Canthaxanthin: Uses, Safety, and What You Need to Know

Canthaxanthin is a natural pigment found in some plants, seafood, and algae. People use it as a food color, a supplement, and sometimes for tanning. It gives an orange to red color to foods and to the skin when taken in high doses. That sounds handy, but there are safety points to keep in mind.

What does it do? In foods, canthaxanthin makes products look richer. In animal feed it helps give egg yolks and farmed salmon a desirable color. As a supplement, some people take it hoping for a tanned look without sun. The skin change is caused by pigment depositing under the skin, not by increased melanin or sun protection.

Is it safe? At low levels used in food, regulators in many countries consider it safe. Problems have appeared when people take large doses for tanning. High-dose use has been linked to crystal deposits in the retina that can affect vision, and to digestive upset and skin discoloration. If you rely on supplements for tanning, know the risk: the color can be uneven and the eye effects may be serious.

Are there rules? Yes. Many food agencies set strict daily limits for canthaxanthin intake. Supplements marketed for tanning are banned or restricted in some countries because of safety concerns. Always check local rules and product labels before buying anything that contains canthaxanthin.

How people use it

Home tanning pills are the most controversial use. People take several hundred milligrams a day to reach a noticeable skin tone. That far exceeds what you get from food. Some use it for cosmetic reasons before events or vacations. Others use it in low doses as a dye in supplements and pet foods. Remember: cosmetic benefit comes with measurable risks.

Who should avoid canthaxanthin

Avoid high-dose canthaxanthin if you have any eye problems or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. People with liver disease or digestive issues should be cautious. Children should not use tanning pills. If you take medications, check with a pharmacist or doctor about interactions. When in doubt, stop the product and ask a clinician.

How to reduce risk: prefer foods with natural coloring at legal levels. Don’t experiment with tanning pills. Read labels and choose products from reputable sellers. If you notice visual changes, such as blurred vision, spots, or color changes, stop taking the product and seek medical advice quickly.

Bottom line: Canthaxanthin is useful as a food color and occurs naturally in some foods, but using it for fast tanning or in high doses carries real risks. Use caution, follow local guidance, and talk to a healthcare professional before trying supplements that promise a skin tan.

If you want a safer tan, consider self-tanning lotions or sprays that contain dihydroxyacetone. These give color on the skin surface and do not carry the pigment-deposit risks of canthaxanthin. Test a small area first and follow the product instructions for best, even results. Ask a dermatologist if you are unsure.