Ingesting tan drops containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA) or erythrulose is not supported by scientific evidence for safety or efficacy, and carries unknown health risks.
The desire for a sun-kissed glow without sun exposure is completely understandable, and the market has responded with a range of sunless tanning products. Among the newer trends are “drinking tan drops,” which claim to tint your skin from the inside out. It’s natural to wonder about the science and safety behind such a novel approach.
What Are Drinking Tan Drops, Exactly?
Drinking tan drops are ingestible supplements marketed to produce a gradual tanning effect on the skin. These products typically contain active ingredients like dihydroxyacetone (DHA) or erythrulose, often combined with other compounds such as vitamins, antioxidants, or fruit extracts.
The core premise is that by ingesting these substances, they will be absorbed into the bloodstream and then distributed throughout the body, interacting with skin cells to create a tanned appearance. This differs fundamentally from how traditional topical self-tanners work.
The Science of Skin Tanning: Topical vs. Ingested
To understand the safety of drinking tan drops, it helps to distinguish how tanning agents interact with the body. Topical self-tanners, primarily containing DHA, react with amino acids in the dead cells of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of your skin. This chemical reaction, known as the Maillard reaction, produces melanoidins, which are brown pigments that temporarily stain the skin’s surface.
This process is localized and generally does not involve systemic absorption into the bloodstream. In contrast, drinking tan drops propose a systemic mechanism, where the active ingredients are absorbed through the digestive tract and then transported throughout the body to reach the skin cells from within. This fundamental difference raises significant questions about how these compounds behave once inside the body.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): An FDA-Approved Ingredient (for External Use)
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the most common active ingredient in sunless tanning products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved DHA for external application to the skin. This approval is specific to its use in lotions, creams, and sprays where it interacts only with the surface layer of dead skin cells.
The FDA’s approval for DHA explicitly states that it is “not approved for use on areas of the body covered by mucous membranes, such as the lips, nose, or eyes, or for ingestion.” This distinction is critical. When applied topically, DHA’s interaction is limited to the skin’s surface. When ingested, it enters the digestive system and potentially the bloodstream, leading to systemic exposure.
The Lack of Ingestion Studies
Despite the widespread use of DHA in topical products, there is a significant absence of scientific research and clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of ingesting DHA or erythrulose. Medical and scientific communities have not conducted comprehensive studies on how these compounds are metabolized internally, their effects on internal organs, or their long-term health implications when consumed orally.
Without such studies, any claims of safety or effectiveness for drinking tan drops are unsubstantiated. The lack of data means that consumers are essentially participating in an uncontrolled experiment, with unknown risks.
Potential Risks and Unknowns of Ingesting Tanning Agents
Ingesting any substance not approved for internal use carries inherent risks, especially when there’s no scientific data to back its safety. For drinking tan drops, these potential risks stem from the systemic exposure of compounds like DHA and erythrulose.
Here are some of the primary concerns:
- Systemic Absorption and Distribution: Once ingested, DHA or erythrulose could be absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. The effects of these compounds on internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or digestive system, are entirely unknown.
- Genotoxicity and Mutagenicity: Some in vitro (test tube) studies on DHA have raised concerns about its potential genotoxic or mutagenic effects, meaning it could potentially damage DNA or cause mutations. While these studies were not conducted on ingested forms in living organisms, the possibility of such effects warrants caution when considering systemic exposure.
- Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities: Even if not directly harmful to organs, ingesting these compounds could trigger systemic allergic reactions or sensitivities in some individuals, manifesting as skin rashes, digestive upset, or other adverse responses.
- Interactions with Medications: There is no information regarding how ingested tanning agents might interact with prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or other supplements. Such interactions could alter drug efficacy or increase side effects.
- Quality Control and Ingredient Purity: Many ingestible tan drops are sold as dietary supplements, a category that lacks stringent pre-market regulation by the FDA. This means there’s less oversight on manufacturing practices, ingredient purity, concentration, and potential contaminants.
| Feature | Topical DHA (Creams, Sprays) | Ingested DHA (Tan Drops) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Reacts with dead skin cells on surface (stratum corneum). | Proposed systemic absorption via digestive tract. |
| FDA Approval | Approved for external use, with caveats. | Not approved for ingestion; explicitly advised against. |
| Scientific Studies | Extensive research on topical safety and efficacy. | Virtually no human clinical studies on ingestion safety. |
| Exposure | Localized to skin surface. | Systemic exposure to internal organs. |
Unregulated Market Concerns
The market for dietary supplements, which often includes products like drinking tan drops, operates under different regulatory standards than pharmaceuticals. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety and labeling accuracy of their products before they are marketed, but the FDA does not approve dietary supplements before they are sold. This means that products can be on the market without prior review of their safety or claims.
This regulatory landscape increases the risk of inconsistent ingredient concentrations, contamination with unlisted substances, or misleading claims about efficacy and safety. Consumers rely heavily on manufacturer integrity, which can vary widely.
What the Experts Say (and Don’t Say)
Leading health organizations and dermatology experts generally advise against the use of ingestible tanning products. The American Academy of Dermatology Association, for instance, recommends topical self-tanners as a safer alternative to UV tanning, but does not endorse or recommend any ingestible products for tanning. This stance reflects the lack of scientific evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of such products when consumed orally.
The absence of endorsement from established medical bodies underscores the significant unknowns and potential risks associated with drinking tan drops. When medical experts remain silent on a product’s safety, it often indicates a lack of sufficient data to deem it safe for public use.
Safer Alternatives for a Sunless Glow
For those seeking a sunless tan, several well-established and safer alternatives exist. These options rely on topical application of DHA, which has a proven safety record for external use.
- Topical Self-Tanning Lotions, Creams, and Gels: These products allow for controlled application and a gradual tan. They are widely available and come in various formulations to suit different skin types and desired tan depths.
- Self-Tanning Foams and Mousses: Often easier to apply evenly, these provide a quick-drying and streak-free finish. They are popular for achieving a natural-looking tan at home.
- Professional Spray Tans: Applied by trained technicians in salons, professional spray tans offer a uniform, streak-free tan. During application, it’s important to protect eyes, nose, and mouth to avoid inhalation or mucous membrane exposure, consistent with FDA guidance.
- Tanning Wipes and Serums: Convenient for on-the-go application or for targeting smaller areas, these offer flexibility in achieving a sunless glow.
| Option | Key Benefit | Application Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Topical Lotions/Creams | Gradual, controlled color; moisturizing. | Apply evenly to clean, exfoliated skin; wash hands after. |
| Foams/Mousses | Quick-drying, streak-free, often tinted for guidance. | Use a tanning mitt for smooth application. |
| Professional Spray Tans | Even, full-body coverage; immediate results. | Protect eyes, nose, mouth; follow salon guidelines. |
The Bottom Line on Drinking Tan Drops
The appeal of achieving a tan simply by taking drops is understandable, but the science and regulatory landscape paint a clear picture. Drinking tan drops containing ingredients like DHA or erythrulose lack scientific backing for their safety and efficacy when ingested. The FDA has not approved these ingredients for internal use and explicitly advises against it.
Given the significant unknowns regarding systemic absorption, potential health risks to internal organs, and the unregulated nature of many such products, exercising caution is prudent. Sticking to well-researched, FDA-approved topical sunless tanning methods remains the safest way to achieve a sun-kissed look without compromising your health.
References & Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “U.S. Food and Drug Administration” Provides regulatory information on cosmetics and ingredients like DHA.
- American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). “American Academy of Dermatology Association” Offers expert guidance on skin health, including sunless tanning.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.