshield contains 1000 mg of Brilliant White Tomato(™) which is Golden Tomato powder, an ingredient proven to have a high UV-absorbency. The supplement also contains vitamin C which is a potent antioxidant that brightens and tones the skin while combating free radicals. The product features no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives and is suitable for vegetarians. Used in tandem with a good sunscreen, LAC Taut Sunshield can help to fight ageing caused by sun exposure, protect against sunburn and hyperpigmentation, relieve skin sensitivity and even out skin tone.
Author: Karen Fong
Karen Fong is a Singapore-based writer and editor who has previously spent time in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Canada. She writes parenting, lifestyle and travel content and has worked with publications including The Singapore Women’s Weekly, DestinAsian, Travel+Leisure Southeast Asia and Prestige Hong Kong.
