Sunscreen has had a glow-up. What once came in the form of thick, chalky lotion now comes in bottles, sticks, mists and even as gummies and capsules. Yes, edible sunscreen is having a moment. But can you really chew your way to UV protection, or is this just wellness-world wishful thinking?

So… What Is Edible Sunscreen?

Edible sunscreen isn’t some new-age cocktail you rub on toast. It usually comes in capsules, drinks, powders or jelly-like vitamins, packed with antioxidants and plant extracts that promise to protect your skin from the inside out. Instead of forming a physical barrier like traditional SPF, these aim to boost your body’s natural resistance to UV damage. "Dermatologists have been prescribing these for years now; we call them antioxidants and oral-photoprotectants," says Dr Madhuri Agarwal, Celebrity Dermatologist and Founder, Yavana Aesthetics Clinic. She further explains that the edible sunscreen contains skin-loving ingredients like Lutein, Beta Carotene, Vitamin C, E, and Nicotinamide, which help reduce sun-induced skin damage, oxidative stress and inflammation, and support conditions like Melasma, Lichen Planus, and other photo-damage conditions.

But… Does It Actually Work?

Short answer: kind of. Edible sunscreen can help support your skin, especially if you’re spending a lot of time in the sun, but it’s not a magic pill. "The SPF and sun-protection capabilities in oral sunscreen are not measured. So, we don't know how much protection you're getting. It is just going to cut down the damage," explains Dr Agarwal.

In other words, you can’t pop a gummy and go roasting in the midday sun expecting to come out bronzed and unburned. But these ingredients can reduce inflammation, support skin repair, and even help with long-term sun damage—especially when used alongside your regular SPF. "I do prescribe oral sunscreen and it's a great add-on for people with photo-sensitive skin issues but the topical application of sunscreen is non-negotiable. So, use both together, and not one," she adds.

Should You Try It?

If you’re already into wellness, skincare, or just love a trendy supplement, edible sunscreen might be worth a shot. At worst, you’re getting a solid dose of antioxidants. At best, you’re giving your skin some much-needed support for those rooftop brunches and beach weekends. Just don’t ditch the sunscreen bottle altogether. That stuff still does the heavy lifting.