Evidence supporting the use of: Canthaxanthin
For the health condition: Sunburn

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Canthaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment sometimes used as an oral tanning agent due to its ability to deposit in the skin and impart a bronze hue. Its use in sunburn prevention has a modest scientific basis. Some studies from the 1980s and 1990s investigated canthaxanthin’s potential to increase the skin’s tolerance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The rationale is that carotenoids, including canthaxanthin, may act as antioxidants and absorb UV light, thereby reducing the skin’s susceptibility to sunburn (erythema).

Clinical studies have shown a very modest increase in the minimal erythema dose (the amount of UV exposure needed to cause redness) in people who supplemented with canthaxanthin. For example, a few small trials found that several weeks of supplementation could slightly increase resistance to sunburn, but the effect was limited and much less than the protection provided by topical sunscreens or other carotenoids like beta-carotene. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other regulatory bodies do not endorse canthaxanthin for sunburn prevention due to limited efficacy and safety concerns, such as potential eye deposits (canthaxanthin retinopathy) with excessive use.

In sum, while there is some scientific investigation into canthaxanthin for sunburn prevention, the evidence is weak (rated 2/5), and it is not considered a reliable or recommended method for protecting skin from sunburn.

More about canthaxanthin
More about Sunburn

Other health conditions supported by canthaxanthin

Free Radical Damage
Sunburn

Products containing canthaxanthin

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.