From Anirva, the maker of Dermal Radiance. This article is general information, not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Beta-carotene is the pigment that makes carrots and sweet potatoes orange. The body turns it into vitamin A, a nutrient that skin needs every day. Here we look at what beta-carotene is and how it may work in skin, the human studies, how much is in Dermal Radiance, food sources and safety.
In this article
- Beta-carotene is a plant pigment that the body turns into vitamin A. Vitamin A supports cell growth and helps cells communicate. [1]
- Regulators accept the link between vitamin A and normal skin. In Europe, labels may say that vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin. [4]
- A review of seven human studies found less skin redness after UV light. The effect appeared after at least 10 weeks of beta-carotene by mouth. [5]
- One study in women over 50 found changes linked to collagen. After 90 days of beta-carotene, wrinkle and elasticity measures improved, and a marker of new collagen rose. [7]
- Dermal Radiance provides 1,506 mcg RAE of vitamin A, all as beta-carotene. That is 167% of the Daily Value. [8]
Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ingredient and form | Beta-carotene, a provitamin A carotenoid [1] |
| Amount in Dermal Radiance | 1,506 mcg RAE of vitamin A, all as beta-carotene — about 3 mg, by our calculation [8] |
| Amounts used in the skin studies | 8 mg to 90 mg a day, for 90 days to 12 weeks [6][7][9] |
| Kinds of evidence | Lab studies; a 2008 meta-analysis of 7 human studies; 3 additional human studies [3][5][6][7][9] |
| Human studies cited here | A meta-analysis of 7 studies, plus 3 further studies of 12 to 36 people each |
| Regulatory guidance | No upper limit set for beta-carotene; EU permits the claim that vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin [1][4] |
What Is Beta-Carotene?
Beta-carotene is a natural pigment made by plants. It belongs to the carotenoid family, along with lycopene and lutein. Carrots, sweet potatoes and winter squash are leading sources. [2]
Beta-carotene is called a provitamin A carotenoid, because the body can convert it into vitamin A. The conversion takes place in the intestine. [1]
How Might Beta-Carotene Work in Skin?
A source of vitamin A
Vitamin A supports cell growth and helps cells develop into their final form. [1]
Inside skin cells (lab studies)
In lab studies, human skin cells converted beta-carotene into forms of vitamin A. [3]
What Does the Research Show?
The research on beta-carotene and skin is still growing. Two reviews and three single studies give the clearest picture.
A 2008 review of seven studies
In 2008, researchers pooled the results of seven human studies of beta-carotene taken by mouth. Taken together, the studies showed less skin redness after UV light with beta-carotene. The effect appeared after at least 10 weeks, and it grew with each added month. [5]
A 2012 review also noted that several weeks are needed, because skin renews itself slowly. [10]
A 2000 study of carotenoids for 12 weeks
In 2000, healthy volunteers took 25 mg of carotenoids a day for 12 weeks. A second group took the same carotenoids with 335 mg of vitamin E. After week 8, skin redness after UV light was lower, and it fell more in the group that also took vitamin E. [6]
A 2003 trial of beta-carotene and a carotenoid mix
In 2003, a placebo-controlled trial compared three groups of 12 volunteers for 12 weeks. One group took 24 mg of beta-carotene a day. One took a mix of beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene, at 8 mg each. One took a placebo. [9]
After 12 weeks, skin redness after UV light was significantly lower than at the start in both supplement groups. The mix did as well as beta-carotene alone. [9]
A 2010 study on wrinkles, elasticity and collagen
In 2010, researchers studied 30 healthy women over the age of 50. The women took 30 mg or 90 mg of beta-carotene a day for 90 days. Results were compared with measurements taken at the start. [7]
In the 30 mg group, measures of facial wrinkles and elasticity improved. The gene signal for type I procollagen, a marker of new collagen, rose to about 4.4 times its starting level. Skin samples also showed less UV-related DNA damage. The 90 mg group did not show these gains. [7]
Beta-carotene is not a sunscreen, and its effect is considerably lower than that of a sunscreen. [10] Experts suggest daily sunscreen and shade for sun care.
| Study | People | Amount a Day | Length | Main Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Köpcke & Krutmann, 2008 [5] | Seven human studies | Varied by study | 10 weeks or more | Less redness after UV; effect grew with time |
| Stahl et al., 2000 [6] | Healthy volunteers | 25 mg carotenoids, with or without vitamin E | 12 weeks | Less redness after UV from week 8 |
| Heinrich et al., 2003 [9] | 12 per group | 24 mg, or 8 mg in a carotenoid mix | 12 weeks | Less redness after UV |
| Cho et al., 2010 [7] | 30 women over 50 | 30 mg or 90 mg | 90 days | At 30 mg, wrinkle and elasticity measures improved; collagen marker rose |
How Much Beta-Carotene Is in Dermal Radiance Compared With the Studies?
| Source | Amount a Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dermal Radiance (2 capsules) | 1,506 mcg RAE of vitamin A (about 3 mg beta-carotene) | 167% of the Daily Value, from the label [8] |
| Adult daily need for vitamin A | 700 mcg RAE (women), 900 mcg RAE (men) | [1] |
| 2000 study | 25 mg of carotenoids | For 12 weeks [6] |
| 2003 trial | 24 mg, or 8 mg in a carotenoid mix | For 12 weeks [9] |
| 2010 study | 30 mg or 90 mg | For 90 days [7] |
The label lists vitamin A in mcg RAE, which stands for retinol activity equivalents. For supplements, 2 mcg of beta-carotene counts as 1 mcg RAE. [1] By our calculation, 1,506 mcg RAE is about 3 mg of beta-carotene.
This is lower than the 8 mg to 30 mg used in the skin studies. Those studies tested beta-carotene or carotenoids by themselves, so their results do not describe Dermal Radiance as a whole.
Food Sources of Beta-Carotene
Orange, yellow and leafy green plant foods supply beta-carotene. The figures below show the vitamin A value of each food, in mcg RAE: [1]
- One baked sweet potato: 1,403 mcg RAE
- Spinach, half a cup boiled: 573 mcg RAE
- Raw carrots, half a cup: 459 mcg RAE
The body absorbs about 10% to 30% of the beta-carotene in foods, and cooking raises that share. [1]
What the Research Does Not Show Yet
Safety and Interactions
No upper limit has been set for beta-carotene. [1] The upper limit for vitamin A applies to preformed vitamin A. The vitamin A in Dermal Radiance is all beta-carotene. [1][8]
The most common effect of a high intake over a long time is a yellow-orange tint to the skin. It is harmless, and it fades when intake drops. [1] Unlike preformed vitamin A, beta-carotene is not known to cause birth defects. [1]
One group needs extra care. In two large trials, smokers and people who had worked with asbestos took 20 mg to 30 mg of beta-carotene a day for 4 to 8 years. In one of the trials, they also took vitamin A. Their risk of lung cancer went up. [1] Dermal Radiance has about 3 mg of beta-carotene.
The weight-loss medicine orlistat can lower the absorption of beta-carotene. [1]
Beta-carotene is a nutrient that most people already eat in vegetables and fruit, and no upper limit has been set for it. [1] A few points can help you use it well:
- Take it with a meal that has some fat. The body absorbs carotenoids better that way. [2]
- Many multivitamins also contain beta-carotene or vitamin A, so check the labels of your other supplements.
- If you smoke or used to smoke, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you take a supplement with beta-carotene. [1]
Beta-Carotene Is One Part of Dermal Radiance
Dermal Radiance is a daily two-capsule supplement with 20 vitamins, minerals and plant extracts. They were chosen to support healthy collagen, skin firmness and elasticity, and radiance. Beta-carotene is one of them.
Dermal Radiance has not been clinically tested as a finished product. For this reason, we cannot say how its ingredients work together. The studies in this article tested beta-carotene or carotenoids by themselves.
If you take Dermal Radiance, you are not relying on beta-carotene alone. It is one of 20 ingredients in each serving. Every ingredient and amount is listed on the label. [8]
About Dermal Radiance
A daily two-capsule formula with 20 vitamins, minerals and plant extracts, including 1,506 mcg RAE of vitamin A as beta-carotene per serving. Dermal Radiance hasn't been clinically tested as a finished formula. The label lists every ingredient and its amount.
See the Dermal Radiance product page →If You Are Deciding
Beta-carotene gives the body a plant source of vitamin A, which skin needs to stay normal. [1][4] Human studies of 10 weeks or more also link it with less skin redness after UV light. [5] If you would like to try Dermal Radiance, the directions are two capsules a day with a meal. [8]
The Short Version
Beta-carotene is the orange plant pigment that the body turns into vitamin A. In human studies of 10 weeks or more, beta-carotene by mouth was followed by less skin redness after UV light. In one 90-day study, wrinkle and elasticity measures improved and a marker of new collagen rose. Dermal Radiance provides 1,506 mcg RAE of vitamin A as beta-carotene.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin A and Carotenoids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Updated March 10, 2025.
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. Micronutrient Information Center: Carotenoids. Page dated January 5, 2026.
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. Micronutrient Information Center: Vitamin A and Skin Health. Updated January 2, 2026.
- European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods.
- Köpcke W, Krutmann J. Protection from sunburn with beta-carotene: a meta-analysis. Photochem Photobiol. 2008;84(2):284-288. doi:10.1111/j.1751-1097.2007.00253.x. PMID: 18086246.
- Stahl W, Heinrich U, Jungmann H, Sies H, Tronnier H. Carotenoids and carotenoids plus vitamin E protect against ultraviolet light-induced erythema in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;71(3):795-798. doi:10.1093/ajcn/71.3.795. PMID: 10702175.
- Cho S, Lee DH, Won CH, Kim SM, Lee S, Lee MJ, Chung JH. Differential effects of low-dose and high-dose beta-carotene supplementation on the signs of photoaging and type I procollagen gene expression in human skin in vivo. Dermatology. 2010;221(2):160-171. doi:10.1159/000305548. PMID: 20516658.
- Anirva. Dermal Radiance Supplement Facts label and product page.
- Heinrich U, Gärtner C, Wiebusch M, Eichler O, Sies H, Tronnier H, Stahl W. Supplementation with beta-carotene or a similar amount of mixed carotenoids protects humans from UV-induced erythema. J Nutr. 2003;133(1):98-101. doi:10.1093/jn/133.1.98. PMID: 12514275.
- Stahl W, Sies H. Beta-carotene and other carotenoids in protection from sunlight. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012;96(5):1179S-1184S. doi:10.3945/ajcn.112.034819. PMID: 23053552.
