Guide · White tomato supplements
White tomato supplements what the evidence shows for skin tone and sun
White tomato capsules and drinks are sold in Singapore as an inside-out way to brighten skin. Here is what is actually in them, what the small studies found, what they cannot do, and what helps visible pigment.
Quick answer
- "White tomato" supplements are tomato extracts rich in phytoene and phytofluene, two colourless carotenoids that absorb ultraviolet (UV) light. They are sold for brighter, more even skin, but the evidence that they lighten skin or fade pigment is limited, small-scale and mostly funded by ingredient makers.
- The firmest finding is modest: in controlled studies, about 12 weeks of tomato carotenoid supplements slightly reduced skin reddening after measured UV exposure. In the largest placebo-controlled trial, 149 adults showed less measured redness, but the dose of UV needed to make skin burn did not change.
- A white tomato supplement does not replace sunscreen and will not remove melasma, sun spots or Hori's naevus. In Singapore, HSA does not approve or evaluate health supplements or their claims before sale; the seller is responsible for safety and quality.
- For visible pigment, the diagnosis matters more than any capsule. Daily sunscreen and suitable skincare come first, facials at SkinRev Lab can help dullness, and pigment lasers by Dr Sin Yong at IN Eternity Clinic are priced at consultation.
What it is
What "white tomato" products actually contain
Tomatoes are red because of lycopene, a coloured carotenoid. Earlier in the same chain the plant makes phytoene and phytofluene, which have shorter structures and no visible colour. Instead of absorbing visible light, they absorb UV: phytoene peaks in the UVB range at around 286 nm, and phytofluene in the UVA range at around 348 nm.
These colourless carotenoids are not exotic. They are found in ordinary tomatoes, carrots, citrus and products made from them, are absorbed well, and turn up in human blood and skin. "White tomato" products concentrate them, usually from pale tomato extracts, into capsules, powders, drinks and creams.
Some products blend them with other brightening ingredients, which makes it hard to know which ingredient, if any, is doing the work. Read the label, and treat words such as "whitening" or "clinically proven" as marketing unless you can see the study behind them.
The theory
Why they are marketed for brighter skin
The idea is that once you swallow them, phytoene and phytofluene build up in the skin, absorb a little UV and damp down the oxidative stress and inflammation that sunlight triggers. Less inflammation should mean fewer signals telling pigment cells to make melanin.
That is plausible, but it is still mostly theory. A 2019 review by researchers who study these carotenoids described the area as promising and stated that mechanistic studies of their skin effects, including whitening, are still needed. The lead author also declared an advisory role with a company that makes these ingredients.
The evidence
What the human studies show
Put together, there is a modest, plausible signal that tomato carotenoids reduce how red the skin turns after UV. The evidence that a white tomato supplement makes skin visibly lighter or fades pigment is thin: few studies, small numbers, short follow-up and heavy industry involvement. Results vary, and no study shows it clears a pigment condition.
| Study | Who took part | What was found | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aust et al., 2005 | Volunteers taking tomato extract, a tomato drink or synthetic lycopene for 12 weeks | Reddening after a UV lamp was 38 to 48% lower than at the start with the tomato products, and 25% lower with lycopene alone | Small; compared with each person's own baseline, not a placebo; red tomato products, not white tomato |
| Groten et al., 2019 | 149 healthy adults, 12 weeks, double-blind and placebo-controlled | Less measured redness and fewer inflammatory markers after UVB; no change in the UV dose needed to burn | A mix of lycopene, phytoene, phytofluene and rosemary extract; funded by the maker |
| Industry study, cited in a 2019 review | Women with skin type IV taking 5 mg of phytoene and phytofluene a day for 12 weeks | Skin measured lighter in up to 82% of participants | Published in a cosmetics industry journal by the ingredient's developer, not independently repeated |
| Havas et al., 2018 | Laboratory tests and skin patch studies | No irritation or allergy from phytoene- and phytofluene-rich extracts on the skin | By the ingredient maker; tests safety of creams, not benefit of capsules |
The limits
What white tomato cannot do
- It does not replace sunscreen. It has no SPF or PA rating, and the reduction in UV reddening seen in studies is small compared with sunscreen, shade and clothing.
- It will not remove melasma. Melasma is driven by UV, visible light, heat and hormones, can last for years, and needs strict sun protection and usually a doctor's plan.
- It will not clear defined sun spots, freckles or Hori's naevus. These sit in or below the skin surface as fixed pigment and generally need a doctor's assessment and, often, laser.
- It will not change the skin colour you were born with. At most, it may help skin cope a little better with sun, which is a reason to keep using sunscreen, not to stop.
- It will not fade post-acne marks while breakouts continue. Controlling acne comes first.
Safety
Is white tomato safe?
Phytoene and phytofluene are normal parts of the diet, so intake at food levels is not expected to be a concern, and patch studies of creams containing them found no irritation or allergy. What is missing is long-term safety data for concentrated, high-dose supplements taken daily for years.
Blends that also contain coloured carotenoids, such as lycopene or beta-carotene, can tint the skin slightly yellow-orange at high intakes. This is harmless and fades after stopping, but it is the opposite of the look many buyers want.
- Check with a doctor or pharmacist first if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking regular medicines, or have a medical condition.
- Buy from pharmacies or established retailers, not unknown online sellers.
- Be wary of any product that promises fast or dramatic whitening; HSA has repeatedly found undeclared medicines in products sold that way.
- Stop and see a doctor if you develop a rash or feel unwell, and bring the product with you.
Singapore rules
HSA and supplement claims
In Singapore, health supplements do not need approval and are not evaluated by HSA before they are sold. HSA also states that supplements, including their clinical trials, are not evaluated by HSA. The dealers who make, import, distribute or sell them are responsible for their safety and quality, and for making sure claims are not false or misleading.
Supplements must not claim to prevent, treat or cure disease. So a white tomato product cannot lawfully claim to treat melasma or other pigment disorders, and a "clinically proven" claim on the pack has not been checked by HSA. Being on HSA's voluntary product list is not an endorsement either.
HSA advises asking a doctor or pharmacist when unsure, buying from reliable sources, being wary of rapid or exaggerated results, and not using supplements in place of treatment your doctor has prescribed.
Oral sun protection
White tomato vs oral sun protection supplements
White tomato is often grouped with oral sun protection supplements made from an extract of the fern Polypodium leucotomos. Both are antioxidants taken by mouth, neither has an SPF, and neither replaces sunscreen. The fern extract has a larger body of human trials, including in people with sun allergy and melasma, but is still only an add-on.
| White tomato carotenoids | Fern extract (oral sun protection) | Topical sunscreen | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Colourless carotenoids that absorb some UV and act as antioxidants in skin | Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory extract taken by mouth | A film on the skin that absorbs or reflects UV, and visible light if tinted |
| Human evidence | A few small, mostly industry-funded studies | More trials, still small; an add-on to standard care | Large body of evidence; standard advice worldwide |
| SPF or PA rating | None | None | Yes |
| Role | Optional extra at most | Optional extra under advice | Daily essential in Singapore |
Sun first
What protects skin tone in Singapore's sun
Singapore's UV index is high all year and peaks between 11am and 3pm. NEA advises sunscreen of at least SPF 30, shade or an umbrella, a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block UVA and UVB. For melasma, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, often with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or iron oxide.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, including on cloudy days and when working near windows.
- Choose a tinted sunscreen with iron oxide if you are prone to melasma or dark marks, because visible light also darkens pigment.
- Reapply when outdoors, after sweating, and after towelling off; one morning layer rarely lasts a Singapore day.
- Use shade, hats and umbrellas around midday; they protect more than any capsule.
In-clinic options
For visible pigment: match the treatment to the cause
Dullness, post-acne marks, sun spots, melasma and Hori's naevus can look alike but need different plans, and a spot that is new, changing or bleeding needs a doctor first. Prices at SkinRev Lab are per session, before GST. Medical treatments at IN Eternity Clinic are performed by Dr Sin Yong and priced at consultation by the clinic. Results vary.
| Concern | Usual route | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Dull, sallow skin | HydraFacial Syndeo, Needleless SkinBooster or Rejuran® PDRN Facial, plus daily sunscreen | SkinRev Lab, from S$128 |
| Post-acne marks | Control breakouts, sunscreen, gentle brightening skincare; laser if long-standing | SkinRev Lab for mild marks; IN Eternity Clinic if stubborn |
| Sun spots and freckles | Pigment laser once the doctor confirms what they are | IN Eternity Clinic |
| Melasma | Long-term plan with strict sun protection, prescription creams and cautious Laser Toning | IN Eternity Clinic |
| Hori's naevus | A series of pigment laser sessions spaced months apart | IN Eternity Clinic |
Where to go
Getting an honest assessment
SkinRev Lab, a non-invasive aesthetic centre at #B1-28 CityLink Mall with an underground link to City Hall and Esplanade MRT, works on the surface: HydraFacial Syndeo (S$288 to S$438), the Needleless SkinBooster (S$288 per region, first region from S$98) and the Rejuran® PDRN Facial (S$128 to S$348), all before GST. Our Aesthetic Specialists will tell you if your concern looks like dullness or something a doctor should see. WhatsApp +65 8266 9585.
At IN Eternity Clinic, 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza, beside Orchard MRT, Dr Sin Yong examines the pigment and decides whether Laser Toning, Pico Laser or another approach suits you; treatment is priced at consultation by the clinic. WhatsApp +65 8815 3008. Neither centre sells white tomato supplements, and you do not need one to start treatment.
Sources
References & sources
- Meléndez-Martínez AJ, Stinco CM, Mapelli-Brahm P. Skin carotenoids in public health and nutricosmetics: the emerging roles and applications of the UV radiation-absorbing colourless carotenoids phytoene and phytofluene. Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1093. PMID 31100970.
- Aust O, Stahl W, Sies H, Tronnier H, Heinrich U. Supplementation with tomato-based products increases lycopene, phytofluene, and phytoene levels in human serum and protects against UV-light-induced erythema. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2005;75(1):54-60. PMID 15830922.
- Groten K, Marini A, Grether-Beck S, et al. Tomato phytonutrients balance UV response: results from a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2019;32(2):101-108. PMID 30836363.
- Havas F, Krispin S, Meléndez-Martínez AJ, von Oppen-Bezalel L. Preliminary data on the safety of phytoene- and phytofluene-rich products for human use including topical application. J Toxicol. 2018;2018:5475784. PMID 29849613.
- Health Sciences Authority, Singapore. How health supplements are regulated by HSA. 15 July 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Melasma: diagnosis and treatment.
- National Environment Agency, Singapore. Ultraviolet index.
Common questions
Your questions,
answered
What is a white tomato supplement?
It is a capsule, powder or drink made from tomato extract rich in phytoene and phytofluene, two colourless carotenoids that absorb UV light. It is marketed for brighter, more even skin and as inside-out sun support.
Does white tomato really whiten skin?
The evidence is limited. The strongest studies show a small reduction in skin reddening after UV. The study reporting lighter skin was published by the ingredient's developer in an industry journal and has not been independently repeated. It will not change your natural skin colour.
Is white tomato safe to take?
Phytoene and phytofluene are normal parts of the diet, and short-term studies have not raised safety concerns, but long-term data on concentrated supplements are limited. Check with a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on regular medicines, and buy from reputable sellers.
Can white tomato replace sunscreen?
No. It has no SPF or PA rating, and the protection seen in studies is small. In Singapore's year-round UV, daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, shade and hats remain essential.
Does white tomato help melasma?
There is no good evidence that it treats melasma. Melasma is driven by sun, visible light, heat and hormones and usually needs strict sun protection plus a doctor's plan, which may include prescription creams and cautious laser.
How long does white tomato take to work?
Studies have run for about 12 weeks before measuring any effect, and the effects measured were modest. If a product promises visible whitening within days, treat that as a warning sign.
Is white tomato approved by HSA?
No health supplement is approved for efficacy by HSA. In Singapore, supplements do not need approval and are not evaluated by HSA before sale, and they must not claim to treat or prevent disease. The seller is responsible for safety and quality.
White tomato or glutathione: which is better for skin whitening?
Neither has strong evidence. Oral glutathione has shown small, short-lived effects in a few trials, and white tomato has even fewer studies. Glutathione injections and drips raise separate safety concerns. Sunscreen and a proper diagnosis do more for uneven tone than either.
Is eating tomatoes the same as taking white tomato?
Ordinary tomatoes, tomato products, carrots and citrus already contain phytoene and phytofluene, along with other carotenoids. Supplements give a more concentrated dose, but there is no proof that the extra amount gives you visibly lighter skin.