Phytoene and phytofluene are known as colourless carotenoids. They appear in research on tomato-derived oral skincare, but their light-absorbing properties should not be confused with the tested protection of a topical sunscreen.
Understanding the ingredients is useful. Understanding what a study actually measured is more useful still. This article explains the distinction and how to assess claims about colourless carotenoids in supplements.
What are phytoene and phytofluene?
Carotenoids are a family of compounds found in plants and other organisms. Familiar examples include lycopene and beta-carotene. Phytoene and phytofluene are members of the same broader family, but they absorb light in the ultraviolet range and lack the visible colour associated with many other carotenoids.
A preliminary study of a tomato powder rich in these compounds explored skin responses to supplementation. Its open, within-person design is an important limitation: it did not provide the same comparison as a blinded trial with a separate placebo group.
What does colourless mean for a skincare claim?
“Colourless” describes a property of the molecules. It is not, by itself, evidence that a supplement whitens skin, treats pigmentation or suits everyone. Likewise, a tomato's appearance does not tell you the dose or composition of a finished supplement.
For the separate question of white tomatoes and product identity, see our white tomato explainer. For any supplement, use the label and product-specific research rather than the colour of its source ingredient as your guide.
What have human studies measured?
A 12-week randomised trial involving 149 volunteers studied a mixture containing lycopene, phytoene, phytofluene and other tomato- and rosemary-derived components. It reported improvements in some UVB-related redness and inflammatory-marker outcomes, but no significant difference in the visually assessed minimal erythemal dose between groups.
That finding belongs to the tested mixture and outcomes. It cannot isolate the effect of phytoene or phytofluene, establish the same result for Crystal Tomato®, or demonstrate that the supplement prevents skin cancer. The study also does not provide an SPF rating for a capsule.
Why an oral supplement is not an edible sunscreen
A molecule absorbing ultraviolet light in laboratory conditions is not the same as a finished product protecting exposed skin in everyday use. Describing a supplement as “edible sunscreen” can obscure that difference.
Continue using appropriate sunscreen, shade and protective clothing. Do not extend time in the sun, skip reapplication or assume complete whole-body protection because you take a carotenoid supplement. Our SPF and PA guide explains the ratings used for topical sunscreen.
How to assess Crystal Tomato® evidence
The Crystal Tomato® Whitening Supplement combines tomato-derived ingredients with L-cysteine. Its study summary is the relevant starting point for product-specific claims, rather than trials of different tomato mixtures.
The published pilot study examined use alongside topical lightening treatment for melasma. That context matters: the results should not be described as proof of a standalone cure or a guarantee of whole-body brightening.
When reading any study summary, ask whether a reported percentage refers to a clinical score, the proportion of participants who improved or a change relative to placebo. These are different measurements and should not be presented as interchangeable promises.
Questions worth asking before choosing a supplement
- What is the full ingredient list and the recommended serving?
- Was the finished formulation tested, or only an ingredient from it?
- Was there a control group, and were other treatments used?
- Did the study measure pigmentation, redness, laboratory markers or consumer impressions?
- How long were participants followed, and what safety information was collected?
These questions make it easier to compare products without assuming that “tomato-derived”, “antioxidant” or “colourless” means the same thing clinically. Our supplement science guide explains how to read the evidence in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
Do colourless carotenoids replace sunscreen?
No. Oral skincare research does not remove the need for topical sun protection and other protective measures.
Does a study of one tomato mixture support every tomato supplement?
No. Composition, dose, study population and measured outcomes need to match the claim.
Do colourless ingredients guarantee lighter skin?
No. The molecular description is not a clinical outcome. Review the finished product's evidence and its limitations.
Where should I start with oral skincare?
Read our skin whitening supplement guide for an overview of ingredients, safety considerations and realistic expectations.
