As awareness of sun and UV protection grows, “oral photoprotection” supplements also known as edible sunscreen are gaining rapid attention. These products support the skin’s natural defense from within and complement topical sunscreens, offering consumers a convenient, multifunctional solution for daily protection.

Moreover, advanced natural extract technologies and high-performance antioxidants have been combined into new formulations that help reduce DNA damage, provide stronger anti-inflammatory effects, and combat oxidative stress more effectively. These innovations have driven “oral sun protection supplements” to become rising stars in the nutricosmetics category in recent years.

What benefits do oral sun-protection vitamins provide?

1. Helps reduce skin inflammation after sun exposure (Anti-inflammatory effect).

• Sunlight—especially UVB rays—can cause skin inflammation, redness, burning, and sunburn.
• Oral sun-protection vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin E, astaxanthin, lycopene, and Polypodium leucotomos extract have properties that reduce cytokines and prostaglandins, which are inflammatory mediators, helping the skin recover more quickly.
• A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2015) found that taking Polypodium leucotomos extract helped reduce sunburn by up to 50% compared to the group that did not take the supplement.

2. Helps reduce melanin production and dark spots (Anti-melanogenesis)

• Sunlight stimulates melanocytes to produce more melanin, leading to melasma, freckles, and uneven skin tone.
• Vitamin C, L-Cystine, Glutathione, and Astaxanthin play a role in inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is a key enzyme in the melanin-production process.
• A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science (2019) found that individuals who consumed vitamins C and E together for eight consecutive weeks showed a significant reduction in their melanin index.

3. Enhances skin protection against UVA/UVB rays (Photoprotection)

• Vitamins cannot replace sunscreen, but they can enhance your skin’s protection from within.
• Compounds such as beta-carotene, lycopene, astaxanthin, and polyphenols from green tea or grapes help reduce oxidative stress in the skin and protect cellular DNA from UV-induced damage.
• Research published in Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences (2020) reported that taking 4 mg of astaxanthin daily for 9 weeks significantly increased the skin’s Minimal Erythema Dose (MED), indicating improved tolerance to UV exposure.

4. Helps repair skin cells and slow down sun-induced aging (Anti-photoaging)

• Sun exposure causes the skin to lose collagen and elastin, leading to the formation of wrinkles.
• Oral sun-protection supplements such as Astaxanthin, Coenzyme Q10, Collagen Peptide, and Grape Seed Extract help reduce collagen degradation (by inhibiting MMP-1) and promote new collagen production.
• A study published in the Carotenoid Science Journal (2012) found that Astaxanthin has antioxidant activity 100 times stronger than Vitamin E and can effectively reduce photo-induced wrinkles.

5. Helps promote healthy, radiant, and glowing skin from within (Skin Brightening & Radiance)

• When free-radical damage is reduced, blood circulation in the skin improves, making the complexion look more radiant, vibrant, and smoother.
• Vitamin C, zinc, and L-cystine naturally promote a brighter and clearer skin tone.
• Oral sun-protection vitamins also help reduce dryness and sun-damaged skin, keeping the skin hydrated, healthy, and resilient.

6. Strengthen the skin’s immune defense system.

• Sunlight can suppress the activity of immune cells in the skin, making the skin more susceptible to infections or irritation.
• Vitamin D, selenium, and zinc play key roles in strengthening the skin and reducing chronic inflammation.

Limitations of oral sun-protection vitamins

• Oral sun protection supplements cannot replace sunscreen; they should be used together.
• The selected product should have a verified manufacturing source, be FDA-approved, and not exceed the recommended intake.
• Pregnant women and individuals with underlying health conditions should consult a physician before consumption.

Maydi International, a manufacturer of oral sun-protection supplements (ingestible sunscreen vitamins).

If you’re looking for a one-stop OEM/ODM manufacturer for premium oral sun protection supplements, Maydi International is ready to support you with our R&D team and licensed pharmacists. We specialize in innovative UV-protection formulas powered by antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients to help defend the skin from UV damage.

Our services include packaging design, FDA registration, full-scale production, and quality control certified by SGS (GMP, ISO, HACCP) ensuring your brand launches safe, high-quality products with confidence.