Hailey Bieber is constantly in the spotlight, whether it’s for her latest Rhode Skin launch or her recent pregnancy announcement with husband Justin Bieber. Many fans look to her for beauty and fashion inspiration, eagerly recreating her iconic looks. Recently, the beauty mogul shared that she uses Carroten, an intensive tanning gel priced at $24, to achieve her glowing skin when she’s in the sun. But is this tanning routine actually safe?
We reached out to dermatologists to get their expert opinions on Carroten and whether it’s a safe product to use for tanning. Here’s what they had to say.
What Is Carroten?
“Carroten is a branded tanning gel that is predominantly petrolatum,” explains Bobby Buka, MD, JD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder and CEO of @thedermspecs. “Petrolatum, commonly found in Vaseline, is a photo-accelerant that multiplies the effects of ultraviolet rays.” This means Carroten can help you tan — and potentially burn — much faster. Notably, Carroten has an SPF of 0, offering no protection against UVA or UVB rays.
The product also contains ingredients like carrot extract and coconut and sesame oils, which are soothing and hydrating. However, the main concern lies with its primary ingredient, petrolatum, which significantly increases the impact of UV rays on your skin.
Is Carroten Safe to Use?
According to Carl Thornfeldt, MD, a board-certified clinical dermatologist and founder of Epionce, Carroten should not be used on its own in the sun. “It doesn’t provide any UV protection, so it’s not safe to use by itself,” he warns.
Dr. Buka agrees, stating, “Carroten on its own is a one-way ticket to skin cancer because it amplifies the impact of ultraviolet rays on your skin.”
When mixed with sunscreen, the answer becomes more complex. Dr. Thornfeldt explains that mixing SPF with other products can dilute the sunscreen’s effectiveness. “Sunscreen formulations are quite complex, and mixing them with anything lessens the efficacy of the SPF,” he says.
Dr. Buka adds, “If you mix Carroten with SPF 30, you might end up with an overall protective effect of somewhere less than SPF 15.” Therefore, it’s crucial to mix Carroten with a high SPF product, such as Dune Sporto Spray with SPF 50 ($23), to combat its sun-boosting effects.
Sunless Tanning Options
Both Dr. Buka and Dr. Thornfeldt recommend following the American Academy of Dermatology’s guidelines of wearing at least SPF 30 that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. For those seeking a sun-kissed look without the risks, self-tanning lotions are a safer alternative. Dr. Buka suggests products like L’Oreal Sublime Bronze ($15) and Jergens Instant Sun ($14), which give a natural tan without increasing the risk of skin cancer.
In conclusion, while Hailey Bieber’s use of Carroten might give her a desirable glow, experts advise caution. To protect your skin, always mix tanning gels with a high SPF sunscreen or opt for sunless tanning products.