Oral Sunscreens: Can Pills Protect Your Skin from the Sun?

Have you ever wondered if you could protect your skin not just from the outside but also from within? Oral sunscreens are gaining attention worldwide as supplements to strengthen skin defense. However, they might not be a replacement for normal sunscreens but could be a supplement that people can add to their skincare regime.

In an ongoing discussion post made on MedBound Hub by Nosheen, a dual-degree MBA (Pharmaceutical Management) and Bachelor in Pharmacy, she said "oral sunscreens can protect your skin from the inside out.”

Oral sunscreens are dietary supplements designed to help the skin defend itself from UV damage. They contain plant-derived antioxidants and carotenoids that neutralize free radicals generated by sun exposure. Instead of blocking UV rays on the surface like traditional creams, they work systemically, from the inside out, to reduce inflammation, pigmentation, and long-term photoaging.

Nosheen mentioned, "They’re meant to complement and not replace topical sunscreens, making them ideal for sun-sensitive individuals seeking added defense in high-exposure environments.”

Oral sunscreens typically rely on a few key ingredients that help protect the skin from UV damage from within. Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE), a standardized fern leaf extract, is rich in polyphenols that neutralize free radicals, reduce UV-induced erythema, and support DNA repair mechanisms. ¹

Carotenoids, including lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, lycopene, and beta-carotene, act as potent antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress, decrease inflammation, and enhance the skin’s resistance to sunburn. ²

Finally, omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA, derived from fish oil or algae, help modulate inflammatory responses in the skin and mitigate UV-induced damage. ³

A research called Effectiveness of an Oral Supplement Containing Polypodium Leucotomos in Enhancing Sun Protection found that taking Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE) orally helped increase the skin’s tolerance to UV rays and reduced redness in fair-skinned individuals. ¹

Another study: Efficacy of Oral Polypodium Leucotomos Extract in Reducing the Damaging Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation showed that a 60-day course of oral PLE was safe and helped protect skin cells from UV-induced damage. Together, these studies suggest that PLE can act as a scientifically backed ally in sun protection, supporting skin health from the inside out. ⁴

One of the users on the platform Dr. Deepika, BDS, and is currently making a transition towards the pharmaceutical industry also commented, "Unlike topical sunscreens (creams, lotions, gels), they work through antioxidants or plant extracts that reduce UV-induced damage, but they are not a full substitute for SPF creams."

Experts caution that oral sunscreens should always be paired with SPF creams for complete protection. They are best used as adjuncts, not substitutes. Some formulations may also have contraindications, particularly for individuals with plant extract allergies or those who are pregnant, so professional guidance is recommended.

1. Golite OSP Oral Sun Protection Capsules

2. Nushield Advanced Oral UV Protection Tablet

3. UV Check Tablets

4. Radiplex Defence Oral Sunscreen Capsules

5. O Screen Tablets

6. Skin Protect by Setu Nutrition

7. Sun Guard Capsules by U16 Ultimate Beauty

References

1. Hussain, Aamir, Sach Thakker, and Noreen Galaria. “Effectiveness of an Oral Supplement Containing Polypodium leucotomos in Enhancing Sun Protection: A Clinical Evaluation of Minimal Erythema Dose Pre- and Post-Consumption.” Journal of Medicinal Food, 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40095119/

2. González, Carmen, et al. “Safety and Efficacy of Oral Polypodium leucotomos Extract in Reducing the Damaging Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation.” Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2015. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25741399/

3. Pilkington, Suzanne M., et al. “Randomized Controlled Trial of Oral Omega-3 PUFA in Solar-Simulated Radiation-Induced Suppression of Human Cutaneous Immune Responses.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 97, no. 3 (2013): 646–652. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23364005/

4. Nestor, Mark S., Brian Berman, and Nicole Swenson. "Safety and Efficacy of Oral Polypodium leucotomos Extract in Healthy Adult Subjects." Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 8, no. 2 (2015): 19–23. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4345929/.

5. World Health Organization. “Ultraviolet Radiation and the INTERSUN Programme.” WHO. Accessed September 20, 2025. https://www.who.int/health-topics/ultraviolet-radiation.

_MSM