"Drinkable sunscreen": does it work? A Japanese forum is mostly skeptical
On Japan's Girls Channel forum, someone who works outdoors asked for recommendations and real results for "drinkable sunscreen" (飲む日焼け止め) supplements (August 2025). In Japan these are easy to find at drugstores and dermatology clinics, but the thread's mood was mostly cool.
Here's how it went:
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The first and most frequent replies were short: "pointless" and "just apply it." A ranking that got a lot of agreement: physical cover beats topical sunscreen, which beats pills by a mile.
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Someone who said they work at a dermatology clinic described seeing the doctor prescribe them while admitting they don't do much. That sparked "it's just business" replies and counterpoints that some doctors take them too.
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Among people who had tried them, the recurring verdict was that you still tan but seem to bounce back faster, which led others to say calling it "sunscreen" is an exaggeration.
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Many said they'd rather drink green tea, eat tomatoes or take vitamin C than pay for pricey supplements.
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Some worried about side effects and a few shared personal stories of changes after taking certain ingredients, none of it verified.
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The original poster added that they already use sunscreen, a mask and arm sleeves and still tan, so they were looking for something extra.
Desk note: In 2018 the US FDA sent warning letters to four companies selling pills and capsules marketed as sun protection. The then-commissioner made clear that no pill or capsule can replace sunscreen, and the agency warned such products can give a false sense of security. If you take one, don't let it be a reason to cut back on sunscreen, clothing or hats.
Have you tried "drinkable sunscreen," or are you firmly team topical?
Original thread: Girls Channel (Japan) — let's talk drinkable sunscreen · Reference: CBS News — FDA warning on sunscreen pills
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